Like most pet owners, I adore my dogs. Having a dog friendly garden is essential, allowing my furry friends to explore while I enjoy a moment of relaxation with a cup of coffee. While they play and frolic in the grass, it’s crucial to create a safe environment for them. The last thing I want is for them to fall ill or incur hefty vet bills. Since dogs can’t understand garden safety like we do, it’s important for me to choose the right plants for my garden.
Dog Friendly Plants
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, always eager to explore their surroundings. However, their curiosity can get them into trouble when it comes to plants. To ensure my dogs’ safety, I fill my garden with non-toxic plants. Fortunately, there are numerous dog-friendly perennials to choose from. Some of my favorites include the vibrant coreopsis (tickseed), coral bells (heuchera), phlox, and red hot pokers (kniphofia). These beautiful plants not only add color to my garden but also keep my dogs safe. Larger plants like rose of sharon (hibiscus) and pampas grass (cortaderia selloana) provide much-needed shade during hot summer months.
You're reading: Creating a Safe and Stunning Dog Friendly Garden
Even though my dogs aren’t inclined to eat harmful foliage, I still prefer to include pet-friendly plants in my garden. Adding safe plants eliminates any worry and opens up a world of possibilities for new additions. Robust perennials like astilbe and nepeta are excellent choices, able to withstand the occasional enthusiastic dog wandering through the garden beds.
Read more : Snapdragons and Cats: A Perfectly Safe Combination
Roses are another safe and stunning addition to my garden. Their attractive blooms provide beauty and color while keeping my dogs at a safe distance.
Small fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are also safe for dogs, as long as they are consumed in moderation and grown without the use of harmful fertilizers. This means I can still enjoy planting my favorite summer fruits without worry.
With so many dog-friendly plant options available, it’s easy to create a beautiful and safe garden for our furry friends. Whenever I add new plants, I make sure to protect them with chicken wire until they are established, preventing any potential damage caused by my dogs’ playful antics.
Plants to Avoid in Your Dog Friendly Garden
While there are plenty of safe plants for dogs, it’s important to be aware of the poisonous ones. Some common perennials to watch out for include hosta, dicentra (bleeding heart), clematis, iris, wisteria, and allium. These plants can be harmful to dogs if ingested. A particularly dangerous perennial is acontium (monkshood), also known as wolfsbane. However, this is just a shortlist, and it’s best to consult the ASPCA for a more comprehensive list of harmful plants. Keep in mind that certain varieties may be safe in specific circumstances, such as if they are planted in areas where your dog doesn’t have access.
Keeping Your Dogs Out of the Garden
Read more : Pet-Proof Your Garden: The Top 10 Plants to Avoid
To discourage dogs from entering the garden beds, it’s useful to create solid paving paths or use cement instead of soft ground materials like cedar chips or pea gravel. Planting larger plants strategically can also limit your dogs’ access to the garden beds. If there are areas you want to keep your dogs away from, create a sturdy fenced section while providing them with a designated area where they can freely play and burn off energy. This way, they’ll be less likely to cause trouble both inside and outside the house.
Walks in the Neighbourhood
When taking my dogs for a walk, I make sure to keep them on a leash and prevent them from exploring the neighbors’ gardens. Not only is it safer for my dogs, but it’s also respectful towards my neighbors. In addition, using chemicals or fertilizers in other people’s gardens could pose a risk to our pets. While my dogs love to run and play off-leash, I reserve that activity for either my securely fenced backyard or the local dog park.
Conclusion
As pet owners, we understand the importance of ensuring our dogs’ safety. By creating a dog friendly garden, we can provide a secure yet beautiful outdoor space for our four-legged family members. It’s crucial to choose the right plants and take precautions to keep our dogs away from potentially harmful foliage. With careful planning and consideration, we can enjoy a stunning garden that brings joy to everyone in the family.
For a comprehensive list of plants safe for dogs, refer to the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Remember that some dogs may have individual sensitivities, so always monitor their interactions with new additions to your garden. If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or the local emergency veterinary hospital for guidance.
Plants Safe for Dogs
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Safe Plants
