Like most pet owners, I have an immense love for my dogs. Creating a safe space for them to explore and play is of utmost importance to me. Having a dog-friendly garden allows me to let my furry friends out in the morning while I enjoy a cup of coffee, knowing they are in a secure environment. While they sniff around or roll in the grass, I want to ensure that the plants in my garden are safe for them. The emotional pain of seeing a pet fall sick is heart-wrenching, not to mention the hefty vet bills that can quickly accumulate. Since our pets cannot learn about garden safety like we can, it is crucial for me to be aware of the plants I choose for my garden.
Dog-Friendly Plants to Explore
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they learn about their surroundings through scent. However, this can sometimes lead them to trouble when it comes to plants. While I cannot control what is planted in my neighborhood, I can definitely ensure that my own outdoor space is safe for my pups to roam free. I always make sure to include non-toxic plants in my garden, and fortunately, there are plenty of perennial options to choose from. Some of my personal favorites include coreopsis (tickseed), coral bells (heuchera), phlox, and kniphofia (red hot pokers). These beautiful varieties have added vibrant colors to my garden. Additionally, larger plants like rose of sharon (hibiscus) and tall grasses like pampas grass (cortaderia selloana) provide much-needed shade for my dogs during hot summers.
Even though my dogs are not inclined to ingest harmful foliage, I still prefer to have pet-friendly plants in my garden for added peace of mind. Incorporating safe plants in my garden eliminates any worries and opens up a whole new world of possibilities for plant selection. Robust perennials such as astilbe and nepeta are excellent choices because they are sturdy enough to withstand dogs walking through the garden beds. Even with a fully planted garden, it’s hard to keep my young dogs from occasionally wandering into the beds!
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Roses are another fantastic option for a dog-friendly garden. Not only do they offer attractive and fragrant blooms, but their thorny bushes also act as a deterrent to keep dogs away.
Small fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are safe for dogs as long as they are consumed in moderation and grown without the use of harmful chemicals. Luckily, I can still enjoy planting my favorite summer fruits without worry.
With a wide variety of safe plants available, it is easy to create a beautiful garden that is also safe for our inquisitive and playful dogs. When introducing new dog-friendly plants to my garden, I like to protect them by placing chicken wire around them. This prevents my dogs from trampling over them and allows the new plants to establish themselves without constant supervision.
Plants to Avoid in a Dog-Friendly Garden
While there are countless safe and wonderful dog-friendly plant options, it is essential to be aware of potentially harmful plants. Some common perennials that are poisonous to dogs include hosta, dicentra (bleeding heart), clematis, iris, wisteria, and allium. A particularly dangerous perennial to note is acontium (monkshood), also known as wolfsbane. However, this is just a short list, and a more comprehensive one can be found on the ASPCA’s website. It’s always a good idea to observe your pet’s interactions with different plants in your garden. For instance, if there are plants your dog never goes near or if they are inaccessible in containers, keeping them in your garden might be okay. Nevertheless, it’s wise to research and ensure that the plants you choose are safe for your furry friend.
Keeping Your Dogs Away from the Garden
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There are several effective methods to prevent dogs from entering your garden. Dogs tend to follow paths, so utilizing solid paving stones or cement paths in your backyard is preferable to softer ground materials like cedar chips or pea gravel, which can encourage digging. Planting larger vegetation in the garden also limits dogs’ access to the beds and the space they have to roam around the plants. If there are specific areas of your yard that you wish to keep off-limits to your dogs, make sure those areas are securely fenced off, and create a separate designated space where your dogs can play. Providing them with their own area allows them to release energy and reduces the likelihood of them getting into trouble both indoors and outdoors.
Neighborhood Walks and Safety
When taking my dogs for a walk, I always keep them on a leash and pay attention to their behavior around plants. As a general rule, I avoid letting my dogs venture into my neighbors’ bushes and gardens. This not only keeps my dogs safe but also shows respect for others’ property. Additionally, you never know what chemicals or fertilizers may be present in other people’s gardens or lawns. While my dogs love to run and play off-leash, I reserve that activity for either my securely fenced outdoor space or the local dog park.
Many dogs have an innate ability to avoid toxic plants that could make them ill. However, it is always important to keep a watchful eye on their interactions with new plants in your garden. If you have dogs in your life, you understand the importance of keeping them safe. By creating a safe and beautiful garden, you can provide a space for your entire family, including your four-legged members, to enjoy. For a comprehensive list of plants, you can visit the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs. Remember that while certain varieties are not listed as toxic, your dogs may have sensitivities to specific plants. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary hospital for guidance on what to do.
Conclusion
Creating a dog-friendly garden is a wonderful way to ensure the safety and happiness of our beloved pets. By selecting non-toxic plants and employing a few precautions, we can have a thriving garden that both humans and dogs can enjoy. Let’s continue to cherish our furry friends and create inviting outdoor spaces where they can explore, play, and simply be dogs.
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Category: Snake Plant
