Maintaining a yard is enough work as it is. But throwing a dog into the mix can present its own series of challenges. From preventing digging to urine burns and eaten plants, there are so many things to think about. Luckily, following these tips can help you pet-proof your landscaping and therefore, reduce stress and worry about what Fido is up to in the garden.
Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pet-Proof Landscaping
DO Invest in Dog Rocks: This product is a miracle for pet owners with grassy lawns. By putting Dog Rocks in your dog’s water bowl, this product balances your dog’s nitrate levels and reduces urine burn on lawns. Say bye-bye to burn marks and watch your lawn come back to life.
DON’T use pesticides or herbicides: If your dog ingests grass or plants that have been sprayed it could make them very sick. Since we can’t always watch what our dogs are doing, it’s important to make sure if they eat plants they won’t get too sick. Avoid a sad pup and costly vet bill by using natural pest repellents.
DO Research pet-friendly plants. Some plants are toxic to dogs, including both edible crops and decorative flowers. Because dogs cannot tell which plants are good or bad for them, pet owners should research which plants are pet-friendly and which are toxic.
DON’T leave your dog unattended by the pool. Even if they know how to swim, dogs should never be left out by the pool unattended. If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, consider signing up for Pool Safety Class! As a result, your dog will become a confident swimmer and learn to safely enter and exit the pool.
DO Plant flea-resistant plants. Some of these include basil, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint, to name just a few. Choosing insect-repellent plants can help keep fleas off your dog and bugs out of your home.
DON’T leave your garden unfenced. Dogs will find a way. If you want to keep your dog from digging in the garden, the best thing you can do is to fence it. This will also help keep out other wildlife, like deer, bunnies, coyotes, or possums from eating your crops.
DO create clear spaces for your dog. If you want to distinguish between where your dog should or shouldn’t go in the yard, consider making clear spaces by putting in hedges, stone terracing, or fencing. Carve out a clear space for your dog to run, play, and dig without interfering with your horticulture.
DON’T forget to bury your fencing underground. Dogs are notorious diggers. If you’re fencing your yard, dig the fence well beneath the surface to prevent your dog from digging beneath it.
DON’T expect perfection. Dogs will be dogs. While you can take all preventative measures to make them understand the rules of the yard, they still have a tendency to dig or roll around in the mud. If you can make peace with your yard having a little imperfection to it, then you and your dog will be happier for it.
In conclusion, with a little consideration for your dog’s perspective, you can create a yard space that everyone enjoys. Here’s to many enjoyable days spent in your pet-friendly yard!