Spring is in full swing, and for many of us it means it’s time to get our ponds ready and soak up some sun.
Whether you’re planning to grow a garden or just create a space for you and your four-legged friends to play, it’s important to consider your dogs when designing your outdoor oasis. When your dog spends as much time outside in the backyard as you do, knowing what to plant, what to avoid, and what materials to use to make the most of your space is imperative. With a few tips and tricks, your yard will be dog-friendly in no time!
Grow some Pawsitively beautiful flowers
If you plan to grow flowers that smell good and look great, you’re in luck! There are several species that are completely non-toxic to your dog, such as zinnias, snapdragons, begonias, and violets. Even roses are non-toxic to dogs and have the added benefit of being unpleasant for your dog to chew. Just be careful when planting flowers that attract pollinators — while butterflies may provide entertainment for your pup, bees can sang curious dogs!
I leaned carefully
While mulch is essential to keeping your lawn moist, be careful of the type you choose! This tutorial shows you the types of dog poop you should avoid. Contains cocoa mulch theobromine;It is toxic to dogs. Dyed sinks are also best avoided, not because the dye itself presents a problem, but the types of wood used can contain toxic substances. Cedar mulch is a common choice, but if your dog likes to dig and chew, maybe skip the mulch altogether.
Pass on peat moss
Like mulch, peat moss is often used by gardeners to help retain moisture and other nutrients for flowers and plants. Unfortunately, while it makes a great food for plants, it is a terrible food for dogs. For the odd kind of dog that can’t resist the taste, wallowing algae can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
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Peat moss is also a skin and eye irritant, so be sure to avoid using it where your dog tends to hang out.
Extra strawberry plant
While some fruits are not good for dogs (such as grapes), strawberries are not a problem and are actually healthy for the dog owner! Of course, too much sugar isn’t great for your pup, so before you let her go wild on strawberry jams, remember that fruit is healthy in moderation, but too much can cause digestive issues. Other safe fruits include oranges, grapes, and bananas. Fruits with pits such as apricots, peaches, and plums only need to have the pits removed as they can be toxic and a choking hazard.
Make room for mint
Peppermint is completely safe for dogs and is a lovely ground cover and a great way to treat that constant dog breath. Moreover, peppermint is a natural flea and insect repellent! Not to mention all the time you could be playing fetch with your dog while sipping on a refreshing mint mojito…just saying. With these benefits, you may not care that you take over your entire backyard. (Hint: Plant it in a container if you don’t want it to spread everywhere.)
Create a dog free zone
While you certainly want your favorite song to be able to lounge outside in the backyard with you, you may want to get a space that is just for your two arms. By creating plant borders that double as dog deterrents, you can make some of your space-only humans. Choose plants such as rue that smells bad to both dogs and cats, or prickly plants to prevent your from entering your zen area.
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Bend the drill
After all the time and energy you spend making your yard a sanctuary, having a dog dig up is a drag. Never fear! It is possible to spray those naturally stained spots with natural products that will help you train your dog to stop digging for good. Commercial products like citronella sprays won’t harm your dog or your yard, but will repel most dogs. There is also a classic chili sauce mixed with water which might do the trick.
Aroma hair mask
When in a perfect world, you would always take your dog for a walk and catch all the poop and not just bundle it up, bake in the sun, and there are times when the backyard is the place to go when it is your dog’s time to go. Some odor neutralizing agents may be just what you need if your yard is starting to smell a little smelly.
Cultivation of a vegetable garden
Vegetables are a great addition to both human and classical diets and can provide essential nutrients. Growing zucchini, greens, or cauliflower will add variety to a dog’s diet and look great in the garden. Just remember, your dog’s digestion works differently than yours, so make sure you cook the vegetables you might give her and avoid eating too much sugar. Some vegetables can cause serious problems, especially for arthritic dogs. Also, avoid giving your dog any part of the avocado! The bark, skin, pit, and fruit are all harmful to dogs.
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Customize the space specifically for your dog
It can be difficult to keep your dog out of your plants, but make sure there is a dog-friendly area for your four-legged friend to run around, dig, play, and lap that won’t flatten your flowers or otherwise ruin your landscape. Sometimes keeping your dog occupied is all you really need to get him off plants. Teach him which areas are suitable for playing and which are only humans, and you can both enjoy your backyard to the fullest.