For many South Africans, pets are part of the family, and a garden where they can run, play, and explore is a major advantage of homeownership. However, while a spacious garden may seem like the perfect playground for your furry friends, hidden dangers could lurk 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. Check for gaps, 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 they can pose a drowning risk, especially for puppies, older pets, and animals that aren’t confident swimmers. If your pets do swim, make sure they can easily 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 researching whether they are safe for your pets and checking 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.

Give them a shaded sanctuary to escape the midday heat, whether that is a tree, covered patio, or purpose-built shelter.

Make fresh drinking water readily available, especially during warmer months. It may also be worth installing a tap in the garden so you can easily refill your pet’s drinking bowls.

Create a designated play area
If you have the space, consider creating a dedicated area 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 balance an outdoor space you can enjoy with one where your pets can safely spend time.