Introduction
Hi! Welcome to the first of my Botanical Tails (see what I did there?) posts, dedicated to helping all you fabulous pet parents look after your fur babies whilst also having an amazing garden.
Your garden is not just a source of beauty and peace for you, but also an area of curiosity and exploration for your dogs. Unfortunately, several common plants can be deadly to dogs if ingested. As pet parents, we must ensure that our gardens are safe havens for our furry family.
A Caveat!
It is always worrying when reading about safety. But try not to stress too much!
Firstly, my aim is to give you a little bit of knowledge about plants that could cause harm to your dogs. Therefore, I am not advising you either way. Ultimately it is your decision what you do or don’t put in your garden.
Secondly, before you start running into your gardens pulling up your plants with wilful abandon, a lot of these plants are only deadly if consumed in large quantities. Some of the plants I talk about here, I have in my own garden and will continue to do so. But I also have two dogs that DON’T eat my plants.
Thirdly, if you are unsure, do some research yourself. So, according to the Kennel Club Uk “There are many different plants commonly found in gardens that can make your dog ill. Some are highly poisonous, whilst others may only cause a mild stomach upset.” However, if you want to find out more information you can go to the Kennel Club website here:
You can also get advice and guidance from the Vets Poison Information Service here:
Are your fur babies also plant munchers?
So, I’m relatively lucky, in that my ‘unhelpers’ tend to only eat grass. Although, when I first moved into my house I found them eating that weed that sticks to your clothes. Then panicking slightly, I quickly googled and found that ‘sticky weed’ (apt name) is good for dogs! (Phew). However, I’m not lucky in other ways, as Trooper is an escape artist and regularly attempts to dig his way out of my garden. Moreover, Storm is completely oblivious to the very clear(!) boundaries of my flower beds and bounds his way through my plants like they are a summer meadow🙄!
They have their own Instagram account, so if you would like to follow them then click here.
But, if you do have a dog who has a tendency to eat their way through your garden, then there are some plants you need to be aware of and, in some cases avoid. And as a result, it is important to tailor your garden needs for to your pet. Personally, I think if you have a muncher, better safe than sorry and remove potentially toxic plants. If you have dogs like mine, you’re probably safe to have some toxic plants (but still keep an eye 👀on them)
So to illustrate the nasty plants, I have created a nice little presentation for you below (I know – I was impressed with myself too). Read on to find out more.
Fur babies – to eat or not to eat, that is the question!
Safe Alternatives – Dog friendly plants for a safe but beautiful garden
However, there’s no need to fret about finding dog-friendly options to spruce up your garden. Many wonderful plants coexist peacefully with our canine companions, adding beauty to your outdoor spaces while posing no threat to their health.
Firstly, consider adding a touch of blue with creeping rosemary. Not only is it a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions, it is also safe for dogs.
Furthermore, house plants such as, Boston ferns and spider plants (modelled expertly by Storm and Trooper) are excellent choices. This is because they contribute texture and vibrancy to your home and garden without posing any risk to your pets.
And then if you’re looking to add a dash of color, sunflowers 🌻, violets, and snapdragons are beautiful, non-toxic flowers that dogs can safely be around. These flowers not only brighten up your garden but can also serve as a fun, stimulating environment for your dogs to explore.
Lastly, in terms of fruit-bearing plants, there are also safe choices to consider. Lovely blueberries 🫐and strawberries 🍓are safe options that you can grow in your garden. Not only are these fruits non-toxic to dogs, but they also offer great snacking options for both you and your pet. Another excellent option is the fig tree, which can provide delicious fruits without posing any threat to your fur baby.
Remember, the goal is to create a garden that both you and your pooch can enjoy. Therefore, by opting for these dog-friendly plants, you can ensure a vibrant, lively garden that poses no risk to your beloved pet.
Creating a Dog-Safe Garden – Tips and Precautions
In addition to selecting pet-friendly plants, there are a few other things to think about when establishing a safe garden environment for your dog.
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- Regularly clear any dropped foliage, seeds, or fruits from your garden that could potentially harm your pet. While enjoying time in the garden with your dog, keep a close watch on their activities to prevent any accidental ingestion of toxic plants.
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- Obviously, training your dog to refrain from chewing on plants can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisonings. In fact, one of the first commands I taught my dogs was ‘leave it’! Remember, every dog is unique – what one dog may ignore, another may find tempting.
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- I garden organically but you may have a different view. Either way, consider the products you use in your garden. Opt for fertilisers and pesticides labeled as safe for pets to eliminate the risk of harmful chemical exposure.
Finally, bear in mind that while some plants are generally safe for dogs, individual pets may have specific allergies or sensitivities. Always observe your pet’s behaviour around new plants and consult your vet if you notice any adverse reactions.
In essence, creating a dog-friendly garden isn’t solely about plant selection – it’s about cultivating a safe and enjoyable environment for your pet.
Lastly, I hope this post has given you a little bit more knowledge about potentially toxic plants and through that you can you can enjoy the peace of mind that your garden is a secure playground for your fur baby.
JT x
