4 Tips for Creating a Safe and Fun Outdoor Space For Your Animals
In America, 66% of households, or 86.9 million, own a pet. Your backyard should be a furry paradise where your four-legged pals can frolic to their heart’s content. This is actually known as petscaping – where safety meets fun, and your outdoor space becomes your pet’s ultimate playground!
This could be lush greenery, cozy nooks, and plenty of tail-wagging that goes over and above just throwing a few toys into the mix and calling it a day. It’s about blending practicality with creativity, using pet-friendly materials, and adding those special touches that’ll make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood – for both pets and humans alike.
Tip 1: Optimizing the feeding routine for large animals
Now, we are very aware that not all people’s pets are straightforward cats and dogs, so our first recommendation is for the bigger family members. Portable hay feeders are designed to handle everything from large bales to chopped feeds and TMR with ease.
Wasting hay is a big no-no when it comes to keeping our cattle happy and healthy. That’s where a good portable hay feeder steps in. Unlike traditional feeding methods, which can result in hay wastage, it helps you keep hay bales snugly centered, encouraging your cattle to take smaller, more manageable bites.
Nobody likes spending hours cleaning up after their pets, and a portable hay feeder streamlines the clean-up process with its user-friendly design. Its detachable components allow for quick dismantling, enabling efficient removal of debris and leftover hay, thus saving you precious time and effort. A good portable hay feeder means happy animals and happy owners!
Image credit: François Germain
Tip 2: Removing any potential dangers lurking in your yard
Whether you have an average breed of pet or something a little more exotic, letting them roam freely outside is a joy. Still, it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their environment is hazard-free.
Take a good look around your outdoor space and identify any chemicals or substances that could pose a threat to your pets. Whether it’s weed killer, lawn fertilizer, or any other garden products, ensure these are stored securely out of your pet’s reach. Even seemingly harmless items can be harmful if ingested, so always err on the side of caution.
Believe it or not, some of the most common plants and flowers are toxic to our four-legged companions. From Aloe vera to Tulips, a whole host of flora can spell trouble for your pets if nibbled on. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the toxic plants and either remove them altogether or take measures to keep your pets away from them. To make things easier, organizations like the ASPCA provide comprehensive guides listing toxic plants to steer clear of.
Image credit: Richard Brutyo
Tip 3: Selecting the right materials
The goal here is to create a space that’s fun but also durable enough to withstand your pet’s playful antics. Nobody wants their crafted pet paradise to turn into a worn-out mess after just a few romps in the yard.
One material that’s gaining popularity among pet owners is fake grass – and for good reason. By opting for artificial turf, you can say goodbye to unsightly holes, muddy patches, and the dreaded dead spots that often plague natural lawns. Plus, fake grass provides a soft, comfortable surface for your pets to frolic on without worrying about grass stains or allergens.
But fake grass isn’t the only pet-friendly option out there. Bermuda grass, which offers resilience and can bounce back quickly, is another excellent choice for maintaining a lush, green lawn. And if you’re looking to add some hardscaping elements to your outdoor space, materials like bricks, concrete, and paver stones are all great options that can handle the exuberance of pet playtime.
Image credit: Koen Eijkelenboom
Tip 4: Tailor to your pet’s unique personality and preferences
Like us, our furry companions have their habits and quirks that make them who they are. So why not tailor your outdoor space to suit their needs and desires?
Take a moment to think about your pet’s favorite activities. Does your dog thrive on zooming around the yard at top speed, or does your cat prefer to bask in the sunshine, lazily watching the world go by? By understanding what makes your pet tick, you can design an outdoor space that’s functional and tailored to their specific interests.
Add an obstacle course to your backyard for the energetic pups out there. From tunnels to jumps, there are endless possibilities for creating a fun and challenging environment that’ll keep your dog entertained for hours. And if your furry friend loves to make a splash, why not install a small swimming pool or splash pad where they can cool off on hot summer days?
Want a Little More Room for Your Animals?
We’ve created a unique community of hillside homes so you and your pets can enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby hills and the natural landscape in a home with large windows, spacious decks, and open-plan living spaces. Learn more about what’s on offer at A House in the Hills today.
