Does your dog have a yard to patrol? If so, that’s great! While Fido will definitely be both happier and healthier living indoors, our canine pals really love being outside. Here, a local Fayetteville, NC vet discusses making your yard dog friendly.
Garden Zone
Is Fido trampling your garden or digging up your flowerbeds? Section your yard off, so your pet has one part and your plants have another. Make your furry buddy’s section fun and interesting by incorporating a sandbox, kiddie pool, and/or lots of toys. If fencing a section off isn’t feasible, create borders around your garden to keep your pooch out of it. Driftwood, stone walls, box gardens, or thick shrubs can all make attractive boundaries.
Doghouse
A doghouse is a great addition to any yard! There are a few things to keep in mind when you go shopping. Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to doghouses: you want Fido to feel snug and cozy, as though he were in his own little den. Choosing the right material is also important. Pick something that offers good insulation from both heat and cold. Avoid pressure-treated wood, which is toxic to Man’s Best Friend.
Secure Fencing
Make sure that your fencing is secure, so Fido can’t escape. If your canine companion has a habit of trying to dig under the fence, bury chicken wire beneath it, and weight it down with rocks. We also strongly recommend using self-latching gates. It’s much too easy for dogs to slip out through gates left open by visitor or meter readers!
Flea Control
If there’s one thing that can mar Fido’s outdoor time, it’s fleas and ticks. Make sure to keep up with your furry friend’s parasite control products! There are also some ways to make your yard unwelcoming to fleas and ticks. Be sure to keep your lawn and hedges neatly mowed. Also, pick up any debris, such as fallen branches and leaves, which make tempting habitats for uninvited guests.
Pet Safety
Always choose plants that are safe for our canine buddies. You can find a full list at the ASPCA website. When picking ground covers, avoid using mulch, especially cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs.
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Is Fido due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Contact us, your Fayetteville, NC animal clinic!
