The COVID-19 pandemic has taught people that there is never too much space inside their homes. This includes your pets. Since it’s pretty problematic to walk them outside with the virus still circulating in the United States, your backyard might be the best option for you. However, you can’t just let them out there freely. You’ll have to prepare it for the first.
Fences
The first step into making your backyard pet-friendly is by installing fences. If you already have fenced in your backyard, you should still read on, as there are specific fences that can make your pet’s life a lot better.
Since most pets are inherently curious, like dogs and cats, fences will keep your pets from roaming around your neighborhood. It’ll also keep them safe from the street. The most important part about having a fence is that it teaches your pet that you shouldn’t get out of this area, that outside this fence is dangerous. This is important for every pet to learn, and they can’t inherently learn this by themselves.
Wooden fences are the classic choice for keeping pets inside your backyard, and no other fence can do the trick better. However, if you have a big pet, like a Labrador or a Golden Retriever, there’s a good chance that they can jump over this fence. So a wired fence might be better, especially if your backyard is near a forest. It’ll also help them see what’s on the other side. That way, they won’t bark too much.
There’s an ongoing trend in the pet world about invisible fences. Essentially, invisible fences are made from buried wires and transmitters. These work hand-in-hand with an electric collar on your pet. What happens is that if your pet crosses this kind of fence, they receive a subtle electric shock, which is theorized to stop them from crossing the fence. However, this might not be a good choice for your pet.
A single electric shock will not deter most curious animals like dogs from crossing the fence. Moreover, it can hurt them significantly if not maintained properly. It also doesn’t keep outsiders in, so other pets might end up doing their business in your backyard. So by the end of the day, physical fences are better than these invisible fences.
Plant One or Two Trees
Trees are great landmarks for your pets and are essential if you want to keep them entertained. If you have multiple dogs, a tree can be an essential spot for them to do alleviate themselves. It’ll also make your life a lot easier.
A grassy backyard is vulnerable to brown and soggy patches if you have pets. They’re like to defecate and urinate in random places unless they’ve found a favorable landmark. One particular landmark is a tree.
Trees are inherently good for your pets, especially for cats and dogs. If you also want to reduce the work you have to do when cleaning your backyard after your pets, this is one way to do it. So feel free to hire a local tree care service to maintain or plant trees in your backyard. It’s worth your while.
Avoid Toxic Plants
If you want your pets to have a safe time in the backyard, then you’re going to have to avoid planting toxic plants. Some dogs enjoy nibbling on leaves and grass, and if you don’t keep an eye out on them all the time, they might end up biting into your toxic plants.
This is the main reason why you should avoid having toxic plants in your backyard, and this also means that you have to be knowledgeable about them. Keep an eye out for these plants. You certainly don’t want them around when you let your pets out in your backyard.
- Water hemlock is the most toxic plant in the United States and is quite common in states with marshes such as Florida.
- Lily of the Valley is a beautiful plant with bell-sprouts as flowers, but dangerous when consumed.
- Castor oil plant is a red spiky plant containing ricin in its seeds.
- Rhubarb is a good ingredient for pies, but leaves can get accidentally consumed by pets.
Get a Sandbox
Getting a sandbox isn’t only beneficial for your children but for your pets as well. It’s a place where they can run around freely and enjoy many physical activities together. Your dogs can dig in the sandbox without causing too much of a mess, while your cats can make it their litter (make sure you clean it afterward). A sandbox is an all-around good addition to your backyard that’ll make your life a lot easier.
So here are ways you can make your backyard pet-friendly. Your pets will certainly have a blast in your backyard once it’s ready.
