If you want to ensure your dog is well cared for, there are several important factors to consider. A key aspect is creating a home environment that promotes your dog’s happiness and health. A significant part of this is your garden. In this post, we’ll explore essential considerations to make your garden a safe and suitable space for your dog. Here are some aspects worth looking into.
Size & Space
First of all, you will want to consider the size of the garden and how much space there is. Some breeds of dogs require quite a lot of space to move around in, and for those, you might find it necessary to offer them a bigger garden. This is even truer if you don’t get as many chances as you would like to walk them. So it’s a consideration you will certainly want to think about – is there enough of a garden for your dog to make good use of? And if not, what can you do about it to create more space? Sometimes you can achieve this by removing some elements, including larger plants, from the garden.
Pet-Friendly Plants
You should also ensure that your garden is filled only with pet-friendly plants. Many plants are not so friendly to dogs, and they can be damaging if you are not careful, so it’s important to ensure that you are thinking about filling your garden with plants that won’t harm them if they go near them.
If you go to outdoor stores, you should be able to find plenty of dog-friendly plants. You can then make sure that your garden is filled with those rather than any damaging or harmful ones. That is going to help a great deal with keeping them safe and healthy.
Plants Harmful to Dogs
Some common plants can be harmful if dogs chew or ingest them. Avoid planting these to help keep your garden safe:
- Foxglove – can affect the heart.
- Azalea – toxic, even in small amounts.
- Tulips – bulbs are especially harmful.
- Daffodils – bulbs can cause vomiting and other issues.
- Sago Palm – highly toxic, especially the seeds.
- Rhododendron – can cause vomiting and drooling.
- Oleander – dangerous to the heart and digestive system.
- Autumn Crocus – causes vomiting, and kidney damage.
Dog-Friendly Plants
For a safer garden, consider these dog-friendly plants that are less likely to cause harm:
- Rosemary – safe for dogs and adds fragrance.
- Lavender – gentle scent and non-toxic.
- Snapdragons – vibrant and safe.
- Sunflowers – non-toxic and bright.
- Marigolds – add colour and are dog-safe.
- Camellias – pet-safe and lovely in bloom.
- Magnolias – large blooms that are safe for dogs.
Adding these plants can create a beautiful garden that’s safe for your dog.
Avoiding Dangers
There are all sorts of dangerous elements that can crop up in a garden, and as a dog owner, you need to make sure you are avoiding these as best as you can. Keeping your dog safe is essential, especially to ensure they stay happy and healthy. By taking a few steps to make your garden dog-friendly, you’ll make a huge difference in their well-being.