Gardens can be wonderful, stimulating spaces for dogs. But dogs can potentially cause havoc, too, digging up plants and urinating on lawns.
Gardens also contain hazards – some plants are potentially toxic to dogs and there are other dangers too, from harmful chemicals to sharp objects.
There are lots of things you can do to ensure you live in harmony with your four-legged friend, including planting non-toxic plants, creating dedicated dog areas and keeping the garden secure.
Here are our 12 tips for a dog-friendly garden.
Creating different routes through the garden, such as clearly defined paths and designated play or digging areas will keep your dog stimulated. Differing textures of the surfaces can be stimulating underfoot, and plants such as salix and ornamental grasses dance and sway, providing entertainment.
Boisterous dogs can damage young plants, or those with delicate stems, either by digging them up or running through them. Plant large, established perennials and choose robust plants such asnepeta, astilbe and hardy geranium. Use a good backbone of sturdy shrubs such as viburnum or shrubroses. Robust lavender is ideal at the front of a border.
Many garden plants are potentially toxic to dogs. They include chrysanthemum, aconite, buttercup, daffodil, daphne, delphinium, foxglove, hydrangea, oak, tomato, wisteria and yew. If you notice any worrying symptoms and think your dog may have ingested part of a plant, take your pet to the vet. Watch our video on plants that are toxic to dogs.
Dogs can ruin lawns and borders so create a designated area for play or digging, using sand or bark.To prevent a dog running through your borders, you could create paths through them, or create clearly defined boundaries, such as a low-growing box hedge.Raised beds are a great option, too.
Plant dog-friendly plants
You can still have a beautiful garden if you have a dog – many plants pose no threat to dogs. They include snapdragons, Michaelmas daisies, camellias, honeysuckle, lavender, rose, sunflowers, elaeagnus, centaurea (cornflower), impatiens and calendula.
Some dogs will dig under fences, or escape through holes in fences, so make sure your borders are secure at the base. Dogs can jump surprisingly high, so make sure your fences are at least 6ft high if you have a medium-sized dog. Keep gates secure at all times.
Keep an eye on your dog and make sure that it doesn't eat slugs or snails. Avoid using non-organic slug pellets, as these are toxic to all wildlife. Lungworm can be contracted by eating infected slugs, snails or frogs. Signs include difficulty breathing, coughing, lethargy and bleeding for longer than normal.
Sheds can contain harmful chemicals and sharp tools – make sure they are kept securely closed at all times.
Avoid using chemicals such as non-organic slug pellets, which could be harmful if your dog eats a slug or snail. Discover how to deal with slugs and snails organically. And do not add additives to water features or ponds, as dogs will be tempted to drink from them.
Like chocolate, this by-product of the chocolate industry can be harmful if eaten – and the chocolatey smell is tempting. Use an alternative mulch such as bark chippings.
Compost bins containing food scraps can potentially be attractive to dogs, and may contain contents that can harm them. Some foods, such as avocadoes, grapes, raisins and onions can be harmful, so make sure that they can't get into your bin.
Weeing on lawns can create yellow patches. Train your dog not to wee on the lawn, or hose down the area afterwards. Discover more about dog urine on lawns.
http://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/plant-inspiration/12-tips-for-a-dog-friendly-garden/
Excellent shed at a fantastic price easy to assemble delivered on time. Would highly recommend
We bought a shed from ShedsFirst, it was easy to find the right size from the range on their website and the ordering process was simple. The shed arrived on time and was well packaged to prevent damage. The quality of the wood is really good. The only area that we cannot wholeheartedly praise is that the assembly instructions could have been clearer. But on the whole, we definitely recommend them.<br />
Great communication at all stages of order, delivered on time and high quality shed which was easy to install, would highly recommend, we are very happy with our purchase.
ShedsFirst is a best company. I have ever used. Customer service were brilliant and quick to respond. Top quality product for a great price. I am grateful to them.
