If you are a pet owner, you might find that you need to think carefully about landscaping and maintaining your yard.

You still want a beautiful outdoor space, whether that means flower beds, a water feature or a lush green lawn. But it's important to ensure that your yard is designed to keep your furry friend safe and provide everything they might need.

There are also some steps you can take to make it easier to care for and clean up after your pet!

A great professional landscaping company will work with you to accommodate pets and make sure they feel right at home in your beautiful backyard.

A dog-friendly lawn

A natural grass lawn does not always mix well with a puppy or dog. Dogs are inclined to dig, and, of course, there will also be puppy bathroom cleanups to take into consideration. Artificial turf can sometimes be a good solution.

However, if you don't want to use synthetic turf, there are various types of lawns that are suitable for dogs. All-grass lawns that may work for you and your dog include bermudagrass, which has dense roots and spreads rapidly, making for quick recovery after any doggie damage.

This article from Lawn Love has some tips on dog-friendly grasses to help you find the perfect solution for your dog-friendly yard.

Landscaping for you and your pet

Incorporating hardscaping in your landscape design can help to designate dog-safe zones. Paths, raised beds, areas of gravel or low rock walls can be used to create visual interest as well as to break your yard up into separate areas. You can then encourage your dog to stick to one particular spot, creating a perfect yard for yourself and for your pet.

Try making use of plants with lots of ground cover and uninviting textures close to your home, patio or other high-use areas. Ornamental grasses such as mondo grass, or common landscaping plants like ferns, are perfect for adding visual appeal and encouraging your pet to avoid those areas.

Next, set out a dog-friendly area to be your pup's paradise!

A dog zone

You'll need to give your dog a patch of yard appropriate for their size, and one that's reasonably easy to keep clean. Your pet needs plenty of space to run around and a shady spot to rest in.

Incorporate low walls or garden paths as a visual barrier to encourage your canine companion to keep to this area.

Make sure that your dog is going to be comfortable by including adequate shade and a water bowl. In the Florida heat you may even want to use a kiddie pool or other water feature to help your dog keep cool.

 Flea-repelling plants like mint, rosemary or citronella will help to keep your pup comfortable at the same time as making your yard smell great. Cedar chips have a similar effect, and are often used in dog beds. However, some dogs can have an allergic reaction to them, so make sure they are suitable for your pet before you incorporate them into your dog-friendly backyard.

Safety

Finally, you'll want to ensure that your landscape design helps to keep your pet safe by avoiding any potentially toxic plants. Azaleas, daffodils, tulips and foxgloves are all poisonous plants that could be harmful to your dog.

Hardscaping or fencing may not be enough to avoid accidental plant poisoning, so you'll need to work with your landscaper to make sure your yard doesn't include any harmful plants.

Contact your landscaper today to get some help designing an outdoor space that will be perfect for you, your guests and your pet!

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