For dogs, gardens may be fascinating, stimulating environments. Dogs, on the other hand, can cause chaos by digging up plants and urinating on lawns. Some plants are potentially hazardous to dogs, and there are other threats as well, ranging from harmful substances to sharp items. Planting non-toxic plants, creating specific dog spaces, and keeping the garden secure are all things you can do to guarantee you live in peace with your four-legged buddy.
Shutterstock 380327731
Make The Garden Stimulating
Different paths through the garden, such as well marked trails and dedicated play or digging areas, will keep your dog occupied. Plants like salix and decorative grasses bounce and sway, creating amusement, and different textures of the surfaces can be fascinating underfoot.
Plant Robust Plants
Young plants or those with delicate stems might be damaged by boisterous dogs digging them up or running through them. Plant nepeta, astilbe, and hardy geranium, all of which are large, established perennials (avoid Pelargonium species, which can be toxic to dogs and, confusingly, have the common name geranium). Use strong shrubs like viburnum or shrub roses as a backbone.
Avoid Toxic Plants
Many garden plants can be harmful to dogs. Chrysanthemum, aconite, buttercup, daffodil, daphne, delphinium, foxglove, hydrangea, oak, tomato, wisteria, and yew are among the plants. Take your dog to the vet if you detect any concerning signs and suspect he may have consumed a plant fragment. Watch our video about dangerous plants for dogs.
Protect Your Plants and Lawn
Dogs can destroy lawns and borders, so use sand or bark to create a designated area for play or digging. Build trails through your borders or create clearly defined boundaries, such as a low-growing box hedge, to prevent a dog from going over them. Raised beds are also an excellent choice.
Plant Dog-Friendly Plants
Even if you have a dog, you can still have a lovely garden because many plants are harmless to them. Snapdragons, asters, camellias, roses, sunflowers, elaeagnus, centaurea (cornflower), impatiens, and Calendula are just a few of the blooms.
Make Sure Your Garden Is Secure
Some dogs will dig under fences or escape through fence openings, so make sure your perimeter is secure. Dogs may jump surprisingly high, so if you have a medium-sized dog, make sure your fences are at least 6 feet tall. Always keep the gates locked.
Keep Dogs Away From Slugs And Snails
Keep a watch on your dog to ensure it is not eating slugs or snails. Non-organic slug pellets are hazardous to all creatures, so avoid using them. Slugs, snails, and frogs afflicted with lungworm can be eaten. Breathing difficulties, coughing, tiredness, and prolonged bleeding are all symptoms.
Keep Your Shed Secure
Sheds can hold hazardous chemicals and dangerous tools, so keep them locked up at all times.
Avoid Chemicals
If your dog eats a slug or snail, avoid using chemicals like non-organic slug pellets, which could be dangerous. Learn how to get rid of slugs and snails the natural way. Additives should not be added to water features or ponds since dogs will be enticed to drink from them.
Avoid Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch
This by-product of the chocolate industry, like chocolate, may be dangerous if eaten — yet the chocolatey fragrance is appealing. Use bark chippings as an alternative mulch.
Secure Your Compost Bin
Dogs may be attracted to compost bins containing food waste, and the contents may be harmful to them. Avocados, grapes, raisins, and onions are all potentially dangerous foods, so be sure they don’t end up in your trash.
Dog Pee On Lawns
Yellow patches can form when people pee on their lawns. Train your dog not to pee on the grass, and then hose down the area. Learn more about the effects of dog pee on lawns.
Train Them Early
The earlier you begin dog training, the better. Old dogs can learn new tricks, but if you have a puppy, you should start teaching it as soon as you get it home. Let it know what portions of the garden are off bounds right immediately. Also, don’t assume pups are incapable of learning. Basic commands can be learned by puppies as young as six weeks old.
Stay With Your Dog
Don’t just shove your dog out the back door while you’re at work if you want a pristine grass or garden. Dogs demand exercise and are quickly bored. When left alone, they will find methods to entertain themselves, which may include digging up your plants or ripping out your sod.
