Do you want to have a garden, but are afraid that your dog will destroy it? Fido has many wonderful qualities, but his landscaping talents leave something to be desired. However, you can have the best of both worlds. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA vet offers some helpful tips on gardening with Man’s Best Friend.

Boundaries

Divide your yard into sections, and use borders to separate the different areas. You can make this quite attractive by using things like hedges, container gardens, potted plants or trees, driftwood, or low walls. However, before starting work, watch what your dog does when he’s in the yard. If Fido likes to run back and forth in a certain spot to taunt the neighbor’s cat, incorporate his natural pathway into your design. The point is to work with your pet, not against him.

Ground Cover

Keep your canine pal in mind when choosing ground covers. Mulch, for instance, is very popular, but really isn’t the safest thing for dogs. Fido could choke if he tries to eat it, or get splinters in his paws. Cocoa mulch is especially problematic, as it’s toxic to pets. Thyme, buffalo grass, and pea gravel are all better options.

Distraction

One way to keep Fido out of your flowerbeds is to simply make the rest of the yard more interesting. Offer your pooch a doghouse, and give him a kiddie pool to splash around in. If your pup likes to bury things, get your furry little pirate a sandbox to play in.

Exercise

Make sure your canine buddy has lots of toys, and take time to play with him daily. If you tire Fido out with a fun doggy workout, he may be more interested in sleeping than in digging up your plants.

Choosing Plants

Many popular plants, such as azaleas and Sago palms, are toxic to dogs. Make sure that your yard only contains things that are safe for Fido. You can find a list of safe and unsafe plants online at the ASPCA website here.

Box Gardens

No luck? Try using box gardens. These are actually easier to manage, and can yield a surprising amount of produce. They’re also pretty dog-friendly! Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Is Fido due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Call us, your Savannah, GA vet clinic!