Creating a dog-friendly garden is a goal for many pet owners, with the main aim being the perfect balance between safety and fun for your precious pups. In this blog, we’ll explain why pet-friendly artificial grass is the winning aspect of any dog friendly garden. We’ll also provide a range of dog friendly garden ideas to you create the ideal outdoor space for you and your furry friends.
Not sure what type of false grass is for you? At Grass Direct you can request a free sample to help you find the best option for you!
Why use artificial grass for your dog friendly garden?
There are a range of reasons why artificial grass is good for dogs. If you’re not fortunate enough to have real grass, or you want a hassle free grass option, false turf provides your dog with some much-needed greenery.
You can also lay false grass on concrete or stone, transforming any patio, balcony or driveway into a comfortable space for your pets to play.
False grass also has a range of great features:
Durable
Unlike real grass, fake turf is specially designed to withstand rough puppy playtime whilst still maintaining that fresh, patch-free grass look. All of our pet friendly range has a wear rating of 4 stars and above, like our bestselling Cannes grass. This means your pups can play for hours and your lawn will still look and feel perfect.
Artificial turf is also designed to stand the test of time against extreme weather and regular foot traffic. Our extensive artificial grass range features UV-resistant synthetic material so your lawn can withstand sunny days without discolouring and stay green and upright in winter months.
Easy to Clean
With real grass, the biggest challenge is keeping it clean and pristine. Your dogs will likely track up mud, dirt and debris whilst playing and also create faded patches in your lawn when doing their business.
This is no longer an issue with fake turf, with any dirt or debris being easily washed away with a hose and water. You’ll also need to include an artificial grass drainage system as part of the installation process which ensures urine and water filter properly into the ground below.
Low Maintenance
Artificial grass drastically lowers garden maintenance because it requires no weeding, fertilising, or mowing. Dog owners who lead busy lives and want a lovely lawn without having to spend hours every week maintaining their lawn will find it the ideal alternative.
What are some dog friendly garden ideas?
Creating a space that works for both you and your dog requires some planning. Here are some important dog friendly garden ideas to consider.
Play area and dedicated zones
Ensure you create separate areas for your dog for the different activities they get up to outside. Some dog friendly garden ideas could include an artificial grass play area with their favourite toys as well as a dedicated area for your pups to do their business.
For play areas, we’d recommend installing grass underlay under your turf. This will create an extra shock-absorbent, spongy layer for support to prevent any injuries during playtime.
You should also ensure there are water and/or feeding stations if you want to let your dog out for extended periods of time.
Water Features
Dogs love natural enrichment so one great idea could be to add features like fish ponds or water fountains. These are not only beautiful additions to any outdoor space but they will keep your dog entertained. Artificial grass also pairs perfectly with water features as it’s slip-free and quick-drying.
We all know how much dogs love the garden hose, so some more dog friendly garden ideas could include an interactive water fountain for your dog to keep hydrated as well as sprinklers.
Shade, shelter and seating
You should create a sheltered or shaded area for your dog to rest where they are protected from the sun and covered when it’s raining. You could include a standard dog house, trees and shrubs or even a canopy to add some protection as well as style to your outside space.
If you’re short on space, you can buy pop up tents for your dog that offer UV and water protection on days when your pup needs that extra bit of cover.
You might also want to give yourself some space to relax and enjoy your outdoor area, so be sure to add a bench or some garden furniture for the humans of the house to enjoy!
Fencing and boundaries
Installing false turf in your garden is a brilliant way to help your dogs enjoy the outdoors, but you also need to ensure they’re safe and secure in your garden. Fencing is essential to keep your dog in an enclosed space whilst also providing you with some privacy.
If you’ve got a larger dog you’ll need a taller, sturdy fence, whilst you might be able to opt for lower barriers if you have smaller dogs. The most important thing is to ensure that whatever fencing you choose, there are no gaps or places for your dog to dig under and escape.
Installing artificial fencing up to your fence line will eliminate a dog's ability to dig under any fence, keeping them safe inside your garden. If you’re worried about fencing making your space look smaller, there are a few tricks including certain fence colours that can make your garden look bigger.
Happy pets and happy humans with Grass Direct
Now you’ve got some great dog friendly garden ideas it’s time to bring your ideas to life, and the best place to start is by purchasing your pet friendly false turf at Grass Direct. We choose only the highest quality materials for all of our artificial grass, so even if you’re on a budget you’ll still be able to make your pooch a play area with our budget artificial grass range.
Get in contact with our professional team if you have any questions about how to create a dog friendly garden or for advice on the best fake grass for you.