Close X
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
ADVT 
Life

Five Pet-Friendly Tips for the Family Yard

Darpan News Desk, 22 May, 2019 11:12 PM

    Planted and cared for properly, the family yard can offer an outdoor living room for family, children and pets. It can also support biodiversity, foster health benefits for humans and pets, and benefit the environment.

    Here are TurfMutt’s top five tips for ensuring the family yard is a place everyone can enjoy year-round.

    Consider your dog’s needs
    Each dog – senior, puppy, small, big, active breed or not-so-much – has different needs. Is your dog a water hound? Maybe you should include a splash pool or water fountain. Got a digger? A sand pit might work well to keep your dog entertained – and the mess contained. Does your dog love to run the perimeter of your yard? Design your yard with his path in mind. Does she have dog friends next door? Maybe an eye-level hole in the fence would keep her from barking. Jot down everything your dog needs from your family yard, then you map out your landscaping accordingly.

    Keep your pet safe & sound
    One of the most important pet features in your family yard is a secure fence – whether it’s made of wood, metal, vinyl or concrete. Inspect and fix your fence – or install one – so you can rest easy knowing your dog is safely within the boundary of your yard.

    Include turfgrass
    Turfgrass is safe – unlike concrete, asphalt or hard ground – and offers your pet a soft, cool spot to lie down, even during the hottest conditions. It also creates a comfortable backyard playground and provides a place to take care of business. There are many types of turfgrass that can handle “ruff-housing” from dogs and kids alike. Check your climate zone to make sure you’re selecting an appropriate grass species for where you live. (Another bonus benefit is grass is very good at capturing and filtering rainwater.)

    Select the right plants
    You’ll want to have a balance of grass, flower plants, trees and shrubs in your family yard. Including this mix of species will not only be beautiful, it will also help support biodiversity. Remember, nature starts in your own backyard! Keeping your climate zone in mind, select appropriate landscaping for the areas you’ve identified in your yard. Around walking paths, for instance, you’ll want to include sturdy, yet soft foliage that can stand up to puppy and people traffic without scratching. Use elevated boxes and patio planters for more delicate flowering plants.

    Avoid toxic plants
    One last word of important advice – there are some plants and shrubs that are poisonous to dogs. You’ll want to avoid these in your outdoor living room entirely. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a list of toxic plants that you should refer to when shopping for your family yard.

     

    MORE Life ARTICLES

    As Fall Heads Towards Winter, It's Time To Think About How Not To Fall

    As Fall Heads Towards Winter, It's Time To Think About How Not To Fall
    TORONTO — Deep in the bowels of a building on Toronto's hospital row, some scientists are taking the fall for you, Canada. In fact, over and over again. The researchers are slipping, flailing, losing their balance. It's all in the hope that someday you won't have to.

    As Fall Heads Towards Winter, It's Time To Think About How Not To Fall

    Had A Rough Year? Think Twice Before Telling The Story In Your Holiday Card

    Had A Rough Year? Think Twice Before Telling The Story In Your Holiday Card
    For many people, the rules for posting personal news on Facebook, Pinterest and other social media are clear: Put a Good Face on Everything. But that rule doesn't always extend to holiday cards.

    Had A Rough Year? Think Twice Before Telling The Story In Your Holiday Card

    Stagnant relationships kill pleasant memories

    Stagnant relationships kill pleasant memories
    While highly committed people remember their relationship history accurately, couples in trouble do not, says new research....

    Stagnant relationships kill pleasant memories

    Poor societies more likely to believe in gods

    Poor societies more likely to believe in gods
    Societies living in harsh environments are more likely to believe in gods, says a study, suggesting that societies with less access to food and water are more likely...

    Poor societies more likely to believe in gods

    Mothers' education key to kid's academic success

    Mothers' education key to kid's academic success
    Researchers have found that the academic success of your kids depends a lot on the education provided by mothers as children born to relatively older....

    Mothers' education key to kid's academic success

    Selfie obsession may cost you your job

    Selfie obsession may cost you your job
    According to a study, users who click too many 'selfies' not only reflect narcissistic traits but also demonstrate a lack of self-control to employers....

    Selfie obsession may cost you your job