We all want the absolute best for our pets. And let’s face it – keeping them stuck indoors is really not the best, no matter how nice we make it. Pets need to be able to run freely outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and smell the flowers. But keeping them safe is our responsibility. As a responsible pet owner, it’s your job to make sure they have everything that they might need, to enjoy the outdoors, free of anything that might put them in harm’s way. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to consider when setting up an outdoor area for your little furry friends.
Security Concerns
First things first – safety! Having a proper fence that keeps pets inside and intruders outside is the first thing to think about. Is it high enough that nobody can jump over it? Does it go all the way to the ground and is it installed in a way that makes sure nobody can dig underneath? Check for any gaps or loose sections that could be compromised. It’s helpful to walk around the backyard space as your pet would and check things out from their vantage point. Other safety hazards that you might need to be aware of are things like poisonous flowers or plants, such as lilies or oleander. Make sure your pets can’t reach anything that will make them sick if swallowed!
Weather Protection
Hot days are great, we all love them. But as people we know when it’s getting too hot for us. We can take the necessary steps in order to cool ourselves down, so it’s really important we give our pets the same abilities. Pets can overheat at wildly different temperatures than us, all depending on the size of their bodies, and type of fur on their coats. They need sufficient shade in the backyard to escape the sun’s heat when they need it. Trees are really helpful but they are not enough to rely on, pets require proper coverage like an awning or canopy. A tent will also work, if there’s enough ventilation. A good tent with proper airflow will also work well for colder days, when pets need to escape a chilly breeze. Just make sure it doesn’t get too stuffy, and provides good insulation. Materials that can hold the heat and also are breathable, will work best when it comes to protecting pets from the elements.
Shelters
The type of pet shelter you have, will depend on the type of weather that you have in your area. A dog kennel is often the most versatile and practical choice, because it can cater to lots of different needs at once. Kennels provide a place to sit during hot afternoons, a place to sleep and a place to keep off the rain or wind. The trick is to make sure that the one you choose is an appropriate size so that your pet can sit up and move around without being claustrophobic. Materials also matter. Timber is hot and needs a lot of maintenance, and the plastic substitutes may be appropriate in the situations when a person needs easier to wash something. And as much as the kennel itself, where it fits can factor in, because depending on the location, you can expose your pet to a lot more or less sun or cold air.
Underfoot
Another thing to consider is the type of ground or flooring that your pets will be walking on. Think of how uncomfortable it is to walk barefoot across the sand during a hot day spent on the beach. You wouldn’t wish that for your beloved little pet. Hard pavement may become hot in the summer and bare soil will turn mucky and dirty in the rain. Grass is typically a popular choice since it is soft and cooler to walk on. But it needs to be maintained property, watered in dry climates and cut often enough so that it remains safe for your little ones.
The flooring and bedding inside your pet’s shelter is also an important consideration. Insulation off the ground is needed in most places, which can be achieved through a raised bed or even by a thick mat, that allows pets to be warmer during colder temperatures. These choices also reduce exposure to dirt or moisture which means they will stay cleaner for longer. And while we are talking about hygiene, remember this applies to the rest of the outdoor area too. Left over food, wet bedding or dirt and debris may make your outdoor area a place your pet avoids like the plague.
If you follow the guidelines so far, it’s safe to say your pet will have a safe and comfortable outdoor space. So that just leaves one thing – enjoyment! Make sure to have lots of ways that your pet can be entertained, to keep them happy and healthy. Toys and climbing structures can be used to simulate the natural behaviours and urges that your pet may have in the wild. Even a simple digging patch can be a great way to make sure that boredom stays at bay. Pets that are kept occupied and mentally challenged are usually less stressed out, which usually keeps them clear of destructive behaviours.
Final Thoughts
Providing an outdoor area where your pet can thrive, is not just about having a few bowls at hand and some room to run. Comfort is achieved by making sure that there is adequate coverage against the weather, that there is a safe and secure fence to keep danger out and there is a sturdy shelter for rest and relaxation. And when all that is ticket off, you can look at adding the things your pet finds the most engaging and stimulating. Anything to keep them happy, isn’t that right?
