Having the most beautiful backyard AND keeping it safe for kids and pets?
Isn't that a dream?
So many homeowners fail to properly plan for their backyard based on the risks children and dogs face when spending time outside.
Kids, dogs and outdoor spaces equal accidents. Fast.
The good news is…
Creating a safe and beautiful outdoor space for kids and dogs is...
Simple and doesn't have to break the bank
It can allow you to enjoy every inch of your yard WITH your family each and every day.
You just have to start with the right information.
Today, you're going to learn:
Why Outdoor Safety Should Be Your Top Priority
The Best Yard Ideas for Kids AND Dogs
How To Keep Your Dog Safe + Easily Identifiable
Landscaping Techniques To Keep Your Kids & Dogs Safe
Bringing It All Together
Why Outdoor Safety Should Be Your Top Priority
Most homeowners don't think about this fact…
Families spend a ton of time in their backyards. Unfortunately, backyards are also where a lot of childhood injuries happen. Near 200,000 children suffered injuries from summertime activities that required a trip to the emergency room in 2023.
Kids also face danger from landscaping materials, pools, playground equipment and more.
If you have pets or kids that spend a lot of time outside then safety should be your top priority. Sure, you want your backyard to be beautiful but not when someone gets hurt.
Just like with indoor safety, outdoor safety is about reducing risks before they happen.
Outdoor safety and beautifying your property don't have to be at odds.
With proper planning your yard can keep your family safe AND look amazing.
How To Keep Your Dog Safe + Easily Identifiable
Having a stunning backyard is pointless if your dog runs out the door and can't be identified.
Microchip your dog. Ensure your dog's collar is always on them. Collars with your dog's name and contact info are ideal.
Consider buying a personalized dog collar that has your pup's name on it. Dog collars with names on them are great because they're easier for neighbors to identify and return your dog if they happen to get loose.
Cute dog collars with names are perfect for small dogs. They can often wiggle out of larger holes in fences that bigger dogs can't fit through.
Besides ID, follow these tips to ensure your dog's safety:
Check fence lines for weak areas and holes regularly
Secure any dangerous garden tools or chemicals away from ground level
Ensure there is always shade and fresh water available outside
Dogs overheat quickly. Always provide a shaded area with water for your pets to rest and cool down.
The Best Yard Ideas for Kids AND Dogs
Both children and dogs can roam freely in an outdoor space. With that freedom comes potential danger. Dog owners know this all too well. Pets can easily ingest toxins or run into the street when outside.
When designing a yard that's used by both kids and pups there are certain features you should include.
They include:
Secure Fencing
A quality fence around your yard serves two purposes. It keeps dogs in your yard and curious children safe from outside dangers.
Your fence should have these qualities…
At least 4 feet tall to prevent jumping
No holes larger than 3 inches around the bottom
Weatherproof material
Self closing and self-latching gates
Fences are an essential part of having dogs AND young children. Not only does it keep your dog from running off but knowing your children can't leave the yard gives parents peace of mind.
Designated Play Areas
Play areas should be designated for kids and dogs separately. Use mulch or rubber material underneath play sets for children. This provides a soft surface for the unlikely occasion that they fall.
Dog runs or fenced in spaces are ideal for dogs to play in safely. Give your pup space to play and get their energy out while kids play in their own area.
Separate play spaces help limit injuries when running and playing at full speed. Of course kids and dogs can play together in shared areas. Separation just ensures everything is under control.
Non-Toxic Plants
Did you know some gardening plants are toxic to dogs?
Azaleas, Tulip bulbs, Sago Palms and Oleander are dangerous for dogs. Some of these plants can harm young children as well.
Here are some plants that are dog-friendly and child-friendly:
Sunflowers
Marigolds
Rosemary
Lavender
They're beautiful, inexpensive and you won't have to worry about anyone getting sick.
Landscaping Techniques To Keep Your Kids & Dogs Safe
Landscaping isn't just about making your yard pretty.
It also has the potential to cause serious harm to children and dogs.
Think about surfaces, plant safety and water features.
Let's dive into some landscaping topics that can help you avoid injury:
Ground Cover
Concrete walks and stone patios are extremely attractive. But they are hard surfaces that can injure your kids or dogs if they fall.
Rubber mulch
Wood chips (Make sure they're at least 12 inches deep)
Artificial turf (Use padding underneath)
All of these options help prevent injury from falls. They're also softer on your dog's paws. Don't use gravel for dog play areas. Rocks can get stuck in paw pads and cause irritation.
Water Features
Beautiful. But they pose a serious risk of injury.
Having a pool may not be the safest option if you have young children. If you choose to install a pool consider fencing it off from the rest of your yard. Or fill it in when not in use.
Over 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites each year. Most of these are children ages 5-9 years old. Backyards are the number one area where these incidents occur.
Opt for shallower water features. Decorative ponds can be dangerous so think about a recirculating fountain instead.
ALWAYS supervise your kids and pets around water
Lighting
This is one of those things people forget to consider with their yards. It isn't until they trip over a garden edge at night that they wish they had.
Install pathway lights to help illuminate walkways and play areas. You can even use motion detector lights near gates or fencing for extra security.
Lighting helps you see where you're going at night. It also allows you to keep an eye on kids and dogs when they should be visible.
You don't need to hire a professional designer to have a safe and beautiful outdoor space for kids AND dogs.
Instead, focus on prioritizing your outdoor family safety. From there you can add touches that will make your yard stunning and unique to your family.
Here's your outdoor safety checklist:
Install safe fencing
Create kid and dog play areas
Only use non-toxic plants
Personalize your dogs collar
Use soft ground surfaces
Skip deep water features
Install outdoor lighting
Having a beautiful backyard you can enjoy WITH your family is what matters.
(0) comments
We welcome your comments
Log In
Post a comment as Guest
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.