Page 26 - Community Newspapers 6369

pets
8 Tips

FOR HAVING A GREAT

YARD FOR YOUR PET IN
THE SPRING

How to be “Backyard Ready” for Dog Fun
When Spring Hits

tomatoes, and tulips. For a
complete list, visit ASPCA's
list of nontoxic and toxic
plants for dogs.

✤ Look for hazards and
eliminate them. Some
paved or sandy surfaces may
get too hot for your pet to
walk on comfortably. Tiny
pebbles, thorns, or gravel can
get caught in paws. Ensure
your pet’s main play area
includes grass.
Soft foliage, sturdy
✤ Check your fence. A
turfgrass, smooth stones,
fence is an important safety
and dog toys can help your
pet feel at home feature for your pet. Make
sure your fence is solid and
do any needed repairs. Pay
attention to your gate and
be sure locks are working
t’s time for your dog ✤ Create a dog-friendly ✤ Use plants to give your properly. Many dogs will
to get outside to bask backyard. Map out your dog a sense of boundaries. patrol the edges of the yard
in the sunshine and yard with your dog in mind. Place plants close together in and make paths near the
roll in the grass. Here Soft foliage, sturdy turfgrass, areas you want to designate fence line. Plan for these pre-
Iare some tips to help smooth stones, and dog toys as off-limits and train your dictable paths in your yard
you get your yard ready for can help your pet feel at dog to avoid them. Leave and if you find them unsightly,
springtime fun from Lucky home. Add a water station open areas for your dog to you can add a gentle stone
the TurfMutt, a rescue dog so your pet can hydrate after run and play in (and accept or mulch path. If you use an
who pays it forward by some time playing. A fun that that is what your dog invisible fence, make sure it
helping children and families water feature can help your will do). is properly working and that
take care of green spaces. pooch cool off when it’s hot. your pet knows the bound-
✤ Avoid toxic plants that aries.
✤ Tune up your turfgrass. ✤ Plan for fun. Set up an can be harmful to your
A sturdy grass lawn can take area for your dog to dig, pet. Dogs do not naturally ✤ Set up for shade (and
the pounding and activity such as a digging box or avoid plants that are toxic naps). Your dog will need a
of an active pooch. After a digging bed. Add chew toys to them and many will eat place to relax after a busy
winter in dormancy, your in the dirt (leave one poking plants that are not safe for day of play. A tree or bush
lawn will be moving back out) to help your dog get consumption. A few com- can provide shade for your
into a growth phase as the the idea. A canine obstacle mon toxic plants for dogs pet. A dog house provides
weather heats up. Begin course can provide hours are: carnations, chrysan- a great place for your
mowing as soon as your of fun if you have the space themums, daffodils, hostas, four-footed friend to take an
lawn needs it. available to install one. ivy, lilies, morning glories, afternoon snooze.

26 INSPIRE HEALTH March § April