Dog-Friendly Garden Ideas
Lynne Forbragd, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
Summer in Minnesota is a great time to enjoy your yard with family and friends, and if you have a dog, you may want them to join in the activities. If your yard is unprepared, however, having your dog outdoors could quickly become disastrous. Here are some pet-friendly suggestions to help create a safe outdoor environment for your dog; they could help minimize the risk of a trip to the emergency vet.
Know Your Dog
Researching the behavior characteristics of your dog’s breed is the first step to creating a safe space. Some breeds are hunters, while others like to dig. Some breeds are very active, while others prefer to relax. Unfortunately, almost all dogs like to chew or eat inappropriate objects or plants, and this is where most problems occur.
Training your dog is key to getting the behavior you want in any environment, and your yard should be no different. When introducing a dog to your yard, use training to modify behavior so they learn to stay out of the areas where you don’t want them to roam, dig or chew.
Create Safe Spaces
A fence is one of the most important investments you can make to keep your furry pal safe. It keeps your dog contained while keeping other animals out. If traditional fencing is not possible, dense hedges can also sometimes be effective when used as living barriers, depending on the determination and size of your dog.
Defined spaces for running and playing are also important. While grass is the traditional choice, even hardscape surfaces can provide your dog with hours of safe fun if you incorporate open areas and paths. Make sure to include a shady area where your dog can cool down on hot days; this can be accomplished by planting a few trees or shrubs. A designated potty spot can be created with wood chips, clover, or rock to minimize grass burn and the number of hours you spend with the poop scoop!
Choose Safe Plants
Be intentional when selecting garden plants, as some are toxic to dogs. Common landscape plants that are considered toxic to dogs if ingested include: daffodils, daisies, hyacinth, hydrangea, iris, calla lily, morning glory, rhododendron, tomato plants, lily of the valley, and yew. Using raised planters can help as physical deterrents, but dogs are unpredictable and surprisingly agile when they set their minds to snacking. Educate yourself about the parts of the plant that are toxic and their severity.
While your dog should not be eating anything in your yard, the plants that are generally considered safe if accidentally ingested include: astilbe, bee balm, coreopsis, coneflower, geranium cranesbill, creeping phlox, roses, impatiens, marigolds, nasturtium, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, sunflowers, violas and zinnias. For an extensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, visit these sites:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants and
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/poisonous-plants-for-dogs/
By establishing a safe outdoor space for your furry family members, you will ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty that flowers, trees, and shrubs bring to your yard.