Everyone loves gardens, especially dogs. However, garden spaces are a rare luxury in an ever-expanding concrete world. So if you have one, it is only natural to want it into your private retreat.
Does that mean your dog is excluded from this space? No! You can have both a gorgeous, enviably green garden and pets.
If you’re looking to turn your garden into a dog-friendly space, then we’ve got just the list of ideas. Our tips will help you use your space efficiently and also ensure your dog is comfortable and safe.
Let’s take a look at these dog-friendly gardening tips.
Make Sure Plants Are Safe for Dogs
Many people walk into plant nurseries and pick everything green or flowering in sight. After all, gardens can only be relaxing and beneficial if they’re sprinkled with lovely blooms and shrubs or trees. However, if you have dogs, you must know whether the plants you’re bringing home are safe for your pet.
Dogs are curious creatures, and it isn’t practical to believe you can stop them from sniffing or, worse, eating plants in your garden. Not sure what plants are unsafe for dogs? Here’s a list of toxic plants to keep out of your garden.
Too much? Then perhaps it’s best to learn about dog-friendly garden plants.
Select Sturdy Plants as Barriers
Not a fan of the rustic or naturally landscaped look filled with trees and dense bushes? Prefer manicured lawns, gorgeous pathways, and delicate blooms instead? Then it is only normal to wonder, Can you have a nice garden and a dog?
Absolutely!
All you need to do is secure these areas with something your dog can’t harm, even if it tries to. Use trimmed bushes to create an au naturel barrier, so to speak.
Plants native to your region will be sturdier, need less maintenance, and have plenty of green.
ALSO READ: Dog Obedience Training Tips
Create a Dog-friendly Dipping Pool
Does your dog love a good splash or a leisurely swim?
If your dog loves water, then you could consider adding a pool to your garden.
Having a pool is a great way for your dog to get some exercise and relax on a hot day. Loving the idea? But first, ensure that the pool you consider is safe for your dog. Try to make the pool’s surface, ladder, and liner safe for your dog to use.
Include Shady Spaces
Can your dog tolerate hot temperatures well?
Irrespective of what breed your pet is, playing in the sun for long isn’t a good idea. Why? It’s simple. Like humans, dogs can dehydrate quickly. And they’re prone to heat strokes as well. Creating shaded spaces in your garden is a great way to avoid overexposure. You can do this by planting trees around the garden or placing an awning over a part of the garden.
Use Comfortable Materials
Grass is a great material for a lawn. However, it is prone to yellowing and requires a lot of upkeep, not to mention high water consumption. For pet owners, it can get expensive, not to mention frustrating to maintain a lawn, if their dogs love digging. And let’s face it. No one enjoys a yard with several bald patches.
So if you’re not keen on grass, consider dog-friendly garden material. Synthetic lawns, asphalt, or gravel hold heat, for instance. Having these in your garden will burn your pet’s paws on a peak summer afternoon.
Put some thought into the surface covers as your dog will be running around on its bare paws. Mulch in gardening beds is a better alternative to gravel. Pavers are an excellent way to keep your dog’s nails naturally trimmed.
Still wondering, What can I use instead of grass for my dog?
Dog-friendly artificial grass, of course! It stays green and doesn’t get hot like synthetic grass. It also feels natural.
Try Container Gardening and Raised Beds
Container gardening can be a great solution to your question, How do I make my garden dog-friendly? They’re also a great option if you don’t have time to maintain a full lawn or intend to use a roof as your garden space.
Growing your plants or vegetables in containers or raised beds will limit your dog’s access. You can go a step further and put a chicken wire fence around the raised beds if your dog is persistent.
Another option is to place plants in hanging baskets or stack pots on shelves.
Ready to start a vegetable garden? Want to know what vegetables are safe to grow around dogs? Here’s a list of vegetables you can safely plant around your dogs.
Designate a Play Area for Your Dog
If you firmly believe that gardens and dog play spaces must be separate, then we have the perfect suggestions for you. Start by examining your garden space and designating areas for play and those that are off-limits to your dog. Teach your dog to avoid entering this area or place barriers to dissuade your pet.
Make the area designated for your dog a fun space with a splash pool, a sandbox for digging, or an open space for running, rolling, and fetch games. You could even consider a mini-obstacle course if you have a dog breed that requires mental stimulation.
Put Up Sturdy Fences
Fences are essential if you have pets. Not only does it stop them from running into the street, but it also keeps your pets safe from unsavory characters. You’ll also have fewer squabbles with your neighbors should your dog prefer their yard to yours. Having a fence also means you can leave your pet outside, unsupervised, for short durations. Like when you have an important meeting but your dog is feeling particularly vocal or hyperactive.
When installing fences, though, ensure that they are sturdy so your dog can’t chew or push them down. You should make them high enough so that your dog can’t jump over them either. Should you not find a fence appealing, create an esthetic barrier by placing plants in front of the fence.
ALSO READ: What are the health Benefits of walking after dinner
Final Thoughts
See how simple that was? Whether you’re a pet parent to be or already have a pet, with just a little design help and plant and material selection advice, you too can have a beautiful garden that you can share with your dog.
We hope our dog-friendly gardening tips have given you fun, exciting ideas on how to revamp your garden to make it pet inclusive! Don’t forget to drop by and share pictures of your lovely new garden!
