Create Pet-Friendly Backyard with These Tips
You Love Your Dogs Like Family? Create Their Dream Backyard With These Tips
You love your dogs like family, so it’s only natural to want to give them the very best. With modern technology that allows you to watch and talk to your pets while you’re at work, apps that bring trusted dog walkers to your front porch, and premium dog food, treats, and toys, the petcare industry is expected to reach a whopping $202.6 billion by 2025. So it should come as no surprise that there’s an entire sector dedicated to turning your backyard into your dog’s dream space.
Enter “petscaping” or “dogscaping,” a trend focused on creating a safe, pet-friendly environment through intentional landscaping. While you can certainly hire professionals, this can also be a fun DIY family project. For those house hunting, these tips can help identify a pet-friendly yard during tours. Here’s how to craft a backyard that’s both safe and engaging for your furry friend:
1. Nontoxic Landscaping Chemicals
Ensure any chemicals used in your yard—whether by you or a landscaping service—are pet-safe. Though pesticides and herbicides now offer safer alternatives, research their risks thoroughly. Ask yourself: Is a flawless lawn worth potential hazards? Could natural hardscaping or fewer chemicals be a safer compromise?
2. Designated Potty Spot
Dog urine damages grass, but clover lawns are a resilient alternative. If clover isn’t your style, train your dog to use a specific area. Mulched, gravel, or artificial turf spots work well for drainage and cleanliness. Training is key: leash your dog to the spot, use a cue word, and reward success. If accidents happen elsewhere, end playtime immediately to reinforce the habit.
3. Engaging Dog Run
Dogs love patrolling and exploring. Prevent muddy paths by building a dedicated run with gravel, stone, or mulch. Add tunnels, elevation changes, or a sand digging pit to satisfy their curiosity. Place the run in a central area—dogs want to observe their surroundings, not be tucked away.
4. Safe, Nontoxic Plants
Thousands of plants exist, but only a fraction are toxic to pets. Consult the Pet Poison Helpline for a full list of dangerous species. Remove toxic plants from your yard and save their emergency number: (855) 764-7661.
5. Protected Garden Areas
Dogs dig, chew, and explore—so safeguard delicate plants with these strategies:
- Raised beds or fences
- Hardy perimeter plants with delicate ones inside
- Prickly barriers (holly, pinecones)
- Motion-activated sprinklers or lights
- Natural deterrents like vinegar or coffee grounds
6. Just Add Water
Fresh water is essential outdoors, especially in summer. Upgrade from a basic bowl with a fountain, shallow pool, or dog-friendly water feature. Dedicated dog pools—rigid, inflatable, or foldable—offer splashy fun without breaking the bank.
Petscape With Your Pup in Mind
A pet-friendly backyard benefits everyone. Your dog enjoys tailored spaces, and you gain peace of mind knowing their environment is safe. Whether renovating your yard or house hunting, prioritize these elements to create a haven for your four-legged family member.
