A beautiful garden should also offer a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for the furry members of the family.
At Looking Good Landscaping we know pets are an important factor in landscape design, reticulation, and garden maintenance. Our goal is to ensure your beloved pets stay safe, as well as engaged and comfortable.
Below are ten top tips to keep in mind if considering a new pet,or planning a more pet-supportive garden.
1. Fencing for pets
A secure area is integral to pet safety. For new fencing, choose a design with reduced visibility if your pet is distressed by pedestrian traffic. Be aware of how high your pet is capable of jumping. Over-estimates are better than underestimates.
2. Consider garden paths
Many dogs love to patrol the area, or just appreciate a trot around the garden. We can discuss a design combining pet-friendly hardscaping with your softscape selection, giving your dog the option of exercising in a way that will likely appeal.
3. Provide a toilet area
Allocate an area for dogs to do their business, and train them to use this location. Hopefully this will reduce urine damage on lawns. If you have a cat, add an outdoor litter box —but beyond a dog’s access, as cat litter ingestion can be harmful.
4. Remove pain threats
Are you placing your pet at risk of injury? Roughly edged garden beds can cut. Thorned and prickly fauna may scratch. Sharp pebbles could damage mouths and embed in paws, while large smooth stones risk choking a pet. Choose wisely.
5. Prioritise heat awareness
Western Australia is known for extreme summer heat. Avoid hardscaping choices that retain heat as this may lead to burnt paws. Rule of thumb: if an outdoor surface is too hot for children, it’s too hot for pets. Also, be sure to provide shaded areas.
6. Pet-aware reticulation
Want reticulation, but worried a pet might dig their way to disaster? Or is your current system under attack? Irrigation could be too exposed, and therefore tempting. We can evaluate your landscape garden, and recommend the best reticulation solution.
7. Minimise grass
Is the family dog ruining the lawn? Certain grass is better suited to surviving energetic pooches, like types of Kikuyu and Buffalo. If dog urine keeps damaging grass, increased hardscaping is one way to consider overcoming the issue.
8. Designate a digging space
Some dogs love to dig. The RSPCA offers management strategies for digging dogs, including making sure shelter is available in your garden, and having a designated digging area where safe items can be buried, and found by your dog.
9. Water fountains and features
Many dogs adore the chance to cool off during dry summer months, especially in Western Australia. A water feature is a popular way to ensure they are never at risk of dehydration. Just take care water is never too deep for unsupervised pets.
10. Ways to play
Pets love to have fun. Dogs enjoy tunnels, and elevated levels and decking. For cats, consider a scratching post and some snuggly cat spots. These additions will help transform your landscape garden into a pet-friendly space.
We understand pet-friendly landscape architecture
Looking Good Landscaping believe a home garden should have personality, while meeting the recreational needs of you and your pets. Based in Baldivis, we service surrounding areas and have the skills to transform your garden. Contact us to talk garden design today.