Do you have a yard for your pooch to run and play in? Fido always benefits from having a spot of his own outdoors! A local Urbana, IL vet offers some ideas on making your place more pet-friendly in this article.
Fencing
First and foremost, make sure that you have a good fence. It should be too tall for Fido to jump over, and sturdy enough to keep him from going through. Got a four-legged miner on your hands? Bury chicken wire along the fence, and weight it down with rocks.
Gates
Many dogs have slipped out through gates that were left open by meter readers or postmen. We recommend getting a good self-latching gate.
Plants
Plants can spruce up any yard. Just stick with options that are safe for your canine companion. (Tip: Check the ASPCA website here for a full list of both safe and unsafe plants.) Of course, if you want to put a garden in, you may find that Fido doesn’t exactly have a green paw. One thing that may help would be to divide your yard up into separate areas. Set aside one part for your plants, and another area for your pooch. For dividers, you can use low brick walls, cement blocks, logs, shrubs, or potted plants. Or, look online for fun and funky ideas. People have made garden borders out of all sorts of things, including bottles, plates, and pallets.
Doghouse
Fido should live inside. After all, he is part of the family! However, he will enjoy having a spot of his own to hang out in when he’s outside. When buying a doghouse, it’s important to get one that is the right size. If it’s too small, it won’t be very comfortable. If it’s too big, Fido won’t feel as cozy. He may also defecate in it. Dogs won’t soil their beds, but a roomy doghouse won’t feel like a bed, and is therefore fair game.
Fun For Fido
Want to really get Fido’s tail going? Add some fun features for him. Automated ball launchers are a good bet. Or, get your pooch a kiddie pool or sandbox to play in. Pet fountains are another ‘pawesome’ option. There are also plenty of fun outdoor toys you can get your canine pal.
As your local Urbana, IL animal clinic, we are always happy to help. Call us anytime!
