Tips to create a pet-friendly garden

It’s nice to spend more time in the garden with your four-legged friends. However, it is essential to ensure that your garden is safe for pets.

We share some tips to create a pet-friendly garden:

Avoid poisonous plants

Some common garden plants are toxic to pets, so it’s best to avoid having them in your garden. These include:

• Daffodils
• Crocuses
• Tulips
• Azaleas
• Laburnum
• Lilies
• Lily of the valley

Pathways

Stone and gravel paths can hurt your pet’s feet and get stuck between their paws. Paved paths are usually a better option and will help to keep their nails nice and short by naturally wearing them down. Some dogs might also pick up stones and accidentally swallow them.

Pest control

Slugs and snails can be the bane of a gardener’s life, but before reaching for the chemicals, remember that pesticides are extremely toxic to pets and other wildlife that may pass through your garden.

Hedgehogs and birds will eat slugs, snails and insect. Attract birds with a feeder and encourage hedgehogs to visit by creating places for them to sleep and safe routes in and out of your garden.

Secure fence

A secure fence can keep your pet safe in the garden and prevent them from escaping. Make sure the fence is in good condition as pets may be able to squeeze through gaps or holes to escape. It’s also important to ensure that your fence is high enough to stop pets from jumping over it. A high fence will also help keep out predators such as foxes and keep smaller pets safe.

Lawns

A large lawn gives you plenty of space to play games with your dog or a large run for your rabbit. A game of fetch with your dog will help to keep them in shape and prevent stress or boredom. Your dog will, however, still need one or two daily walks depending on their breed and size.

Ponds

Ponds can be a great way of attracting wildlife to your garden but can sometimes be a hazard for curious pets. Be sure to fence the pond off to keep pets out.

Shade

If your pet spends a lot of time outside, make sure there are plenty of shaded areas for sunny days. Trees and large scrubs create great shade, but you can also set up shelters or drape sheets over the end of an exercise run for smaller pets.

Shelter

If your pet is mostly outdoors, make sure they have sufficient shelter from rain or wind should the weather turn.

Different textures for sensory stimulation

Sensory stimulation in the garden can bring pets much enjoyment. Including things like a range of grasses to roll around in, different types of paths to walk on, plants you don’t mind them sniffing and shallow water features to splash in. This will keep them occupied for hours. Just be careful to avoid sharp edges and surfaces that could cause injuries.

If you suspect or are worried that you pet may have swallowed or ingested something poisonous or not meant for them, contact your vet right away.