National Dog Week is Sept. 20-26. It’s a week set aside to celebrate all things canine.

Mo-Mo, the spokesdog of the TurfMutt Foundation, encourages pet owners to use this week as an opportunity to spruce up their backyard…for the Fido and the rest of the family.

Your pet might be the original “backyarder” in your family. After all, no one loves the outdoors like your pup who uses the family yard to relax, burn off some energy, play safely with friends (human and furry), and do their business.

Fall is a great time to spruce up your backyard. Here are some tips from TurfMutt.

Skip Fake Grass
Artificial turf (a.k.a. fake grass) is never a good idea, especially if you have pets. Plastic grass gets very hot during the summer, is challenging to clean, and is anything but environmentally-friendly. It cannot be recycled, and it requires water to clean and cool it. Be a backyard superhero and select real turfgrass for your lawn.

Pick the Right Plants & Grasses
As for which kind of grass to choose, go for something hardy that will withstand a high volume of traffic. Buffalo and Bermuda grasses can be a good choice, depending on your climate zone. For other plants and shrubs, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants for advice before buying. You’ll want soft, yet sturdy, foliage near walkways. Save the delicate decorative flowers for elevated flowerbeds and patio pots.

Consider Pollinators & Other Wildlife
Remember, nature starts in your backyard. Your family yard provides habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees and more. Each of these species help pollinate human food crops and flowering plants, so take them into consideration, as well, when you’re selecting your living landscapes.

Create a Doggy Dream Yard
There’s no shame in going all out to make your yard a dream for your dog! Remember, your backyard is one of his favorite places to be. Some ideas include adding a splash pool for your pup, creating a sandbox for Fido to unleash his love of digging, or adding a puppy pergola to provide shade for Sadie. Be creative! Your canine will thank you.

To learn more, go to TurfMutt.com.