When you think about creating a pet-friendly space in your backyard, first think about what it is that you and your guests enjoy about your outdoor space; a comfortable place to relax, an area to eat and drink, and room for games and other activities.
Those are all things that your pet would like too! But mostly, your pet just wants to be near you and your loved ones while you’re enjoying your outdoor space, and we want to help you make your yard safe and pet-friendly.
Here are a few tips to get started!
Ensure That Your Patio Furniture Is Pet-Accommodating
Anyone who has pets knows that it’s nearly impossible to keep them off of the furniture. So you’ll want to make sure that your outdoor furniture is pet accommodating – wicker or woven furniture can be enticing to cats for sharpening their claws, while wrought iron or other furniture with large gaps is not ideal as pets could get their paws stuck.
If you already have this type of furniture, no need to worry! You can always keep these items covered with a patio furniture cover to keep pets off of them – these are also great for keeping pet hair off of your upholstered furniture.
If you like to snuggle up with your pet on your patio sofa, consider getting fabrics that are easy to wipe clean or throw into the wash such as cotton, canvas or sailcloth.
When looking for fabrics that are both durable enough for the patio and pet-friendly you’ll want to check that they are:
- Waterproof
- Stain-resistant
- Permeable
- Weather-resistant
- Fade-resistant
- Machine washable
Most importantly, be sure to have some furniture that is just for your pet, such as a pet bed that can be easily moved inside or have a fitted cover thrown over it when not in use to keep it clean and dry. Pets track everything under the sun on their paws, making their beds especially susceptible to mold and mildew when left outdoors uncovered. Most pet beds come with removable fabric covers making it a cinch to machine wash.
Keep Your Furry Friends Safe With Pet-Friendly Plants
Some cats and dogs will happily sink their teeth into anything they can get their paws on. Ensuring that your furry friends stay safe is a big part of them enjoying your outdoor living space. You can do this by making sure that any plants that your pet can access are pet-friendly. (depending on what animals you have of course!) It is really important to read up on varieties before potting or planting, as certain plants can cause serious problems.
Here are a few pet-friendly varieties (again, please research for your specific type of pet, these are generally known as safe to dogs and cats only) that will look great in your backyard:
- Sunflowers
- African Violets
- Tiger Lily
- Petunias
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Daylilies
- Blue Eyed Daisy
Fence Around Your Patio For Safety
To ensure your pet’s safety you’ll need appropriate barricades depending on your pet’s type, age, and size. Does your patio or deck need a gate? Is your backyard fenced? Do you live near a busy road?
Appropriate and well-fitting pool tarps and hot tub covers will also help keep pets from danger. Is your patio puppy, kitty, and bunny friendly?
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