As the UK’s summer continues to heat up and we spend more time at home with our four-legged pals, charity Dogs Trust revealed tips on how to make sure your garden is dog-friendly.
According to the charity, all plants could cause your dog issues if they eat a lot, so they advise to always keep an eye on your dog in the garden.
With a bit of training, a dog can make a wonderful gardening companion!
Toxic Plants
If your dog is a curious canine and wants to sink their teeth into every blade of grass and plant then it is important to find out which plants are toxic to them.
Some plants commonly found in gardens are particularly toxic to dogs. Dogs Trust advises to avoid planting them or to make sure your dog stays away. Simply brushing past some of these plants and their pollen, could be harmful.
These include chrysanthemums, daffodil bulbs, Larkspur, foxgloves, hydrangea, acorns, tomato plants, wisteria and yew. For more toxic plants (and other poisonous household substances) click here. Other popular plants that could be harmful include daffodils (bulbs) and tulips.
If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is important to speak to your vet right away. Signs of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritations, depending on the plant and how much has been eaten.
It’s a good idea to check your dog’s coat, skin and ears regularly to look for redness and irritation. This can help you tell if they’re sensitive or allergic to any plants.
Dog friendly plants
Fortunately, there are some dog-friendly plants out there. So if you have a dog and have been hesitant to take up gardening as a hobby then worry not as plants like lavender, rosemary, calendula, dill and fennel are a much lower risk for dogs. It is important to note that too much of any plant can cause issues for your dog.
Dogs Trust also offered more tips on how to make sure your garden is safe for your dog.
- Features that offer different heights can give dogs vantage points to enjoy. Railway sleepers, steps and small benches can all be used to create versatility.
- Include a variety of textures in your garden for extra sensory stimulation – this could be non-toxic sand, grass, wood chippings or gravel, all of which provide interesting places to hide dog toys and treats and for your dog to explore.
- If your dog loves to dig to uncover things, create a fun area for your dog to show off their digging prowess and praise them for using this spot
- Shallow water features make for another playful environment whilst also providing a cooling off spot on hot summer days but make sure you supervise them
- Designate a quiet retreat or spot in which to shelter and use at their leisure can help your dog to feel safe.
- Have fun with your dog in the garden – exercise, train and play with your dog to keep them entertained. Interactive toys can keep your dog occupied but it is important to play with your dog daily.
- Include a whole variety of different plants including herbs to ensure your dog experiences lots of different smells. Make sure you plant at different heights and positions to create channels for wind to circulate around in different ways too.
great Vid