Bringing a new furry friend home to your family is very exciting, but can be overwhelming for some first-time dog owners. Having a dog-friendly backyard will make your transition into dog ownership much smoother, and will give your new dog a fun place to play all year round. In this blog, we will go over some backyard ideas for dogs that are a must as you welcome the newest member of your family!
Backyard Dog Fences
Adding a fence around your property provides you privacy while giving your dog a safe place to roam free and explore. There are lots of fence options out there, how do you decide which is best for you?
Security
You are installing your backyard dog fence to keep your furry friend safe and sound on your property, so it is important to build a fence that is able to contain your dog. Breeds like Border Collies, Rottweilers, Labs, Pitbulls, and more can easily climb or jump a 4-foot fence. Make sure your fence is high enough to prevent your dog from jumping it, and you may need to take other precautions if your pup is especially crafty.
Invisible Dog Fences
If your yard is too large for a traditional fence or you don’t want to obstruct your backyard view the invisible dog fence could be the right choice for you. These wireless or inground options provide invisible barriers that transmit an electrical current to your dog’s collar and range in cost from $900 to $1,500. These fences are extremely effective, but some dogs will accept the electrical current as the price for exiting the fenced area, and leave the yard at will. As you are thinking about this option it is important to understand your dog’s personality. If you think they have the temperament to ignore the electrical current, a traditional fence may be the right choice for your dog.
Dog-Friendly Ground Cover
As you are choosing the ground for your backyard dog area there are lots of great options that each require different levels of care and upkeep.
Traditional Grass
Nothing beats the feeling of freshly cut grass between your toes, but traditional grass can’t always withstand the daily wear and tear of dogs. Brown spots often appear in places where your dog urinates, and areas along your fence may be trampled down as your dog develops pacing patterns. While no live grass is immune to these things, there are some grass species that some dog owners have found to withstand these trials better than others.
Artificial Grass
This is a very popular low-maintenance option and removes some of the stress about keeping your natural grass looking lush and green. Modern artificial turfs and grasses contain no lead or harmful chemicals, and remove the worry of lawn fertilizers and treatments coming in contact with your dog. This is also a great option for city dog owners with small yards as it doesn’t need sun or rain to maintain its look and provides a grass-like surface for your dog to do its business.
Mulch and Stone
Mulch is a low-maintenance option that can withstand the heavy traffic your dogs bring to your backyard and can easily be raked back into place. The downside is that some owners have found that mulch can house fleas and other critters, and you have to keep an eye out for dyed mulches as these can be harmful to your pets.
Stone is another low-maintenance option that will look great, and stand up to your dog’s daily wear and tear. One of the biggest benefits of stone is that it is easy to pick up solid waste, and liquid waste just drains to the soil below. Stone heats up in the sun offering your dog a great place to sunbathe, but if you don’t have adequate shade this could be an issue during summer heat waves.
What Plants Aren’t Safe for Dogs?
When spring rolls around and you make your trip to the greenhouse it is important to keep in mind that some plants are unsafe, and in some cases, poisonous to your furry friends. Some of these plants are only mildly toxic and can be safely displayed in your yard in a raised bed or fenced-off garden. Here is a handy guide to poisonous plants that you should avoid having in your yard, and we have outlined some of the most common below.
- Daffodils: All parts of the daffodil are toxic to dogs, but the bulb is the most toxic. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include drooling, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and more.
- Tulips: Again, all parts of the tulip are poisonous to dogs, and the bulb is the most harmful. Symptoms of tulip toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and depression.
- Lilies: Most species of lilies are poisonous to dogs, but fatal cases of lily poisoning are rare. Chemicals in the lily can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth if eaten, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, and seizures.
This is something to keep in mind as you buy house plants as well, here is a pet-friendly plant guide that will help you as you decorate your yard and home for summer.
If you keep these things in mind as you plan your dog-friendly backyard your furry companion will have a safe and fun environment to roam free at your home.