Gardening is incredibly popular: the 2023 National Gardening Survey showed that 80 percent of American households were actively gardening in 2022. Given that roughly 45 percent of U.S. homes have dogs, it’s probably safe to say that there’s quite a bit of overlap between people who garden and people with pups. Of course, here in the Lone Star State, we get to enjoy gardening all year round. Fido can be great company as you’re working on your garden. However, you’ll want to put safety first. Read on as a local Allen, TX vet offers some advice on gardening with dogs.
Divide Your Yard Into Sections
There are both pros and cons to gardening with your furry best friend. Fido is always an adorable partner, and will probably keep you smiling. On the down side? He may be a bit too helpful. For instance, your pup may try to help you with digging, or worse, relieve himself on your veggies.
Your best bet? Divide your yard into sections. Let Fido have one part, and set aside another area for gardening. This may actually end up improving your yard’s aesthetics. It’s also something you may want to do if you have a pool, as this would reduce the chances of Fido having an accident and falling in when you aren’t there to supervise him.
Of course, fencing can get pricey. We all know that the costs of everything have skyrocketed lately. If using a regular fence isn’t a good option, you can use deer fencing or poultry fencing. For most dogs, four feet should be high enough. You may need to go a bit higher if Fido is a good jumper.
Here are some other options:
- Shrubs
- Benches
- Logs
- Railroad ties
- Potted plants
- Edging fencing
- Low stone walls (Faux stone is also fine)
You can also design your garden so that you have raised beds along the edges. Plant thick shrubs at the border.
We would suggest observing what your dog does when he is out in the yard. If he tends to run back and forth in a certain area, leave that spot open for him. If you put a garden bed in the middle of Fido’s doggy highway, your plants may not fare too well.
Also, be mindful of the sort of plants you have at your pet’s eye level. You’ll find quite a few plants that are listed as safe, because they aren’t poisonous. However, some have quite sharp branches or thorns that could cause injuries. Roses are one example of this. This is doubly important if you have a pup with bulgy eyes, such as a pug.
What Plants Are Safe For Dogs?
This is the big one. only plant safe things within paws’ reach!
Anything with a bulb should be considered unsafe. That includes garlic, onion, scallions, and chives, as well as flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, and lilies. (Note: lilies are also highly toxic to cats.)
Some toxic plants include the following:
- Oleander
- Amaryllis
- Lily
- Rhododendron
- Tulips
- Daffodil
- Autumn crocus
- Ivy
- Sago palm
- Yew
- Azalea
- Holly
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- Foxglove
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Lily of the Valley
- Mistletoe
- Castor bean
- Aloe
- Bird of paradise
- Dieffenbachia
- Iris
Risks may vary a bit, depending on the dog. One pup may show zero interest in your tulips, while another may want to chew or sample anything and everything around. We suggest erring on the side of caution, and keeping anything unsafe well out of paws’ reach. Or, better yet, just stick with safe options.
Keep Fido Occupied
While all of our canine pals are unique, one thing we can say about all of them is that they are much more likely to get into mischief if they are full of pent-up energy. Tire Fido out with a walk and/or fun play session before you head outside.
How Do I Make My Yard Fun For My Dog?
There’s also a lot to be said for offering some fun distractions to keep your pet out of your garden. Consider putting in a few things for Fido. Fun outdoor toys may very well fit the bill. Many pups will appreciate having a kiddie pool to splash around in. If your furry pal likes to dig, make him a sandbox and bury some toys in it. You can also get outdoor bully sticks for your pup. Of course, a suitable chew stick will also keep your canine pal pretty well occupied.
What Kind Of Ground Cover Is Safe For Dogs?
Keep your furry buddy’s health and safety in mind as you are choosing ground cover. Mulch is of course very popular with gardeners. However, there are a few potential risks for Fido. Your pup could get painful paw splinters by walking on it. Some dogs may even try to chew it. This can be extremely dangerous. Pea gravel is a safer option. You can also opt for clover, which is great because you won’t have to mow it.
Give The Yard A Pupgrade
Add some fun features for your canine pal. Kiddie pools, sandboxes, outdoor play areas … These things can all keep your pet happily occupied and hopefully, out of your flower beds.
Be Cautious With Toxins
Unfortunately, many lawn and garden products are very dangerous to our canine companions. Unless you are sure you are getting non-toxic products, you should consider any of these products to be poisonous to your pooch. That includes things like herbicides, fungicides, and many fertilizers. Always water down areas after applying products such as this, so the chemicals seep into the soil.
Many people choose to make their own plant food, using things like compost and egg shells. That’s fine, but you still have to be careful. If a chicken bone ends up in your compost bin, Fido could dig it up once it gets into the garden.
Slug bait is also very dangerous. Keep a watchful eye out, and look for signs of ingestion. These include:
- Tremors
- Fever
- Seizures
- Panting
- Anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Breathing difficulty
- Respiratory failure
- Unsteady gait
- Mydriasis
- Restlessness
- Collapse
- Colored bait in vomit or stools
- Coma
- Death
- Excessive excitement
- Hypersalivation
- Rigidity
With slug bait ingestion, symptoms appear within three hours of ingestion. At the first sign of any of these symptoms, immediately contact your Allen, TX vet or a pet poison control specialist. Fido will need emergency treatment, but you may be instructed to perform first aid on him first.
What Type Of Fencing Is Best For Dogs?
You’ve heard the saying that good fences make good neighbors? They also help keep your canine buddy protected. If you know or suspect that your pup may be prone to trying to escape, take a few extra measures here. You can bury chicken wire along the fence line, and then weigh it down with rocks, gravel, or flower beds. It’s also not a bad idea to get something snake-resistant.
It’s also worth mentioning that getting your pet fixed can significantly reduce escape attempts in many dogs. Keeping Fido active and occupied will also go a long way here.
No matter what you decide to do or how your yard is set up, make sure that your furry bestie always has shade and fresh water available outside. It’s also important to keep up with your canine buddies’ parasite control products. Bring your pet to our Plano, TX animal clinic regularly!
Make An Appointment At Your Plano, TX Pet Clinic
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Plano, TX pet hospital, today! We are dedicated to providing top-notch care and great service.
