Designing a Spring Yard Haven for Furry Friends
Warm weather is here again, and everyone is anxious to get outdoors. That includes your furry, four-legged best friends. Keep your pets safer and happier this season. Here's how to design a spring yard haven for your pets.
Keep pets safe with fencing
Safety always comes first. Many pets will wander off, especially if enticed by a squirrel running through the yard. Keeping your pet in your yard helps protect them from various hazards and prevents them from wandering onto your neighbor's property. A good chain link, wood, or vinyl fence can help, but some dogs are notorious diggers who may dig a hole under the fence and escape when left outdoors unattended.
You can solve the problem by installing an underground or invisible fence. They're safe, effective, and affordable.
Provide a shady spot
Your pet needs a place to escape from the hot sun on summer days. You're all set if you have a shade tree in your yard. But no worries if you don't. Dog houses come in a plethora of styles made from various materials. Or if you're handy, you can build your own from wood scraps.
Provide a hydration station
Like you, your dog will need plenty of hydration during the warm months. A big bowl of water will do if the bowl is kept clean and filled with fresh water. But for added fun, install a running fountain as a hydration station.
Dogs love to splash around in the water, so consider adding a kiddie pool to his outdoor paradise. You can also find doggy pools that are manufactured especially for dogs.
Be careful with lawn chemicals
These days, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides are safer for humans and pets. However, pet parents must carefully research any lawn chemicals they decide to use. Fertilizers are of particular concern. The smell of bone meal is attractive to dogs. If they ingest it, fertilizer can cause pancreatitis with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
You can eliminate all chemical worries (and have a pristine, care-free lawn) by installing synthetic turf. It's non-toxic, comfortable for pets, and does away with digging and mudholes.
Remove any toxic plants
Some flowers and bushes are toxic to pets. Fortunately, the list is short, but the responsible pet owner will research to make sure all toxic plants are removed from your dog's backyard haven. Some common ones on the list include azaleas, caladium, lilies, and chrysanthemums.
Treat the yard to prevent pest infestations
Pests not only make your pet miserable; they can also cause illnesses. Mosquitos carry heartworm disease, fleas can cause severe allergies, and ticks carry dangerous bacteria. Use a pet-friendly yard treatment to keep them at bay.
For more great pet-friendly tips and other ideas for the home, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram.
