For many South Africans, pets are part of the family, and having a garden where they can run, play and explore is a major advantage of owning a home. However, while a spacious garden might seem like the perfect playground for your furry friends, there could be hidden dangers lurking among the flowerbeds.
For homeowners looking to make their gardens more pet-friendly, REMAX Southern Africa shares the following tips:
Secure your outdoor fencing
Before letting your pets roam freely, make sure your garden is properly secure. This involves ensuring that there are no gaps in fence, loose panels or damaged sections that smaller pets could squeeze through. If you have dogs that enjoy digging, check regularly for gaps beneath fences that may have been dug up. For homeowners with adventurous pets, consider whether the boundary walls or fencing are high enough to prevent them from jumping over.
Additionally, if you have swimming pools or ponds, consider properly fencing those areas as well as they can present a drowning risk, especially for puppies, older pets and animals that are not confident swimmers. If your pets do swim, ensure there is an easy way for them to get out of the water.
Avoid toxic plants
Not everything that grows in your garden is safe for your pets. Popular garden plants such as azaleas, lilies, sago palms, cycads, oleander, and even aloe vera can be toxic to animals if ingested. Before introducing new plants, REMAX SA recommends doing research on whether they are safe for your pets and check with your vet and / or local plant nursery before planting anything.
Provide plenty of shade and water
South African summers can be particularly harsh, especially for our furrier pet friends that are bred for cooler climates. Provide them with a shaded sanctuary to escape the midday heat, whether that is a tree, covered patio or purpose-built shelter. Fresh drinking water should also be readily available, particularly during warmer months. It might also be worthwhile installing a tap in the garden so that you can easily refill your pet’s drinking bowls.
Create a designated play area
If you have the space, consider creating an area specifically for your pets to play and explore. REMAX advises homeowners to use durable grass, pet-friendly ground coverings and a few toys to help keep your furry family members entertained. This can also help distract them from digging up mom’s favourite flowers (again).
With a little planning, homeowners can create a garden that suits both their lifestyle and their pets' needs. The goal is to find a balance between having an outdoor space that you can enjoy and one where your pets can safely spend time.
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