Summer is just around the corner; with it comes the joy of seemingly endless days of frolicking in the sun. And where else can you most easily experience the pleasures of the coming season than on your very own patio, right? One step out the door and you can bask in the warmth of golden rays.
Of course, if you have furry friends, they’d want to stretch their legs and relish the sunshine, too. But is your backyard and patio safe enough for them? The dangers might not be obvious, but outdoor spaces can carry risks for your pets.
Below, we’ve laid out some tips to turn your patio from a hazard to a haven for your pets.
Build or Install a ‘Catio’
If your pets stay primarily indoors, you can introduce them to the joy of the outdoors with a catio. And never mind the name; both cats and dogs can enjoy it. A catio is an enclosure for your pets, allowing them to enjoy a larger space without you having to fear for their safety. Think of it as a bigger, multi-level doghouse.
The best thing about catios is that you can hire a builder for it or you can build it yourself. It’s easily customisable, so the structure blends seamlessly with the exterior design of your home.
Provide Your Pets a Shaded Area
While the sun is great and provides several benefits for your pets, too much heat isn’t good for them. So make sure to create areas that provide shade for them on your patio. It’s also a great idea to have an insulated roofing system over your patio, which further helps cool your covered outdoor space.
If you have trees, make sure the surrounding ground doesn’t have sharp debris so they can rest under the trees’ shade comfortably.
Apart from providing shade, you can protect your pets from the heat of the Brisbane sun by giving them access to drinking water. Have bowls of fresh water in different areas of your yard.
Plant Wisely
Plants may seem harmless, not to mention they effectively beautify your garden, but some of them pose a threat to your pets. If you have cats, avoid having plants such as:
- Lilies
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Aloe Vera
- Daisies
- Azaleas
If you have dogs, the following plants can be poisonous to them:
- Lilies
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Azaleas
- Hydrangeas
- Ivies
Your patio can be beautiful while being pet-friendly as long as you plant wisely.
Create Paved Paths and Walkways
Cats and dogs love obstacle courses, but it’s not always feasible to create one in your backyard. The next best thing? Paved walkways. Try hiding small paths between your pet-friendly plants and they’ll sure stimulate your pets when they’re playing outdoors.
What’s more, paved pathways prevent your dog from digging up your yard. You’ll protect your landscape and provide entertainment for your pets at the same time.
Make Your Patio a Pet’s Haven
Just Patios provides different patio and outdoor solutions for homes in Brisbane. Whether you’re looking for glass room enclosures or roofing solutions to keep you and your pets protected from the elements, we’re the team to turn to.
Call us today and receive a free quote.