Introduction
A deck is a flooring system for outdoor use, especially in backyards. Decks are most often made of wood (and may be covered with floorboards). Still, they can also be made of composite materials like recycled plastic or synthetic substitutes like aluminum and plastics, which is used in some higher-end decks that are popular among homeowners who want to create the feel of an old fashioned wood deck but do not want the expense or hassle associated with maintenance of natural wood. Dogs are excellent companions. They love unconditionally, they’re always happy to see you, and they provide a sense of security that is hard to find elsewhere. But while dogs bring so much joy into our lives, there can also be some downsides. One of the most common complaints about dogs is how quickly they destroy everything in their path- whether it’s your favorite shoes or your new decking material for the back porch. In this article, I will discuss how to protect your deck from dog. So let us get started.
A Detailed Stepwsie Guide on How to Protect Your Deck From Dog:
If you are among the pet lovers, you would know that dogs are the man’s best friend. However, how will your deck hold up to this puppy? Can it survive all of its jumpings, digging, and running about? If not, then read on! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to protect your deck from dogs.
Step 1:
Hire a Professional Builders Experts in building decks to have access to unique tools needed for installing railings around curved areas while also being able to support the weight. They can install sturdy stairways made especially for dog owners who want easy access to their play area.
Step 2:
Minimum Width A general rule of thumb is that the width should be twice as wide as the length of the dog’s front leg to the first elbow. This should be enough room for your dog and should prevent him from jumping through or over it. If you have a large breed, then plan on having a much larger railing system installed and extra support beams for stability.
Step 3:
Rails According to the American Kennel Club, dogs need sturdy railings that can resist digging. The best solution would be to use thick metal bars that will not bend easily under pressure, even if they get scratched by your dog again usings. Using wood is out of the question since metal and plastic provide better support and last longer than other materials like vinyl and pine.
Step 4:
Gate If you need an extra gate in your surroundings to stop your dog from running off, then consider having a custom-built gate add-on. The idea is to add something that will add value to your doggy’s play area and also prevent it from hopping over the wall or fence. Of course, not all dogs can jump extremely high, but most will try their luck with a bit of boost from you.
Step 5:
Cleaning If a dog gets a small cut on his paw, for example, there may be times when he decides to lick the wound. This means that whatever is used to cover up the deck must resist rust and be easy to wipe clean of bloodstains after your pet plays outside.
Step 6:
Location Do not put your dog’s play area near the driveway or sidewalk where people usually walk by. If you have a bedroom window nearby, then dogs can bark at strangers from there. It is also an open invitation for intruders since they know that there are no dogs to protect their surroundings during that time of day.
Step 7:
Boredom Prevention No matter how big a doghouse you build, it will only be used if your doggy is tired of using its deck as a scratching post. Putting in some planters and comfortable chairs will help him stay entertained while discouraging him from destroying the human furniture indoors.
Precautions While Protecting Your Deck From Dog:
To begin with, it is essential to keep in mind that dogs have sharp nails. Even when they are trained not to use their claws while going up and down the deck stairs, a few scratches might still happen. Hence, you must take extra care to ensure your deck does not get scratched by sharp dog nails.
Additionally, because dogs step onto the surface of the deck from above its stair nosing, you must protect this area from sharp claws too. Also, remember that the dog will directly step on the flooring material of your deck since there will be no carpet or any rug placed below to give him some cushioning. This means you must make sure that there is no sharp object under your deck, which might pose a threat to your dog’s safety.
In case the surface of the deck is made from wood, you should use some non-toxic products on it or refinish it with a coat of paint or flooring solution to prevent damage by dog nails and improve traction. Moreover, you can also consider using some outdoor anti-skid mats at the entry points to provide a good grip for dogs when they step out of the house. This will help in keeping them from falling into an accident.
On the other hand, if your deck is assembled from concrete slabs, you must lay down rubber padding beneath each slab to prevent your dog from stepping onto something sharp or getting hurt due to a slip or fall.
Furthermore, it is also essential to lay down some outdoor rugs and area mats on the deck surface to make them more comfortable. This will prevent your dog from getting hurt while stepping up and down from different levels of the deck stairs.
It won’t be wrong to say that preventing accidents in your backyard or garden decks, such as having a railing or barrier, can go a long way in protecting our dogs from harm’s way. For instance, if you don’t have bars installed around your deck, you can always opt for decorative fencing which looks similar to railings but doesn’t serve any functional purpose.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Decking Ok for Dogs?
Decking is an excellent choice for your dog to run around and play in. It’s a safe surface that provides great traction, making it easy for them to move around without slipping or falling.
It is recommended that you clean the surface regularly to avoid any build-up of dirt or grime. If your dog gets a cut on their paw while playing on the deck, they can be safely cleaned with a mild soap and water solution as long as there isn’t any bleeding.
Why Do Dogs Chew on Decks?
Dogs chew on decks because they are bored, and it helps them to keep their minds active.
They also chew on wood, leather, or other materials because chewing releases endorphins which make them feel good.
It is not a behavior that should be punished by your dog’s owner. Dogs who are bored will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing furniture, and even eating the house plants.
What Type of Decking Is Best for Dogs?
The type of decking you choose will depend on the size of your dog, whether or not they like to climb and what the climate is like where you live.
Dogs can be trained to use a variety of types of decking, but some options are more appropriate for certain breeds than others. If your dog enjoys exercising outdoors and playing with other dogs, you may want to consider an outdoor deck that has a durable surface that is resistant to chewing damage.
There are also many benefits associated with installing a new deck in your backyard.
Does Composite Decking Burn Dogs Paws?
No, composite decking does not burn dogs’ paws. The reason is that the wood composite material that is used in the construction of these decks is made from plant-based materials and synthetic resins. It is safe for both animals and humans because it will not cause any harm to them at all.
Is Composite Decking Safe for Dogs?
There are many benefits of Composite Decking for dogs, but it is not without risks.
Composite decking does not contain toxic chemicals that could harm your dog’s health. However, it can be difficult to maintain the surface of the deck in order to prevent your dog from slipping and falling off. Additionally, if you have a pet with a short coat or fur, they may have difficulty walking on the surface as they will get stuck in the nooks and crannies between the boards of composite decking.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to protect your deck from dog. Install all the materials properly and maintain proper precautions. Thank you and have a nice day!
Check it out- How to Make Stairs Less Slippery for Dogs
