Artificial Grass for Pet Runs

Artificial Grass for Pet Runs

If your family owns a doggie that has an over-eager and excitable personality, or they have grown a little too big for indoor-based play, you may be thinking about having Man’s Best Friend playing in the fresh air, as opposed to keeping them cooped up in the house. Many homeowners might even prefer that their dog remains outside for the majority of the time, so they have the freedom to run around, and to frolic and gambol to their furry little heart’s content. After all, a dog’s health is deeply tied to its ability to keep as active as possible, and you can help to promote your dog’s general wellbeing by letting it play in your backyard on a regular basis.

However, a large section of homeowners across the nation are a little reticent in letting their dogs out into the back garden, in case their bowwow accidentally causes damage, such as digging up plants, flowers and shrubs. In some cases, a dog keen for playtime will get very muddy and covered in dirt, which will result in a homeowner perhaps acting guarded about letting their rambunctious pal back into the house in its muck-covered state. Has your beautifully manicured lawn now become riddled with ugly “dog spots”? There is absolutely no reason why you cannot possess both a canine with an active life AND a nice-looking, eye-catching yard.

And that is where the creation of a pet run enters into the equation. A pet run, sometimes also referred to as a “doggie poop zone”, is a dedicated backyard play area that is specifically designed for your dog to enjoy and have fun in. If you have thought about making your own pet run, you must ensure that you pick an area big enough for your dog to feel free, with enough play space so that they do not get bored and begin to think of ways to escape out of their meticulously prepared confines. In relation to the space your doggie would like to reside in, it is a good idea to make the area at least 10 feet wide, with a ready supply of pet-friendly yard amenities available. For instance, fresh water via a handy outside faucet is essential.

When creating suitable boundaries, a chain-link fence is very straightforward to install. On the other hand, this kind of fencing is not the most aesthetically pleasing, so many pet owners consider other alternatives. Picket fencing boasts an attractive, retro-nostalgic look, horizontal boards offer a sleek, contemporary feel and wire-wrapped posts provide a rustic, country-esque appearance. Regardless of what type you decide on, ensure that it is well-built and robust enough to contain your beloved fuzzy companion, as well as being designed so any inquisitive or snooping dog will not get trapped between the boards and cause an injury.

To stop your pet run from becoming a boggy, squelchy mess when your dog goes to the toilet, there are a few different things for you to try. One idea is to put down a thick carpet of four inch mulch. In the first year, you will need to top it off on a month-to-month basis, but, as time progress, you can do this less and less. Another idea involves laying a blanket of woodchips on the ground, and then laying a six inch layer of pea gravel on top. This effectively combats the smell of urine, while the woodchips make it easier to remove any dog mess swiftly. A third idea is to install a patch of artificial grass, as its anti-digging capabilities will stop your dog from causing burrow-related chaos. It also offers the wipe-clean option when it comes to “dog accidents” because each synthetic fiber can be individually washed off with a pressure washer hose.

The last element to consider involves providing a suitable amount of shelter that will help your dog avoid sunburn or suffering from sunstroke during the summer. If there are no tall, low-hanging trees in your back garden to supply shade, you can always utilize a large shade cloth, some overhead tarps, or a sturdily built rooftop over the entire pet run spot.