You’ve done your homework, you did your research before choosing your newest family member, now it’s time to do the same when getting your home ready for them. Each breed will have their own outdoor needs, so you’ll want to prepare the appropriate space ahead of time. Whether you’re buying a new home or preparing to introduce a dog to your current house, making dog-friendly yard improvements is a smart move.
Install a New Fence
With a fence, you create a safe, secure place for your dog to spend time outdoors. You won’t have to worry about them running off or anyone unwanted interacting with your pet. Fences are one of the ways to increase your home’s appraised value based on the material used. When reselling your home, many buyers with pets look for homes with fenced yards in making their decision to purchase.
Make Sure There’s Shade
Shade from trees, awnings, umbrellas, and similar items can provide your dog with some respite from hot, sunny days. In most cases, temperatures between 68 to 86°F, depending on humidity, are okay for many dogs. However, there are some exceptions. Dogs with shorter snouts, thicker coats, and some health conditions may not do well at the upper end of that range, particularly if they haven’t acclimated to local temperatures and humidity levels.
By adding shade to your yard, you can reduce some of the impacts of the sun. As a result, it can feel like the air is up to 10 or 15 degrees cooler since your dog is in direct sunlight.
Add a Drinking Spout
Having access to fresh water is essential if your dog is going to spend any notable amount of time outside. While water dishes could do the trick, the water gets stagnant over time. Plus, it may attract pests, including mosquitos.
Luckily, there is an alternative to water dishes. If you want a simple solution, adding a drinking spout to a faucet in your yard is an easy option. Products like the Lixit install in seconds and ensure your dog has access to fresh water whenever they need a sip.
Stash Harmful Materials Away
Many outdoor items are potentially dangerous to pets. Fertilizers, bladed gardening tools, barbecue cleaners, paint, and construction equipment and supplies are just some of the things that may harm your dog.
Ideally, you want to make sure you have a space to stash any potentially harmful materials. A shed with a locking door is a great option. It ensures your pet can’t access the items, decreasing the odds that they’ll hurt themselves by mistake.
Remove Dangerous Plants
Some plants pose a risk to pets. At times, they can cause mild illnesses. However, other plants are incredibly toxic, and they may be fatal if your dog consumes them.
Preferably, you want to remove any plants that could pose a significant risk. Some hazardous plants include:
- Autumn Crocus
- Azalea / Rhododendron
- Chrysanthemum
- Daffodil
- English Ivy
- Hyacinth
- Lily of the Valley
- Oleander
- Sago Palm
- Tulip
- Yew
If you aren’t sure if a plant in your yard is dangerous, research it. That way, you can remove anything that may cause harm.
Prevent Mud
Muddy paws aren’t just an annoyance for people; they can bother your dog, too. If you want to reduce the chances of mud in your backyard, keeping your lawn in the best shape possible helps. Laying hay or straw is one solution as well as using rocks for borders around walkways and bushes. Fertilizer keeps plants from dying and turning into mulch, so it would be wise to consider doing a search for fertilizing companies near me to find a reputable company to hire.
Multi-purpose Use
Your yard isn’t just a place for them, you’ll want to spend time with them there training as well as playing with your new dog. Making sure it’s an attractive and inviting place for the whole family can be the perfect start of a beautiful and enduring friendship.
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