Do you live in the city and have a dog with a balcony? Giving your dog access to the outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air between walks. However, your balcony must be perfectly secured and fitted out for your companion. Protective netting, fencing, railing extensions – there are several solutions to prevent falls. We present them to you and give you some advice on how to make your balcony safe and comfortable for your dog.

1 – Secure the balcony to prevent accidents

The first step in creating a balcony for your dog is to make it safe to avoid accidents. It’s a common misconception that dogs don’t risk falling off balconies, unlike cats who enjoy climbing over railings. It’s a common misconception: a dog can just as easily fall off a balcony as a cat. So we strongly advise you to secure your balcony or raised terrace before letting your dog enjoy it. Here’s how:

• Start by checking the guardrail: it may have rungs that are too far apart for your dog to fall through. If this is the case, install a safety net or mesh to prevent your dog from falling between the bars or under the railing.
• Install a safety net or fence to prevent falls over the railing. Large dogs like to put their paws on the railing to observe what’s going on outside. They may be tempted to jump or fall.
• Fix hanging flowerpots securely: they can fall over in the wind or if your pet makes a sudden movement. Debris can injure your pet.
• Don’t put a chair or lawn chair near the edge of the balcony. Your dog may climb onto it and try to lean over the railing. This is dangerous, even if the balcony is screened or netted.

2 – Choose the right floor covering

Your balcony floor needs to be easy to clean, but also resistant to temperature rises and falls. Certain types of flooring, such as tiles (especially dark ones) or stone, tend to become very hot in summer. For your dog’s comfort and safety, we recommend rubber tiles or artificial grass. These materials keep the floor at a moderate temperature, which prevents injury to your dog’s paw pads. Rubber tiles are easier to clean, but they are more likely to absorb water. Grass is more aesthetically pleasing, but difficult to clean if your dog relieves himself on it. In any case, we recommend that you change your flooring regularly, once a year or every two years on average, before the summer. This will prevent the proliferation of mold and mildew caused by dampness, as well as unpleasant odors on the balcony.

3 – Furnish the balcony to make it more comfortable

Your balcony is secure. It’s time to make it cosier! Install a resting spot for your dog. Basket, crate, dog mattress – choose according to the space you have available and your companion’s preferences. Your dog will appreciate being able to rest outside. We recommend choosing waterproof materials that are easy to clean and more durable. Waterproof dog mats are ideal for keeping your dog comfortable and ensuring minimum maintenance. You also need to adapt your dog’s balcony to the weather. Your dog should always have access to :

• In the shade in summer (if it’s very hot, don’t leave your dog on the balcony to avoid heatstroke).
• To a sheltered area for rainy days.
• In a warm corner if it’s cold.

In any case, we advise against leaving your dog unsupervised on the balcony for hours on end. Leave the patio door open so your dog can come inside if he wishes, or limit the time spent outside to a few minutes. You should also remember to leave a bowl of fresh water for your dog on the balcony at all times.

4 – Enrich your dog’s environment

Your balcony is almost ready to welcome your dog. How about making it more fun for your companion? Boredom is your enemy: dogs become destructive when they don’t have the opportunity to entertain themselves. Here are a few ideas to stimulate your dog’s mind:

• Put toys on the balcony. Choose toys that your dog will only have access to outdoors, to make them even more attractive. For example, you can put a ball or a toy with treats on your balcony when you take your dog out.
• Add a planter containing aromatic herbs that are non-toxic to your dog. Your pet will enjoy smelling and tasting potted basil or mint, for example.

5 – Keep your balcony clean

Your balcony must be and remain clean and healthy. By equipping it with a droppings tray or mat and cleaning it regularly, you’ll avoid unpleasant odors and bacteria. Opt for disposable pads or a mat that can be easily cleaned. You should also clean your balcony frequently. Schedule a thorough cleaning once a month. Remove tiles or artificial turf, then clean the floor with white vinegar and water. Allow to dry thoroughly before repositioning your covering to prevent mildew and dampness.
Now you know how to make your balcony or terrace dog-friendly. You’ve got it: it’s important to make the area safe, choose the right flooring and enrich your dog’s environment. Take good care of your balcony to prevent your dog from getting sick, and avoid leaving him alone on the balcony.