Dogs love to be outside for the same reasons we do---fresh air, sunshine, grass between our toes. But your dog's enthusiasm can get her in trouble---trampling and digging flower beds, chewing dangerous plants or exploring forbidden areas. To design a landscape plan that is safe for---and from---your dog requires that you take her natural instincts into consideration.
Non-Toxic Choices
Avoid any plant that may cause an allergic or toxic reaction in your dog. Many common landscape plants are poisonous to dogs. According to the ASPCA, azaleas, yew, oleander and tulip bulbs are highly toxic to dogs.
Also take into consideration plants that are toxic or allergenic to people---specifically poison ivy. Your dog's fur usually protects her from the volatile oils that cause the itchy, weeping blisters so familiar to gardeners, but they can transmit the oils. Urushiol, the source of all this itching, stays active for months on tools, clothing...and dogs.
Fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides and rodenticides can injure or kill your dog. Do not assume that your dog will "know better" than to ingest poisonous substances. Organic products are not necessarily non-toxic; read and follow label direction carefully and store safely.
Protect Your Plants
The rule about good fences making good neighbors applies to dogs, too. If you really want to protect delicate seedlings, fresh seedbeds and valuable ornamentals, fence them off. Securely.
Mulch your planted areas. Fresh dirt is simply too irresistible for most dogs to ignore. Combine this temptation with a little composted manure and your garden bed is seriously vulnerable. A thick layer of cedar bark or root mulch may offer some protection. Avid diggers---terriers, we're talking about you! ---may see through this sham, requiring the use of supplemental protection.
Repellents may help protect newly planted areas. Choose a non-toxic, repellent spray or invest in a motion-activated, water-squirting scarecrow. Hook this device up to your hose, and it will shoot a short, harmless---but sufficiently startling--burst of water at your digger.
Select the largest plants your budget will allow. In the no-holds-barred battle between dogs and plants, size usually wins.
Physical Safety
For her safety and well being, your dog should be confined on your property. Secure fencing can be designed into your landscape plans to enclose a play area and protect off-limit areas. Underground electric fences work well for many dogs, but there are some breeds---particularly sight hounds like greyhounds---whose instincts are just too powerful. A well-built, suitably high fence is your best option for these lightning fast runners.
Related posts
A dog and his friend.Dog owners, beware. Many commercial-made weed killers use chemicals that can be harmful to your pet, so reading the instructions before applying it, and keeping dogs, kids and...
Weigh the benefits and risks before using cedar mulch near your dog.Pet care experts have conflicting opinions regarding the safety of using cedar mulch in landscaping near pets or as pet bedding....
Safe Floor Cleaners for DogsThe last thing any dog owner wants to learn is that something he did caused harm to a pet. You do everything you can to make sure your dogs' food, toys and environment...
While there are some human medicines that are safe for dogs, there are even more that can cause them harm. This article lists some human medicines that are safe for dogs and some that are unsafe,...
Design a backyard that is both safe and accessible for your dog.The old saying that a dog is man's best friend rings true for many people. Dogs are part of the family and deserve their own special...
