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By Emila Smith on August 28, 2022
Receive a dog in an apartment can be tricky, especially when your outdoor space is limited. But you don’t have to have a garden if your dog wants to spend free time outside at home! With a few tricks, you can turn your porch or balcony into an outdoor retreat your pup will love.
Stick around. In this article, we’ll give you some ideas for making your apartment balcony dog friendly and fun!
Safety first
Before you do your mini makeover, make sure the space is safe for him to relax in comfortably.
Protect your balcony railings from dogs by installing safety nets to ensure they cannot squeeze through. A wrap-around trellis or bamboo leaves also work well. Not only will these make the space safer, but they will also provide privacy. When you do it right, it also looks very fashionable.
Check the height to make sure he can’t jump over the railing and keep furniture he can jump on away from the railings. Accidents can always happen, even if he is not the type of dog to attempt an escape.
And just like inside your apartment, check that the potted plants you keep outside are not toxic to your furry friend. Also check for snails and slugs, as these can also be toxic to dogs.
Plant your pet in a garden
You may have noticed your dog munching on grass and other plants on your walks together to get fiber in his diet for the sake of digestion. Keeping some of these beneficial plants on your balcony is a great way to bring the park to your small space!
Here are some examples of healthy plants for your dog:
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Wheatgrass: It’s not just for smoothies! Wheatgrass contains a wide variety of vitamins, fiber, amino acids, chlorophyll, and enzymes, all of which are beneficial to your dog’s health.
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Rosemary: Not only does it smell divine, but rosemary is also rich in iron and antioxidants.
- Basil: This aromatic herb is packed with antioxidants and has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
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Thyme: Like basil, thyme offers many antioxidants and antimicrobial/antiviral properties.
- Catnip : Believe it or not, catnip is a great digestive and anti-anxiety aid for dogs.
Note: Of course, every dog’s physiology is different. You need to monitor your dog’s reaction to eating these edibles and monitor them to make sure they don’t overdo it.
Create a comfortable space for naps
Afternoon naps in the sun are one of life’s great pleasures for dogs and humans alike! Give your pet the perfect nap spot on the balcony with an indoor/outdoor waterproof dog bed. Like most patio furniture, outdoor dog beds are low maintenance and easy to clean. all you have to do is hose it down and wipe it down.
When the weather gets hot, it’s essential to make sure your favorite quadruped stays cool outside. A dog cooling mat gives your dog a place to rest and cool off without having to interrupt his living room vibes by heading back inside.
For a more inviting area, include strategically placed artificial grass or even natural grass mats. (Just be aware that your pup will likely associate this with potty use, so you may need to swap them regularly.)
Bring the Outdoors
Rental with animals can limit the reach of their beloved outdoor activitiesbut that doesn’t mean you can’t improvise to create a fun dog play area right on your balcony!
If your dog is a water lover, a small foldable kiddie pool is just the thing to keep him entertained on the balcony! Toss a few water toys for him to grab and splash; If he’s like most dogs, he’ll eventually make himself comfortable in the middle of the pool, happily chewing on his favorite toy.
Likewise, a small, portable sandbox is a great addition if your little guy is a digger! Bury a few toys and watch him happily dig to his heart’s content.
When he gets bored swimming or digging (or you’ve cleaned up too much water and sand everywhere), you can clean out your dog’s play receptacle and turn it into a ball pit. Fill it with safe, non-toxic plastic balls and put some treats in the bottom, then let it do what dogs do best: find them with its nose!
Be sure to keep your phone handy; each of these activities is guaranteed Instagram gold.
Enjoy bonding on the balcony!
For dog lovers, there’s nothing more comforting than finally coming home to your best friend to relax after a long day. For our four-legged human lovers, our arrival usually means it’s finally time to head out for that park visit or stroll around the neighborhood!
While every responsible dog owner knows there’s no substitute for this daily exercise, a fun backyard oasis on the balcony is a fantastic way to compromise once in a while.
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