How to Create a Dog-Friendly Backyard
Having a nice, wide open backyard for your dog can have great benefits. It can be a way for dogs to run, release their energy and have fun. However, you want to make sure that you create a dog friendly backyard. When it comes to the greenery planted such as trees, bushes, garden plants, we’ve gathered a dog-safe list for your backyard. In addition, we’ve got a list of dog-safe landscaping inclusions and fencing. Keep reading to see how you can create a wholesome dog-friendly backyard.
Dog-Safe Backyard Greenery
Trees
Trees make a great addition to any backyard where your dog hangs out. It provides shady spots when your dog needs to cool off. Picking the right tree though can depend on if it’s safe for dogs or not. There aren’t many trees that are unsafe for dogs, but knowing a few that are safe can help you decide what to plant. Ten of our favorites are the following; Amur Maple, Bamboo Palm, Big Shellbark Hickory, Coral Bells, Crepe Myrtle, Dogwood Trees, English Hawthorne, Honey Locust, Oregon Grape and Star Magnolia.
Bushes
A variety of bushes can be safe around your dog. These can include the following: Magnolia Bush, Bamboo Palm, Banana Plant, and Boston Fern. For a full list, visit your local greenhouse or garden store. There are a few bushes that are toxic to dogs, but as long as your dog doesn’t eat the bush they should be fine. If you are ever unsure, consult your vet or refer to the ASPCA list of toxic plants. A few common bushes to avoid are aloe vera plants, azalea bushes, boxwood, and tulips.
Garden Plants
Being able to plant your own fruits and vegetables is a great plus! A majority of these items your dog can partake in too. A few dog-safe vegetables are Carrots, Celery, Zucchini, Peas, Beans, Ripe Tomatoes, and Potatoes (must be cooked before sharing with your pup!). Fruits can be incorporated into the garden too. Some of our dog-safe favorites are apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Hey! Most of those ingredients are in our Wholesomes Grain-Free recipes too!
Dog-Safe Landscaping
Dog friendly backyard landscapes can be an inviting area in your home. Try putting down pea gravel instead of mulch as this is easier to maintain and less of a choking hazard for your dog. Create flower beds that can be hung from a window sill so if your dog digs, they can’t tear them up. Interested in building your own dog house? Lowe’s has a great DIY guide on building a great safe haven for your pup! A cool addition could be a water feature that your dog could drink from. This frog decorative spitter would be a great choice for something like this!
Outdoor Fence
Another idea to think about when creating your dog-friendly backyard is an enclosed fence area. Proper fencing is good to build when you have a dog so they can run around safely. Most dogs will naturally want to wander off and explore so having a fence can be helpful. You wouldn’t want your precious pup to get out and possibly get hurt by something. Fence styles such as wood, chain link, or metal, are great additions to complete your enclosed backyard design.