Pet parenting is a popular lifestyle trend in the US, with millions of American families adopting furry friends. To be exact, 66% of households (86.9 million families) own pets as of 2023-24. These families spend hefty money on pet care. The pet care industry expenditures touched a massive $147 billion in 2023, an increase of 7.5% from $136.8 billion in 2022.
Bringing home a fur baby means a big commitment, from feeding to training, vet care, and bonding. Moreover, dogs and cats require dedicated spaces, both indoors and outdoors. If you are lucky to have a backyard, you don’t need to worry about taking your pet for walks on days you feel lazy. Just let them run and jump in the backyard!
However, you should have a proper pet-friendly outdoor space. This involves thoughtful planning and design as your pawed companion needs a safe, enjoyable, and functional area. We will share some actionable ideas to transform your backyard into a haven for your furry friends.
Have a Secure Space with Fencing and Boundaries
Leaving your pet outdoors entails some risk. The Guardian posted a heartwarming story about a dog, Mishka, returning home after running away from home a year ago. The California family’s dog was found safe 2000 miles away in Harper Woods, Michigan. The family was lucky to have found their pet, but this may not be the case for everyone.
Securing your outdoor space should be a priority. Proper fencing can prevent pets from wandering off or encountering potential dangers. Choose a fence tall enough to prevent jumping. Also, look for durable materials like wood, vinyl, or wrought iron. Avoid chain-link fences as they may fall short of adequate security.
Setting up a fence is just half the work. Inspect it frequently for gaps or weak spots where pets could escape. Reinforce these vulnerable areas to ensure safety. Also, install dog-proof gates to minimize the risk of accidental escapes.
Can dogs break through fences?
Some dogs are capable of jumping fences, but most actually climb them. They can use a parfait of the fence to push off from and escape. Other ways your dog may try is by digging under the fence, chewing through it, or learning to open a gate.
Prioritize Pet-Friendly Plants
Most homes with backyards have green outdoor spaces. However, when a pet is in the picture, you must choose your greens wisely. You don’t want a curious cat or dog to consume a toxic or poisonous plant when you aren’t around. The Animal Poison Control Center provides a list of toxic and non-toxic plants you can refer to.
Marigolds, sunflowers, and catnip are pet-safe plants, while varieties like sago palm and azaleas can be hazardous. If you love herbs, opt for basil, parsley, and mint. Also, opt for pet-safe mulch options such as cedar or pine bark to avoid harmful chemicals found in other variants.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Letting your pet play outdoors means they will also pee and poop in your backyard. This is convenient for busy pet parents who cannot take their fur babies for long walks. At the same time, it means animal waste accumulating there over time. Cleaning it yourself can be a big task, and leaving it around can cause disease-causing bacteria and odor.
Fortunately, you can find professional providers offering services for pet waste removal & deodorization. They do all the heavy lifting and ensure a clean, fresh, and hygienic outdoor space for your pets and family members. Professional services are better than DIY because they have proper equipment and cleaning materials.
Scoop Soldiers emphasizes the benefits of letting experts handle the job. Besides convenience and time-saving, you get peace of mind. Moreover, this service contributes to curb appeal.
How harmful is dog poop in your yard?
Dog poop can be a serious risk to pets and families as it contains disease-causing pathogens. Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia, and E. coli are the most dangerous bacteria found in pet feces. Leaving it in your backyard puts your pet and family at risk of infections.
Design Interactive Play Areas
PetMD highlights the significance of mental stimulation for dogs. Besides keeping your canine companion sharp and happy, mental stimulation improves cognitive function and builds confidence. Additionally, it reduces stress, decreases hyperactivity, and eliminates destructive behaviors. For young puppies, it boosts brain development and strengthens bonding with owners.
Interactive play is an ideal way to stimulate your pet mentally, so you should designate areas for it. Set up agility equipment with tunnels, ramps, and weave poles for exercise and mental stimulation. If your pets enjoy water, add a pet-friendly fountain or splash pad. You can even have a designated digging pit filled where your dog can dig without damaging your garden.
How can I keep my pets entertained outdoors?
Most pets enjoy playing in open spaces, so you don’t have to do much to keep them entertained outdoors. You can set up agility equipment like tunnels and ramps for exercise though. Also, provide interactive toys or install water features for playtime fun. Creating a digging area with sand is a good idea.
Invest in Pet-Friendly Furniture
Your outdoor space is a haven and a place for entertainment for you as well as your pet. Stylish and pet-friendly furniture makes it an ideal area for both. When picking furniture pieces for your patio or garden, look for materials that can withstand wear and tear. Wood, metal, or synthetic wicker as they can endure scratches and spills.
For your pets, set up weather-resistant outdoor beds or cushions where they can lounge comfortably. Remember to design furniture layouts that allow for easy movement and provide ample space for pets to play around.
Creating a pet-friendly outdoor space is an excellent investment. Besides enhancing the quality of life for your furry companions, it sets the stage for fostering a deeper bond between you and your pets. You can implement these simple and cost-effective measures to design an inviting backyard space that everyone in your family loves.
