TurfMutt's Tips for Creating a Dream Yard for Your Dog This Summer

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 38.4% of American households have a dog, while 25.4% have cats. People have been using their backyards more in recent years for everything from working and entertaining to vacationing and working out. But for dogs, this backyard business is nothing new.

After all, no one loves the family yard as much as the family dog. The family yard is certainly Mulligan the TurfMutt’s, favorite place to be. Making your yard safe and enjoyable for your pet ultimately makes it better for the humans in the family, too.

Here is TurfMutt’s advice for creating a dream yard for your pets and the whole family this summer:

Plant real grass.
Plastic grass is uncomfortable on paws (and bare feet), gets very hot during the summer, is difficult to clean, and is bad for the environment since it requires water for cleaning and usually can’t be recycled. The bottom line: real grass is the best option for pets, people, and the environment.

Select the right plants & grasses.
Choose a type of turf grass that will withstand the “ruff” housing of your pet. 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 planting. You’ll want soft, sturdy foliage near walkways. Save delicate, decorative flowers for elevated flowerbeds and patio pots. Pro tip: place plants close together in areas you want to designate as off-limits to your dog.

Plan for fun.
Add a splash pool, build a sandbox for digging, or even create a canine obstacle course to provide hours of fun. After a day of play, your dog will need a place to relax so think of where you can plant trees or bushes that provide shade for snoozing.

Consider pollinators & other wildlife.
Nature starts in your backyard, which provides habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees, and more. Each of these species help pollinate food crops and flowering plants, so take them into consideration, too, when you’re selecting plants for your backyard.

For more information, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show. Here is a link to download the International Backyarding Fact Book, to learn why spending time in our yards and community parks is good for us…and the planet.