Our gardens are convenient and stimulating spaces for our dogs, but these spaces can be hazardous too. So, to ensure your pooch stays safe, we’ve pulled together our top tips for making your garden the best place for your dog to venture.
1. Avoid Toxic Plants
Spring is here, and more plants are starting to show, which might get you into the green finger mood. However, before you start, you should know which plants are best to avoid for your pooches. These include; chrysanthemum, aconite, buttercup, daffodil, daphne, delphinium, foxglove, hydrangea, oak, tomato, wisteria and yew.
2. Dog Friendly Plants
Now, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many dog friendly plants to choose from. A few examples include; camellias, daisies, roses, sunflowers and lavender. Lavender also has its health benefits for your pooches. For example, diluted lavender oil is sometimes used to combat allergic symptoms in dogs, due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
3. Stop the digging
Our pooches love to dig, but this can be disruptive if this happens in our own gardens. It is advised that strong smells can be the answer for deterring digging, such as dried mustard, dried pepper, bitter orange and coffee ground. Coffee ground has another benefit for the garden, by being a great fertilizer.
4. Make sure everything is secure
There are lots of hazards in the garden. Sheds usually store sharp tools and harmful chemicals, so make sure you keep sheds secure and closed at all times. It is also important to secure your compost bins, as dogs love nothing more than a good sniff around an unusual object. Usually compost bins contain food scraps but some foods such as avocados, grapes, raisins and onions can be harmful for your pooches.
5. Keep your pooch away from snails and slugs
Snails and slugs can be pests in the garden and lungworm can be contracted by our dogs eating infected slugs. However, be careful when using slug/snail pallets or baits, as metaldehyde is a common ingredient, which can be very dangerous to dogs.
Gardens are a great space for your dog to burn off energy and play ball, so do your garden checks but then enjoy getting outdoors in the warmer weather with your pooch.
We would love you to show us your dog’s favourite a place in the garden on the Harringtons Facebook page.
