Spending a sunny day in the garden with your dog is a joyous part of summer. But without the necessary preparation, your dog could struggle in the heat and face outdoor hazards. On top of that, your dog may destroy the garden by falling into destructive digging habits.
Adjusting your outdoor space can keep your pup safe, healthy, and comfortable when in the garden on hot days and mitigate poor dog behaviour from developing.
Water bowls and features
Ensure your dog stays hydrated when spending time outdoors by keeping bowls of clean, cold, and fresh drinking water in the garden. If your pup needs some encouragement to keep drinking water, invest in a pet water fountain as some dogs prefer drinking from flowing water.
Place a shallow paddling pool in a shaded area or turn on the lawn sprinklers for them to play in will help them cool down from the sun. However, check the water isn’t overly cold to prevent hyperthermia.
Shade and shelter
Keep your dog from overheating on summer days by providing areas where they can retreat from the sun. For example, planting large shrubs and trees can create shaded spots for them to cool down.
You can also invest in a sheltered outdoor kennel for them to use as a relaxing den. The kennel retailer, Benchmark Kennels, offer a range of secure kennels that you can tailor to suit your dog’s size, breed, and personality.
Increase security
Unfortunately, dog theft commonly occurs in an owner’s garden, so always supervise them when they’re outside.
On top of this, implement security features, such as:
- CCTV cameras
- Gate and kennel door locks and bells
- High fences
Never place the pooch in the front yard either, as this makes them especially vulnerable to being stolen.
Summer blooms
Planting an array of colourful plants will help transform the garden into a relaxing haven. The different smells from plants, herbs, and flowers can also stimulate your pup’s senses.
However, when choosing your summer blooms, avoid plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs, such as:
- Foxglove
- Rhubarb
- Nightshade
- Lily of the valley
- Hydrangea
Dog-safe summer plants and flowers include:
- Sunflowers
- Antirrhinums
- Michaelmas daisy
- Camellias
Also, refrain from using toxic chemical gardening products and opt for organic alternatives instead.
To prevent your dog from destroying your flowers, place boundaries around them or use raised flower beds. Creating a clear pathway can stop dogs from running through flowers too.
Lawn considerations
If your dog keeps relieving themselves on your lawn, train them to use a designated potty area out of view on command. It may help to keep the pooch on a leash for this task too. Afterwards, clean the area immediately to mitigate brown and yellow stains by hosing it down and removing any waste.
To discourage the pup from digging up your lawn, create a specific digging area with a non-toxic sandbox.
Try not to use artificial lawns either, as they tend to retain more heat than natural grass, which can burn dogs’ paws in the heat.
Fun and games
Keeping your pup entertained when outside can stimulate their senses, keep them physically active, and avert them from becoming bored and destroying the garden.
On top of training and playing with the dog outside, create an obstacle course that they can explore independently, which could include tunnels, ramps, hurdles, and weaving activities.
As well as modifying your garden to accommodate your dog in summer, be careful not to leave the pup outdoors for too long in case they overheat. If your puppy is exhibiting symptoms of heatstroke, visit a vet immediately.
My dog is a terrier, so loves to dig. We have a raised bed with no plants in for her to play in.