Outward HoundFor some people, owning a dog is similar to having a child. There is no limit as to what a dog owner might do to give their dog a happy life. From buying toys to taking them on long walks, many people strive to give their pup the best life possible. Some people are even customizing their yard to specifically suit their dog’s needs. This practice is known as petscaping.
What is petscaping?
Petscaping is the process of creating a fun and safe outdoor environment for your four-legged friend. This could mean altering your yard to provide them with a safe place to play, installing fun new features, or building a doghouse.
4 petscaping tips for a fun and safe yard
Follow along to create a fun and safe space for both you and your pet to enjoy!
1. Strategize your layout
Much like their owners, every dog is different. Some like to run around and play while others may prefer to bathe in the sun. When petscaping your yard, it is important to keep the needs of your dog in mind.
If you enjoy gardening, it may be important to install a fence around your plants to discourage snacking. When doing so, be sure to include enough free space for your pup to run around and play.
2. Remove any potential dangers
No matter how hard you try, it is rare that you can watch your dog’s every move. Because of this, it is important to keep any dangers out of your dog’s reach.
While many indoor and outdoor plants are dog-friendly, there are certain plants that you should avoid at all costs. Even something as common as a tomato plant can be harmful to your dog.
A few other toxic plants to avoid when petscaping include:
- Ivy
- Lily
- Daffodils
- Milkweed
- Snake plant
- Tulips
For a complete list of toxic plants, check out this guide from ASPCA.
3. Keep your climate in mind
Depending on where you live, what you need to keep your dog safe could vary greatly. Whether it is extreme fluctuating temperatures or regular snowfall, there are different steps you can take to keep your dog comfortable.
- When it’s cold outside
- If you have a dog house, keep it warm using heaters, insulation, and blankets
- Regularly shovel any snow
- Refrain from salting any areas that your dog walks on, as it can hurt their paws
- When it’s hot outside
- Provide your dog with a shaded area to relax
- Add a water feature for your dog to cool off in
- Have a dedicated area for your dog to drink water and stay hydrated
4. Bring on the fun
Many dogs long to go outside. Whether it is exploring new sights and smells or playing fetch, dogs love to have fun. This is why petscaping your yard is a great opportunity to add fun features that your dog will love.
This can include creating an obstacle course or filling the yard with toys that will keep your dog from getting bored. By doing so, your newly petscaped yard will keep your pup occupied for hours.
Another dog-favorite addition is a small swimming pool. This can provide your dog with hours of entertainment while also helping them cool off.
Keeping your petscaped yard protected
Now that you’ve created the perfect outdoor space for your pup to enjoy, it is important to ensure that it is all protected. Similar to additional structures on your property, many petscaping additions are protected by homeowners insurance.
By informing your home insurance provider of any changes made to your property, you can be sure that your new dog house or obstacle course is covered. That way, if anything is damaged, you’ll be able to get the help you need.
With your new additions covered, you and your dog will be able to enjoy your yard year after year!
Need more inspiration?
Check out this infographic below for additional tips and tricks to create the best outdoor space for you and your dog!
