HOME & GARDENO
ur furry companions love
the outdoors. And whether
you have a dog, cat, miniature
pig or a host of different animals to
spend your time with, it’s imperative
they have a safe environment in
which to frolic alfresco.
Start with a strong, sturdy fence to
assign their boundaries. This could
stretch the whole breadth of your
garden, or just a section if you’d
prefer to keep a part of your space as
a human-only zone.
When choosing what to have
underfoot, grass is a clear winner
and paved pathways are also safe for
paws to pad about on. Try to avoid
loose materials such as gravel which
could get stuck and injure your pet.
While considering safety, it’s also
important to know which plants112 • AUGUST 2019could be potentially poisonous
(Daffodils, English Ivy, Mistletoe and
many more are harmful to dogs),
research what your pet can and
cannot tolerate.
Finding shade for an animal is vital
(imagine spending summer in a fur
coat without a break) so provide
areas where they can lounge and
retreat from the sun; leaving water in
these spaces can be enough
encouragement for them to visit.
Since animals aren’t known for
their lavatorial manners, you’ll be
left to clear up their business; and
however annoying the chore, it’s an
important one. Other than being an
eyesore for your much-loved
landscape, not clearing up after your
pets could lead to health problems
for humans and other animals. nJessica Summers on the best ways
to treat your animal friends to an
outdoor sanctuary that will entertain
them and keep them safePet-Friend ly
How To Make Your Garden