As the weather heats up, most of us want to maximize the amount of time we spend outdoors, and for apartment and condo residents, this means spending more time on balconies and decks.
It’s not just humans that want to be outside more, though. Dogs also want to enjoy the fresh air and lounge in the sun.
While there’s nothing wrong with letting your furry friend share your outdoor chair (they may even insist on it), there is a lot you can do to easily create a dedicated outdoor area just for them. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
Doggie Potty
Having a dog in an upstairs apartment means that you’re off for a walk every time your dog has to go.
Adding a dog potty area to your balcony is a simple and popular solution for multi-unit building residents because it’s a convenient and accessible option for all times of the day (and night) that both pets and their owners will appreciate.
Check out our step-by-step article on how to build your own outdoor dog potty.
Install Pet Fencing
Dog-proofing your balcony is one of the most important things you can do to make it a safe space for your furry friend.
Balcony railings can pose a hazard to dogs and cats, particularly smaller ones that can easily slip through the bars. Larger dogs can also get their heads or feet stuck in between them.
Adding a screen to your space can address these major concerns, and there are a number of options to choose from.
Installing a safety net will do the trick, as will clear banister guards if you’re looking for more of a see-through option.
If you also have small children, you’ll be pleased to know that a lot of these options will also help to make your balcony more child proof as well.
Outdoor Dog Bedding
Dogs love to lay in the sun. They also love to be comfortable while doing so.
If you have a dog that spends a significant amount of time outside, consider adding a dog bed that will hold up well in the elements. The Original Elevated Pet Bed sits up off the ground and is a great option that’s durable and easy to maintain.
If your pet prefers something a bit more on the plush side, check out the Super Snoozer Calming Indoor/Outdoor All Season Water Resistant Durable Dog bed.
Of course, another alternative is to just lay out a couple of floor pillows or them to lounge on!
Outdoor play area
As long as space allows, your balcony can be used to create an outdoor play area for your dog. This can include space to lounge, space to “do their business” or space for some playtime. Consider storing some dog toys outside, and make sure they always have fresh water accessible via a doggie water bowl.
Dog Pool
If you live in a concrete jungle, a dog pool can be an especially popular addition for the summertime if you have a dog that loves being in the water and enjoys a quick refreshing break.
It doesn’t even require a ton of space.
Consider something like the Jasonwell Collapsible Dog Pet Pool, which comes in several sizes and features a convenient fold-down design, making assembly and storage super easy.
Sun Lounging Spot
Have you ever met a dog that didn’t like lounging in the sun?
Sometimes, all that’s needed is a little patch of light.
It’s as basic as it gets, but your dog will love it.
Give them some privacy
Dogs can be territorial, and some of them really don’t like seeing neighbors or anyone pass by their balcony or deck.
This can get pretty annoying for pet parents that live in a high traffic area that comes with the dog barking every time someone walks by.
A privacy screen can really work wonders in these situation. You can buy a balcony privacy screen or you can use some tall privacy plants to keep the prying eyes out.
An added bonus is that it will also create more privacy for you!
Final Thoughts
Balconies are spaces that can be enjoyed by both humans and their dogs with a little creativity. Hopefully this article has inspired you to add some of these easy solutions!