Pet-friendly Landscaping Design Ideas & Tips

Your backyard is a sanctuary for you and your whole family—four-legged companions included. When renovating your backyard, keep the following pet-friendly landscaping design ideas in mind to make your space safer and more enjoyable for Fido.

10 Dog-friendly Landscaping Ideas

1. Create Dog Agility Course

Look at dog parks for inspiration for your own dog-friendly backyard ideas. Dog agility courses and doggie playgrounds are common installations at these locations, and you can DIY your own backyard versions for your pooch. An agility course can be as simple as small hurdles made of PVC pipes or spray-painted targets in your grass.

2. Install Dog Paths

Tired of your dog running over your plants? Create a walkway for your dog along high-traffic areas to protect your plants, such as along fence perimeters or their favorite running circuits. When designing your dog path, ensure the materials are safe for paws. Finely shredded wood mulch and pea gravel are excellent choices here.

3. Use Pet-safe Materials

What looks good in the garden may not be safe for your pooch. When planting your next garden, keep pet safety in mind and opt for dog-safe plants, herbicides/pesticides, and mulches.

According to the ASPCA, plants that are not toxic to dogs include:

• African violet
• Bamboo
• Black hawthorn
• Blue echeveria
• Climbing begonia
• Lady palm
• Ribbon plant
• Watermelon peperomia
• Zinnia

While popular, plants like tulips and rhododendrons are not safe for dogs and should be removed from any yard that will have furry guests.

When selecting herbicides and pesticides, always look for those specifically labelled as "pet safe" or "minimum risk." Be sure to mention any pets you have if you hire professionals to treat your property; most licensed professionals offer pet-safe alternatives for your outdoor space.

When choosing mulch, select untreated wood chips made of pine, cedar, or cypress that are not large enough to pose a choking hazard. Cocoa mulch, treated wood chips, and large wood chips are generally not considered safe for dogs.

4. Create Shady Spots

Your dog will need a cool place to rest in the yard, even if your area experiences relatively mild summers. A doghouse, trees, and pavilions can all create shady spots for your dog to rest and recharge for another round of fetch.

5. Add Water Features

No pet-friendly yard is complete without a place for your furry friend to drink water. A water feature, such as a natural rock fountain or pond, can be a great spot for Fido to hydrate.

6. Go Artificial

Tired of mowing or having your dog tear up your grass? Try artificial turf instead. It offers visual appeal while being much more resilient to doggy (and human) foot traffic.

7. Fence It In

Keep your dog safe by installing a fence that's high enough so your dog cannot jump it. If your dog is shy or reactive, a privacy fence may offer greater security than a chain-link fence.

8. Leave Some Free Space

Letting your dog run wild is one of the best parts of having a yard. Leave enough free space so your dog can get their "zoomies" out.

9. Add a Sandbox

Does your furry friend like to dig? Don't fight their instincts. Add a sandbox as a designated place for them to dig that's not your flower bed.

10. Take Other Precautions

Keep your four-legged friend protected while they play outside. Many veterinarians strongly recommend a monthly flea, tick, and heartworm combination medication for many (but not all) indoor-outdoor pets, taken year-round. It's a great idea for pet owners to talk to their vet about possible flea, tick, and heartworm prevention methods.

Pet-friendly Landscaping FAQs

What is the best landscape for dogs?

The best landscape designs for dogs are those that allow them to enjoy the outdoors safely. Features of a dog-friendly landscape can include:

• Non-toxic plants like Bermuda grass and long fescue
• Hardscaping features like a natural stone fountain
• High fences to keep all pets secure on your property

What ground cover is not toxic to dogs?

Ground cover that is usually safe for most dogs includes Irish moss, mini stonecrop, and Kentucky bluegrass.

What can I put down for dogs instead of grass?

Low-maintenance ground cover plants like moss, or inorganic ground cover like pea gravel or artificial turf, are all non-toxic alternatives to grass for a dog-friendly yard.

How long does artificial turf last?

Properly maintained, high-quality artificial turf can last upwards of 20 years.

Can I hire professionals to install pet-friendly landscaping?

Yes, you can hire professionals like the award-winning Landscape Architects at Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction to design and install a pet-friendly landscaping project.