Tips For A Dog-Friendly Garden

With many of us spending more time at home and with the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to spruce up the garden and finally get round to all those jobs we’ve been putting off. Recent months has led many of us to appreciate what we have around us, whether that’s the great outdoors or the nature in our own back gardens. 

With this in mind, we’ve shared some handy advice to make sure that your garden is dog friendly...

Poisonous plants 

Plants and flowers are amazing for helping us bring our outdoor spaces to life, but did you know that some of the most popular plants can actually be harmful to dogs? Before you start planting, make sure you check out this really handy guide from The Dogs Trust which lists out the plants and flowers which can be poisonous to your dog. 

Training 

For you and your doggo to be able to enjoy your garden, it’s important to set some ground rules. Try having a specific area for your dog toilet, which is well away from where you sunbathe or relax. Dog wee can turn lawns yellow, so try to train your dog not to wee on the lawn, and if they do, be sure to hose down the area afterwards. 

Fences 

Having peace of mind that your dog is safe in the garden is absolutely vital. If you’ve got a particularly adventurous dog then you’ll want to ensure your garden is escape-proof to prevent them from running off on their own little adventures. Make sure you carry out a perimeter check to ensure that your fences and gates are working properly. Check for rot around the garden fence and make sure it’s high enough to stop them jumping over. 

Water 

As the sun continues to shine, many of us are spending more time outside with our dogs. Make sure you have an area with clean drinking water for your dog, which is changed regularly to prevent insects from swarming. 

Garden Chemicals

If you’re getting frustrated at the slugs eating your veggies, or your looking to give your plants a boost, chemicals and fertilizer can be the first port of call, However, many of these chemicals are harmful to your dog so try to use organic, chemical-free fertilizers where possible. 

Compost Bin

If you’ve cot a compost bin in your garden this can be hugely tempting for dogs as its full of food scraps and potentially tasty treats. However, many compost bins contain foods which are harmful to dogs, including grapes, avocados and onions. So make sure you secure your compost bin to make it dog-proof to help prevent them from getting in. 

Hopefully, these tips help you live in garden harmony with your four-legged friend, so you can both enjoy the amazing benefits our outdoor spaces can bring.