If you’re a big fan of your dog and gardening, you may have wondered about adding dog-safe plants.
Everybody knows our four-legged friends love sniffing the dirt and chewing on leaves. While most common shrubs are edible, some may be dangerous for your pup.
Gardening benefits include boosting mood and immune system, reducing stress, and protecting memory. But to be safe, you must ensure you don’t plant anything that can harm your dog.
We’re going to take you through what you need to know about pet-safe plants.
Limit exposure to plants
Whether you have non-toxic plants or not, you don’t want your dog to dig around them, so keeping your pup away from your foliage is a good idea. There are several things you can do:
- Create lines of demarcation using chicken wire or fencing.
- Hang your houseplants out of reach.
- Teach your dog commands to leave plants and shrubs alone.
- Place any houseplants out of reach on stable shelves.
- Keep your puppy on a leash when outside.
An important point to consider is to avoid invisible fences. They may keep your dog in, but they don’t keep anything else out. Physical barriers work best.
Avoid toxic plants for dogs
Unfortunately, a wide range of houseplants can be dangerous for your animal, especially if your dog puts everything in his mouth and likes to eat what he finds. It’s essential to avoid any poisonous plants or shrubs.
Even if your dog doesn’t chew on leaves or stems, drinking water from a container holding a toxic plant can injure it.
Keep these plants out of reach:
- Chrysanthemum
- Iris
- Daisy
- Hyacinth
- Parsley
- Daffodil
- Morning Glory
- Azalea
- Hydrangea
- Carnation
- Geranium
- Tomato
- Begonia
- Lily of the Valley
- Aloe Vera
- Mint
Grow dog-safe plants
Now that you know what to avoid, look at pet-friendly plants and flowers. Some of these plants are great houseplants, though several also work well as outdoor plants.
In no particular order, here is our carefully selected top 10:
Roses
Benefits: Roses add beauty with their stunning blooms and pleasant fragrance, but they can also improve mental health, as gardening can enhance mood and reduce stress.
Cultivation: Plant roses in well-draining soil and ensure they receive at least six hours of sunlight. Regular pruning and deadheading help promote vigorous growth.
African Violet
Benefits: These lovely houseplants can boost indoor air quality and bring a pop of color to your home.
Cultivation: They thrive in indirect sunlight and prefer to be watered from the base. Keep their leaves dry to prevent spotting.
Zinnia
Benefits: Zinnias attract butterflies, enhance biodiversity in the garden, and add bright colors that uplift the spirit.
Cultivation: They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Deadheading encourages more blooms throughout the growing season.
Snapdragon
Benefits: These flowers can tolerate various conditions and can bloom in cooler temperatures, adding flair to your garden well into the cooler months.
Cultivation: Snapdragons thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil. Water them regularly, particularly during dry spells.
Marigolds
Benefits: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties, helping to protect other plants in your garden from harmful insects.
Cultivation: Plant marigolds in well-drained soil with full sunlight. They are relatively low-maintenance and enjoy moderate watering.
Aster
Benefits: Asters bloom in late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants have faded, and they can attract beneficial pollinators like bees.
Cultivation: They prefer full sun and must have good air circulation. Regular deadheading helps to prolong blooming.
Thyme
Benefits: This culinary herb adds flavor to your dishes while possessing antiseptic properties, which may benefit your dog’s health if ingested in small amounts.
Cultivation: Thyme thrives in poor, well-drained soil and prefers full sunlight. Once established, it’s a drought-tolerant plant.
Daylilies
Benefits: Daylilies are beautiful, easy to care for, and can be eaten safely by dogs, providing a fun treat.
Cultivation: They grow well in various soils and prefer a mix of sun and shade. Watering them once a week is usually adequate.
Hibiscus
Benefits: With its large, vibrant flowers, hibiscus adds a tropical flair and offers potential health benefits, as it is rich in antioxidants.
Cultivation: Hibiscus plants need full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages more blooms.
Sunflowers
Benefits: Sunflowers, with their bright yellow petals and towering stature, are mood boosters. Dogs can enjoy their seeds.
Cultivation: Plant sunflowers in full sun in well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant but should be watered regularly while they’re establishing roots.
Create a healthy environment for dogs and plants
Caring for plants and dogs can be a rewarding experience, and it’s possible with some planning and attention.
Here are some tips to help you manage both:
Choose dog-friendly plants: Start by selecting plants that are non-toxic to dogs, such as roses, marigolds, and sunflowers. This ensures they won’t be harmed even if your pup sniffs or nibbles on them.
Create designated areas: Set up specific zones in your garden for your plants and your dog. Use fencing or chicken wire to protect delicate plants. Raised beds can create barriers and keep your dog out of harm.
Use raised garden beds: Consider cultivating your plants in raised garden beds. This keeps them out of the reach of curious pups and helps you maintain better control over your gardening space.
Train commands: Teach your dog commands like “leave it” or “stay” to discourage them from digging in or chewing on your plants. Positive reinforcement works well to encourage good behavior.
Monitor activity: Watch your dog while it’s outside. Supervision will allow you to intervene if it shows interest in your plants.
Mulching options: Use dog-safe mulch, like cedar or pine. Avoid cocoa mulch, as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Use containers: For indoor plants, hang pots or place them on high shelves to keep them out of reach. Make sure your dog cannot knock over or access the containers.
Watering schedule: Water your plants when your dog is not outside to prevent them from drinking any runoff from toxic plants. Make sure to keep your watering containers clean.
Promote healthy play: Provide your dog with their toys and designated digging areas to help divert their attention from your plants.
Routine grooming: Regularly groom your dog to minimize any dirt or debris it may bring inside. This can affect your home’s cleanliness and your houseplants’ health.
Supervision: Always supervise your dog outside, especially in a newly planted garden, to encourage good behavior and protect your plants.
Keep your dog healthy
While this is a shortlist, they provide a nice variety. See what works best for you, your home, and, most importantly, your four-legged friend.
These dog-safe plants come in various heights and colors, so we hope they provide a starting point for gardening plans.
Tommy Rosenfield is a dog lover, writer, and part-time blogger for homeexpertreviews.com and resumewriterreview.net. He often writes articles and posts on different animals. He has a lovely German Shepherd, which he says inspired him to write his articles. Tommy has featured his puppy in the UK show Crufts.