Making a water feature pet-friendly

KUSA - Many people think it wouldn't be wise to put man's best friend in the same back yard with a water feature. Dogs being dogs, after all, there could be some damage.

Yet, it is possible to put your pet and a water feature in the same yard. The reality is that a small water feature can be a sustainable wildlife habitat – and that includes being good place for the family dog.

Dogs perspire through their feet. Providing water they can easily step into will keep their feet cool and help them cope with the hot days of summer. And if their water bowl gets empty, they'll always have water to drink.

How do you make a water feature pet friendly?

With pets around, it might be disturbed by them walking in or across it – so start by making it durable.

* Make the edges of the liner secure so the pet won't damage it or cause it to move.

* Make sure rocks are stable and won't shift when the dog walks over them.

* Avoid sharp rocks which could hurt paws.

* Also, use paving stones or flat rocks to make it easy for your dog to walk up for a drink or to step in.

Size and shape

Water breeds would love to have a big pond to jump in – but we need to think about conserving water. A gently flowing stream will have much less evaporation than a pond with a large surface area. Keep these things in mind:

* Create a water feature that is a manageable size. Smaller is generally better.

* If you have a small, flowing stream, most of the water will remain underground in a reservoir. A stream that uses 140 gallons of water, for example, is about 3 times as much as a normal 10-minute shower requires, but the stream's water will be recirculated. An automatic refill device will add water every few days.

* Water that falls over a gentle slope and hugs the rocks will splash much less than a waterfall – and that also cuts down on evaporation.

* Wind blocks around the feature will also slow evaporation to save water.

Make maintenance pet friendly

Water features require ongoing maintenance that include treatments to keep the water clean and clear. Read labels and select products that are safe for pets.

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