Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

    Facing A Job Interview? Just Be Yourself, Suggests A Study

    Facing A Job Interview? Just Be Yourself, Suggests A Study
    Applying for a new job? Just relax and be yourself during the interview, as a study has found that authenticity is key to securing an employment offer. 

    Facing A Job Interview? Just Be Yourself, Suggests A Study

    For A Safe And Fun Summer In SURREY

    For A Safe And Fun Summer In SURREY
    Few simple reminders to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors in Surrey this summer

    For A Safe And Fun Summer In SURREY

    International #1 Best Selling Author Illustrates Success through Fact and Fiction

    International #1 Best Selling Author Illustrates Success through Fact and Fiction
    Dutta hopes to create a personal connection with his readers and send the message that no matter what an individual has been through, he or she is not alone.

    International #1 Best Selling Author Illustrates Success through Fact and Fiction

    Summer Vacation: Never Mind The Hike. Where's The Hammock?

    Summer Vacation: Never Mind The Hike. Where's The Hammock?
    A new poll about summer travel finds that the top thing Americans want to do on vacation is ... nothing.

    Summer Vacation: Never Mind The Hike. Where's The Hammock?

    Being Indian: Challenge Of Bringing Up 'DESI' Children Abroad

    Being Indian: Challenge Of Bringing Up 'DESI' Children Abroad
    Even as they go on with their lives in different countries across the globe, there is always an underlying desire to inculcate these "Desi" aspects into the lives and habits of their children.

    Being Indian: Challenge Of Bringing Up 'DESI' Children Abroad

    Yoga Fever Grips China Ahead Of International Yoga Day

    Yoga Fever Grips China Ahead Of International Yoga Day
    China also backed India's move in the UN to make June 21 as International Yoga Day, giving a fillip to hundreds of yoga clubs and organisations.

    Yoga Fever Grips China Ahead Of International Yoga Day