Dogs can be a gardener’s best friend or their nightmare. A dog’s excitement can get the better of them, with them wanting to get their little noses in everything and tasting your prized vegetables. Dog-friendly gardens can help your frustrations. Here’s how you can create a dog-friendly garden to make it a haven for your furry friends.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Create pathways with hard surfaces
Create paths as an area where your dogs can run around without messing with any of your beautiful flowers. Pavers can create a functional look that is dog-friendly too.
Plant dog-safe flowers
When designing your garden, it’s crucial that you choose your plants carefully, as some plants are toxic for dogs. No gardener wants their pets to chew on any plants, but with dogs and their curious nature you just never know, which is why it’s important to keep toxic plants away from your dogs. A few poisonous flowers include Iris, peony, begonia and even hydrangeas.
Create some shade
Even though your dogs might love to sunbathe, adding shade to your garden is essential if you don’t want them to overheat. Do this by adding trees, bushes, or shrubs, something to create a bit of shade for them to relax under. Doghouses can also be a great way to provide some shade and a safe way to rest up.
Include dog-friendly features
Introduce dog-friendly features that add excitement and interest to your garden. Include a shallow splash pool or a water fountain where your dog can cool off on hot days. Because dogs are curious animals, a digging pit filled with soft sand or even mulch to satisfy their instinct to dig.
Your garden doesn’t need to suffer or become off-limits because you want to have a dog. It just takes a bit of careful planning and structure to ensure both you and your dog are enjoying your garden to its full potential.
ALSO SEE:
Feature image: Pexels
Originally published in Garden&Home Magazine.
