5 Pet-Friendly Landscaping Ideas

[Emma Sturgis]

Your four-legged friend is an integral part of your family, so why let them be an afterthought when it comes to landscape planning? Here are five tips to keep your outside as pet-friendly as the inside.

Provide Shade

One thing to keep in mind when designing your landscaping is to provide plenty of shade for your pets to relax in during the warmer months. Large shade trees are a great way to provide shade and greenery to your yard, but other alternatives include awnings, arbors, a sun-shade sail, or a charming doghouse that blends with your desired yard design.

Get a Fence

Fencing is another area that deserves thought and attention when planning your landscape. Masonry fences are a good choice if you have a digger in your family, but chain link and mesh grid fencing are also effective options; though you may need to install an underground barrier of concrete, rebar, or chicken wire if your pet is prone to escape. Visit a company like Long Fence if you have questions about which type of fence is best for keeping pets in the yard.

Install Water Features

Water features are popular in backyards among both people and pets; however, if you have a traditional in-ground swimming pool, be sure to install a ramp they can escape out of should they accidentally fall in. Animals tend to like moving water, so a small pond with a waterfall feature may be a good choice. If that’s a little too permanent, there are many dog pools available in whimsical designs, and if you prefer a rustic feel to your outdoor space, a shallow stock tank is a charming option.

Plant Safe Vegetation

Also important to consider when planning your outdoor landscape is what exactly you should plant. Many common plants are toxic to dogs and cats, such as aloe, apple, and carnations. Instead of these, consider non-toxic planting choices like bamboo, palms, or mulberry. The ASPCA has an exhaustive list of toxic and non-toxic plants that can be helpful to consult when landscaping your yard.

Consider Your Climate

A final tip to keep in mind is the surfaces available for your pet to play on. In hot climates, it’s best to avoid surfaces that can burn your pet’s pads. Grass is a good option, and there are artificial grasses made specifically to make waste cleanup easy. It’s best to avoid wood chips, as they absorb urine and will biodegrade over time; wood mulch can be a better choice if you prefer the look of wood in your yard.