There's nothing that compares to the companionship and loyalty of man's best friend. No matter how bad of a day you are having, they will be eagerly waiting for you at door. If you have a patio around your home, you should take the time to set it up so it's tailored towards the specific needs of a dog. This will allow you and your dog to go outside and enjoy the fresh air without fear of injury. Keep reading and we'll take a closer look at some of the things owners can do to make their patio more dog-friendly.

DOG GATE

Depending on how your patio is designed, you may need to add a gate around it to prevent your dog from escaping. Even if your dog is well-trained, something as simple as the sight of a squirrel nearby may trigger an instinctual response for them to give chase. If they run off too far, they may not be able to find their way back. Let's hope this never happens to your beloved canine but preparation is the key to keeping them safe. You can prevent this from occurring by blocking off your patio with a dog gate. If your patio is set up on a raised foundation with railing wrapped completely around except for the steps, all you have to do is place a dog gate right at the steps to keep them inside.

FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

Staying out on the patio during the hot spring and summer months can quickly sap your energy. Unfortunately, dogs aren't able to tell you when they are hungry or thirsty, so it's up to you to make sure they are comfortable. If you plan on staying out on the patio with your dog for any length of time longer than 20 minutes, make sure they have both a food and water bowl that's easily accessible. You can purchase new bowls from most grocery stores for as little as a few bucks a piece, which is a small price to pay for the wellbeing of your dog.

BED

Instead of forcing your dog to rest on the hardwood on concrete patio floor, you should place a bed outside for them. A soft, cushioned bed will offer a comfortable resting environment that your dog is sure to enjoy. Just remember to bring it back inside to keep it from getting rained on, as this will easily ruin a cotton-filled bed.