Outdoor Oasis: Tips for Crafting a Pet-Friendly Yard

Creating a pet-friendly yard can be a great way to provide some environmental stimulation for your animal as well as to bond with them in the great outdoors. To be sure that everyone can enjoy themselves, though, Bowman Veterinary Hospital thinks that it is important that animal lovers understand outdoor pet safety and how to make sure that their outdoor oasis is a safe and enjoyable space for all. 

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Giving your pet access to a safe and enriching outdoor space can add a lot to their overall health and well being. A carefully-designed space has very few cons, but one must be careful that it is escape-free, prevents unwanted guests from accessing your pet, and is free of dangerous items and potential toxins. 

In general, indoor cats should not roam freely as they are at high risk of injury by things like vehicles and predators. 

Likewise, curious pups can get themselves into trouble as well. All pet outdoor time should be supervised.

Designing the Pet-Friendly Yard

A lot of things should go into consideration when trying to make a pet-friendly yard. Considerations should include:

• Escape-free space enclosures such as secure fencing or a catio structure
• Pet-friendly footing such as grass or artificial turf or rounded, pet-safe gravel
• A way to keep pets out of areas that are not from them (fencing for your vegetable garden, raised beds for landscaping)
• Using edging or decorative items that do not pose a cut-risk 
• Removal of items that might be considered food or toys like mulch 
• Access to shade and protection from the elements
• A fresh, clean source of water
• Interesting elements like a sandbox for digging, ramps, tunnels, and other toys

You will also want to avoid using potentially dangerous chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in your pet-safe area. Hand weeding and natural solutions are your friend. 

Pet-Friendly Landscaping Choices

Your pet-friendly space should have plants, but care must be taken to be sure that they are safe for your four-legged friend to enjoy. Popular landscaping options like Sago palm and yew can be very toxic to our pets. 

Be sure to identify the plants in your pet’s space and be aware of their potential toxicity. When possible, pick landscaping that is safe and enriches the environment. Some of our favorites include:

• Grasses in containers (wheat, barley, oats, alfalfa) for curious kitties
• Many types of ornamental grasses
• Most herbs
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Mexican sage

You might ask your local garden center for recommendations regarding plants that are urine tolerant as well. 

A pet-friendly yard can help both you and your pet to better enjoy their world. Please ask us if you have any questions about potential concerns for your pets, we are happy to help however we can.