Monday, April 11 is National Pet Day. How will you celebrate your pet for this furry-focused holiday? The TurfMutt Foundation has an idea! Why not create a pet paradise in your backyard? After all, no one in your family does backyarding like the family dog!

Here are a few tips to consider:

Plant hardy grass. Skip the artificial turf – it gets too hot for your dog’s paws, and it requires hosing off to clean it (not very environmentally friendly!). Buffalo and Bermuda grasses are robust varieties that can withstand pet traffic.

Select plants with your pet in mind. Some plants and shrubs are poisonous to pets. Cross-reference your plant picks with the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants.

Create a path for your pooch. Dogs love to run! They will often patrol your property, and it’s tough to redirect them once they have picked a route they like. Embrace the puppy pathway by denoting it with decorative stones, wooden planks or mulch – a material that won’t hurt your dog’s paws or create a maintenance headache for you.

Create a special area in the family yard just for Fido.Consider installing a small pool or pond for splashing and staying cool. Or, add a decorative pergola to create a shady spot for afternoon naps.

Designate a hydration station. Playing outside is hard work, and you’ll want to make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water no matter the time of year. You can get fancy by adding a fountain or connecting an accessory to your outdoor spigot, which creates an automatic pet drinking fountain. Or, keep it simple with a bowl that you replenish regularly.

To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, go to TurfMutt.com.