With summer on the way, many people are picking up their yards, working on their gardens, and just generally getting ready for grill outs and backyard fun in the sun. Your canine pal will of course be happy to supervise. It’s always great when Fido has an outdoor spot to run and play in. If you want to make your place even better for your pooch, read on! A local Fayetteville, NC talks pupgrades in this article.
Remove Toxic Plants
Many popular plants are toxic to our canine pals. Some of those most commonly found here in North Carolina include the Sago palm, Lilies, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Pathos, Elephant Ear, and Lantanas. Anything bulbed, such as tulips, daffodils, garlic, and onions, is also unsafe. You can find a full list at the ASPCA site here.
Toxicity isn’t the only thing to keep in mind, however. Some non-toxic plants, such as roses, are still dangerous because of thorns or barbs. For pups with bug eyes, like pugs, anything remotely sharp at their eye level is a potential hazard.
Zone Out
Gardens and dogs may make for cute pictures, but they aren’t always a harmonious mix … especially if Fido decides to dig up or pee on your plants. Consider dividing the yard into sections. Fences are great, but you can also use things like raised beds, driftwood logs, low stone or brick walls, or shrubs. If you have a pool, we also strongly recommend gating that off as well.
Water Features
Fido can get hot pretty quickly in summer! Offer him a spot to cool off. Kiddie pools are a cute and easy option for this. You can also let your pooch play in a sprinkler. Or, if you want to go all out, get your canine pal a fountain that shoots a stream of water up when he steps on the pad.
Doghouse
Doghouses are of course the gold standard here. Choosing the right size is important: if it’s too big or too small, it won’t have that cozy den feeling Fido likes. Pick something that offers insulation from both heat and cold. Last but not least, avoid pressure-treated wood: the chemicals used in processing it make it toxic to Man’s Best Friend.
As your Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, we are dedicated to helping you keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Contact us anytime!
