0
0
If you have a dog or other pet, you know that gardening with them can be a challenge. There are several reasons for this: pets can destroy plants, dig in the soil, chew on things that could be poisonous to your pet, and more.
Luckily, there are some tips that you can follow to keep your garden safe for your furry friend as well. The first thing to do is avoid toxic plants and chemicals in your garden. There are a lot of garden-friendly plants that can be harmful to dogs and other pets, so make sure you read the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list before planting anything new in your yard or garden.
Use Dog Toys to Keep Your Pet Engaged in the Garden
Your dog can be your best gardening assistant if you provide them with toys to play with while you work. Give them their favorite toy or throw a ball so that they can have fun while you work in the garden. This will make your job easier and your dog happy.
Discourage Dog Digging
Digging is a natural instinct for dogs, so it’s a good idea to discourage digging by placing rough stones, pointy pinecones, or double-sided tape in the soil around your plants. Using these deterrents can help your pet learn that they’re not allowed to dig in your garden, which will prevent them from harming your prized blooms and other plants.
Train Your Pet Not to Dig
If your dog is digging in the soil, you can encourage them to stay off the ground by reprimanding them for their misdeeds and giving them treats when they obey. If your dog is a puppy, they’ll respond more readily to this type of training than older dogs do, so it’s a good idea for them to be trained early on.
Don’t Let Your Dog Eat Grass
It’s tempting to let your dog romp around in the grass, but a little paw traffic can ruin grass quickly, especially if your pet has a urinating habit. To prevent this, you can either choose a tough grass like Bermuda or tall fescue, which will withstand a bit of puddle-hopping, or you can hardscape by paving the area with bricks, gravel, or other surfaces that won’t absorb dog urine.
Don’t Let Your Dog Drink from the Pond or Water Features
Keeping your garden free of weeds and other insects will not only save you time, but will also keep your pets safe as well. Rather than using chemicals to clear up these pests, try using a natural deterrent such as barley straw or nettles.
Get Rid of Sharp Objects in Your Garden
There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing stray pieces of nails or other sharp objects fall into your garden. These items can pierce your pet’s skin and cause serious problems, so it’s important to check the areas surrounding your plants for these hazards.
If your pet is prone to tearing up delicate garden plants, you can discourage them by growing them in an area that’s too small for them to access, such as hanging baskets or pots. You can also consider putting up a fence to keep them out of the garden altogether, if possible.
