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Are you looking to spend more time outside with your pet? Whether it is on your patio or your balcony, finding the right pet-friendly furniture is essential. Dogs, cats, and all kinds of pets like being outside, but they can be damaging to your furniture, so how can you find the perfect solutions for your home?

We know how tough it can be to find the right pet-friendly furniture. That is why in this article, we have explored a range of ideas to help provide you with inspiration to create the perfect outdoor space.

Do dogs need an outdoor space?

Being outdoors is essential for dogs. Not only does it help to keep them stimulated and away from boredom, but it also helps to ensure they remain healthy and active. While daily walks are a great way to do this, having an outdoor space at home will help ensure they can always get the exercise they need.

Of course, it’s not just about exercise. Many pets like to relax outside, so the right pet-friendly furniture will give them the chance to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.

How can I make my patio dog friendly?

While there can be no denying the many benefits that come from allowing your pets outside, there are a few things that you should consider in order to guarantee the space is safe and accommodating. When designing your patio or balcony, you will need to consider:

Is the location secure?

The first thing that you will want to consider is whether the space is secure for your pets. This means ensuring that it is escape-proof by installing strong and sturdy fencing or balcony railings. This will ensure your pet will not accidentally slip through the gaps or run away.

Is it easily accessible?

Another important consideration is how easy your space is to access. You want to ensure that your pet is able to quickly walk in and out of your patio or balcony as required. For smaller puppies or older dogs, large steps might prove difficult, so you should opt for wide and shallow stairs instead. A ramp is also another viable option for some homes.

Is there enough shade?

While pets like being outside, just like us, they need to shelter from the sun. That is why you want to ensure that there is enough shade for them to rest and cool off in, so make sure that you are including things such as canopies and umbrellas. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, then you could even consider adding a dog house.

Can they access water?

Water is an essential requirement for any pet playing outside. That is why when designing your ideal pet-friendly space, you will need to ensure that they have access to water. Opting for something like an outdoor console table will give you the space you need to store all of your belongings out of sight.

Have they got space to play?

Finally, you will also want to ensure that your dog has plenty of space to play. That means you might need to arrange your pet-friendly furniture in such a way that they have the space to run around as needed. If you only have a small patio or balcony, then you might consider downsizing or choosing less furniture.

How to create a pet-friendly furniture layout

Being able to create a pet-friendly furniture layout is essential to creating a safe and enjoyable space for your pet. When choosing your furniture, you should consider the type of pet that you have and their behavior, as this will affect the size and the materials you use.

For example, a new puppy can tend to have quite excitable and destructive qualities, while a cat might need special shelter to stay safe.

How do I stop my dog from chewing my patio furniture cushions?

One of the biggest issues with pet-friendly furniture is finding that your dog or cat has chewed or damaged the cushions when left alone. These cushions and pillows can often seem like a fun toy, and while the materials used are able to withstand exposure to the elements, they are not capable of withstanding sharp claws!

That is why you should opt for furniture that also doubles up as storage, as this will allow you to safely secure your cushions when your pet is alone on your patio or balcony.

Pet-friendly furniture ideas for patios

With your layout in place, it is time to start considering what furniture you are going to add. To ensure you have the best space possible, there are certain things that you need to consider:

Go low

When choosing pet-friendly furniture, it is always wise to go for chairs and benches that are low down. This will allow your dog or cat to easily jump up and join you whenever they want.

Create a designated napping area

If you would rather have your pet use their own special spot, then consider adding an ottoman or outdoor footstool, so they have a chair of their own.

Protect your furniture

Pets have a habit of getting dirty or shedding fur, so whatever pet-friendly furniture you choose, make sure that you have covers to place over them when not in use.

Add high tables

While low furniture will allow your pet to jump up and sit with you, low tables can see them trying to get to your food and drink. Adding a high table will allow you to enjoy a peaceful meal free from distractions!

Top tips for pet-friendly furniture selection

So now you know what kind of furniture to choose from, what other tips should you remember to create the very best patio or balcony area for your pet?

Move décor away from the floor

Pets have a habit of being prone to accidents. Whether it’s a wagging tail or a boisterous playtime, your belongings face a lot. That is why you should consider placing any décor and furniture items away from the floor, hanging them out of reach.

Use durable fabrics

Pet-friendly furniture needs to be strong, which means your fabric needs to be durable. Not only will this prevent it from ripping or tearing, but it will also help to prevent staining or discoloration.

Be practical with your colors

While you want your outdoor area to look great, you should be practical with your coloring. Light fabrics will show up more dirt, while you should also opt for colors similar to your pet’s fur to reduce any loose hairs from showing up.

Final Thoughts

Creating an outdoor space to spend with your pet is a great way to give them some exercise while allowing you to get closer to nature.

However, it is essential that you are choosing the right pet-friendly furniture, so take your time to find the perfect solutions for your home.