As much as they love snuggling up inside the home on those long, cold nights or dull, rainy days, there’s nothing our pets love more than getting out and about in the great outdoors. Which is why your outdoor area has to be in a good shape. While dogs will quite happily go for a run in the park, most cats prefer to stay closer to home, and therefore, it’s imperative that your garden or outdoor space is pet-friendly and suitable for your furry friend to explore, play or nap in!

 

 

Safety is key and it is important that your pet is secure and knows that they are safe when they are out in the garden. However, it can be easy to overlook some of the common issues and dangers that your outdoor area may present to an inquisitive nose!

To find out more about pets, check out this fab website – Why do pets. Here are some top tips to help you get your garden space in tip-top condition ready for your pets to enjoy!

 

Security

Pets are notorious escape artists, and you never know when something might spook your cat or intrigue your dog. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your outdoor space is secure – this means keeping any gates firmly closed, ensuring there are no gaps in or under fences or hedges, and if necessary, making sure that your cat can’t easily jump over the boundary! While this may feel a little claustrophobic at first, it’s important to remember that your pet’s safety should always come first.

 

Comfort

Both dogs and cats love nothing more than a snooze in the sun or reclining in their favourite shady spot, so make sure that you are capitalising on the comfort factor by incorporating this into the design of your garden. You could even try investing in artificial grass for the ultimate pet-friendly, low-maintenance lawn. Learn more about the benefits of artificial grass for your pet here and take the next step towards the ultimate lawn for your garden!

 

 

Design

If you’re a bit of a green-fingered gardener, the last thing you want is your pet to trample all over your prized plants. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the design and layout of your garden and settle on a plan that will keep everyone happy! Remember that pets will need some space to play in and let off some steam, similar to any children in your family. With this in mind, it may be a good idea to incorporate features like raised flower beds and hardier plants into your garden to help ward off unruly pets and keep your gardening dreams alive.

 

Health

While you might think that a particular plant looks lovely, that newly-installed flower might just spell disaster for your pet. As with their safety and security, it’s essential to always keep your pet’s health in mind and make sure that their outdoor area is free from potential harm. Although it is always worth double checking before you buy, some of the most common plants that are toxic to pets include the crocus, lily, tulip, foxtail and azalea.

 

Wildlife

Although not every garden will have an influx of animal visitors, the chances are that most residential gardens will have wildlife of some sort visiting on a fairly regular basis. From birds and bugs to hedgehogs, foxes, and mice, you may be surprised by the variety of animals passing through your garden! While many animals will naturally avoid gardens where they can see or smell your pet, some may be a bit bolder and venture into their territory. If this happens, make sure to closely monitor the situation, and if necessary, be prepared to prevent your pet fromentering the garden while the wild animal is there. When it comes to bugs, watch out for bees and wasps in the warmer months – some pets may try to snap at them, which could lead to stings.

No matter whether you have a dog, a cat or a small animal, with just a little preparation, it won’t be long before you and your pet areout there soaking up the sunshine in your own little slice of paradise.

 

*Collaborative post.