With National Dog Day celebrated on 26th August, local pet lovers are being encouraged to turn their gardens into safe, stimulating spaces for their four-legged friends.
With pet ownership at record highs, balancing beautiful plant displays with animal safety is more important than ever. While gardens offer a great area for pets to play, several common flowers and standard garden products can pose hidden dangers.
Experts have put together a guide on how to keep your outdoor spaces secure and enjoyable for both pets and their owners:
- Choose Pet-Safe Plants: Many garden favourites—including daffodils, tulips, bluebells, lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, and ivy—are toxic to dogs if eaten. Instead, choose non-toxic varieties like lavender, honeysuckle, sunflowers, roses, fuchsias, and nasturtiums, alongside herbs like rosemary and dill. Using raised pots and containers is another simple way to keep plants out of reach of curious paws.
- Create Sensory Areas: Dogs love exploring different textures and scents. Combining paving, soft mulch, stones, and grass gives variety underfoot. Adding ornamental grasses creates gentle rustling sounds, while a pet-safe water feature provides cooling relief on warm summer afternoons.
- Set Up Dedicated Play Zones: Pets are less likely to dig up borders if they have their own area. Equipment like tunnels or a dedicated sandbox filled with soft bark can keep dogs entertained. Always ensure there is plenty of shade and fresh water available.
- Go Chemical-Free: Synthetic slug pellets and chemical pesticides are hazardous to pets. Swap them for eco-friendly alternatives like crushed eggshells to deter slugs, or a spray of mild dish soap and water for aphids. Companion plants like peppermint and sage also naturally keep pests away.
- Check Garden Security: Prevent escapes by checking boundary fencing and ensuring gates are fitted with secure latches. Sturdy gravel boards or paved borders along the bottom of fence lines will help stop dogs that like to dig underneath.
Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “Gardening should be a joy for every member of the household, including the furry ones. By swapping out toxic plants for safe alternatives and opting for chemical-free pest controls, gardeners can create a beautiful, flourishing sanctuary without compromising on their pets’ safety.”
