Does your dog have a yard to patrol? If so, that’s great! Our canine buddies really love getting fresh air and sunshine. (They also love chasing squirrels around, but that’s another topic.) However, it is very important to make sure Fido stays comfortable, safe, and healthy outdoors. Read on as an Aurora, CO vet discusses creating a dog-friendly yard.
Basics
Make sure your furry buddy always has water, shade, and shelter outdoors. If Fido is fighting fleas, ask your vet for advice.
Choosing Plants
Toxic plants are very dangerous to our canine friends. Make sure that your yard only contains pet-safe plants. You can find a complete list of toxic and nontoxic plants at the ASPCA website. You’ll also want to look up good ground cover options. Avoid cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs.
Fencing
Making sure that your fencing is secure is very important! If Fido has a tendency to dig, you may want to bury chicken wire below the fence, and weight it down with rocks. We also recommend getting self-latching gates.
Doghouse
Why not get Fido his own doghouse? When shopping for your four-legged buddy, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, choose something with good insulating properties, so your furry pal will stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Wood is a good choice. Avoid plastic, which doesn’t insulate very well, and pressure-treated wood, which isn’t safe for dogs. Measure the doghouse, to make sure it’s neither too big nor too small. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to doghouses.
Entertainment
Don’t let Fido get bored in his backyard haven! If your pooch likes to dig, get him a sandbox, and bury some fun toys in it. In summer, your furry friend may enjoy a wading pool. Playthings are also a must.
Landscaping
Are you worried about Fido destroying your garden? Section off your yard, and use borders to keep your pup out of your plants. Some of the things you can use as dividers are stone walls, driftwood, box gardens, and potted plants. (Tip: before planting your garden, watch your pet in the yard. Figure out where he runs around the most, and avoid planting in those areas.)
Please contact us, your local Aurora, CO animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!
