Most dogs love outdoor spaces, and as a good pet parent, you want to make your dog happy, right?
You can do that by making sure they have the garden of their dreams to hang out in!
A Vet’s Guide
Before you go about doing some doggy DIY to your garden, it might be worth checking in with your local vet to see if there is anything you should be aware of.
Things like local poisonous plants or worries over dog thefts that you should be concerned over. Check out Easy Vet clinic to find a professional vet local to you and open the conversation up.
A few things to keep in mind:
A Space For Poop
Dogs poop; that’s a fact of dog ownership; this means you need to have a place in your garden that your dog is comfortable doing his business and that you can clean up quickly afterward without much fuss.
A good way to go about this is to pick an area of your garden where you have a full view of, so you can keep an eye out for when the deed has been done. This’ll let you swoop in right away to clean it up.
Keep The Area Clean and Clear
Make sure there aren’t any bad smells near the garden, i.e., those from the garbage bin outside, as it will likely repel your dog and lead them away from enjoying this new addition to their home.
Ensure there are no other dogs, cats, or potential predators to the dog that you’re introducing to your garden.
Recommended reading: How to Control Pet Hair in Your Home
Outside Comfy Spaces
Think about adding some safe items like comfortable beds and toys for your pooch to enjoy while visiting the garden.
Outside beds with sun covers are a great option, as they provide shade and shelter for your dog to hang out under.
Minimize The Risk Of Stagnant Water
You want to make sure that any areas filled with rainwater drain away from the garden and don’t sit stagnantly. Why? Pools of water can be deadly, so it’s best to stay safe here.
Putting down rocks and compacted soil will help to slow the water flow, maximizing the drainage.
Change It With The Seasons
Look up seasonal items and think about the safety aspect of adding them to your garden setup. For example, things like pumpkins, lettuce, and tomatoes may seem great to you, but they could prove dangerous and even poisonous for your dog.
If you’re going to do it, go for a variety of things that can be eaten but can’t be potentially toxic.
It’s all about safety, so pick wisely.
Take Your Dog On A Tour Of The Garden
A good idea is to take your dog for a walk around the garden at different times of the day to see what they naturally gravitate to.
Introduce Your Dog Slowly
When you’re thinking about how best to introduce your dog to their new garden, make sure you do it slowly.
This way, they’ll be more likely to enjoy the experience and be more careful when venturing out into their new space. It will also help reduce the risk of injury or illness that could come from confusion over the sudden change.
