Summer is not far away! At Animal Hospital of Crested Butte in Crested Butte, Colorado, we understand that many pet owners enjoy gardening while spending time with their dogs. Gardening with dogs can be enjoyable and rewarding, but it takes preparation to keep Fido safe and happy.

Our veterinarians offer advice on safe outdoor activities in and around Gunnison County, from selecting safe plants for dogs to installing secure fencing and creating play areas. Following these tips will make your yard more enjoyable for both you and your canine companion, while also protecting your plants and creating a pet-friendly environment.

Divide Your Yard Into Sections

There are both pros and cons to gardening with your furry best friend. Fido is always an adorable partner, and will probably keep you smiling. On the down side? He may be a bit too helpful. For instance, your pup may try to help you with digging, or worse, relieve himself on your veggies.

What’s your best bet? Break up your yard into sections. Give Fido one part and set aside another for gardening. This may end up improving your property’s appearance. It’s also something you should consider if you have a pool, as it will help keep your pet out of the water. This will lessen the chance that Fido will have a mishap and fall in while you are not around to watch over him.

Of course, fencing can be expensive. We are all aware that the cost of everything has recently skyrocketed. If a regular fence isn’t an option, consider deer or poultry fencing. For the majority of dogs, four feet is sufficient height. You may need to go a little higher if Fido is a good jumper.

Here are some other options:

• Shrubs
  
• Benches
  
• Logs
  
• Railroad ties
  
• Potted plants
  
• Edging fencing
  
• Low stone walls (Faux stone is also fine)
  

You can also plan your garden so that raised beds line the edges. Plant thick shrubs along the border.

We recommend that you observe your dog’s behavior in the yard. If he likes to run back and forth in a specific area, leave that space open for him. Plants may not thrive if you place a garden bed in Fido’s doggy highway!

What Plants Are Safe For Dogs?

This is the big one. You’ll need to be careful to only plant safe things within paws’ reach.

Anything with a bulb should be considered unsafe. That includes garlic, onion, scallions, and chives, as well as flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, and lilies. (Note: lilies are also highly toxic to cats.)

Some toxic plants include the following:

• Oleander
  
• Amaryllis
  
• Lily
  
• Rhododendron
  
• Tulips
  
• Daffodil
  
• Autumn crocus
  
• Ivy
  
• Sago palm
  
• Yew
  
• Azalea
  
• Holly
  
• Chrysanthemum
  
• Cyclamen
  
• Foxglove
  
• Hyacinth
  
• Hydrangea
  
• Lily of the Valley
  
• Mistletoe
  
• Castor bean
  
• Aloe
  
• Bird of paradise
  
• Dieffenbachia
  
• Iris
  

The risks may vary slightly depending on the dog. One puppy may be uninterested in your tulips, whereas another may want to chew or sample everything around them. We recommend erring on the side of caution and keeping anything dangerous out of paws’ reach. Or, better yet, stick to the safe options.

Be Cautious With Toxins

Unfortunately, many lawn and garden products are very dangerous to our canine companions. Unless you are sure you are getting non-toxic products, you should consider any of these products to be poisonous to your pooch. That includes things like herbicides, fungicides, and many fertilizers. Always water down areas after applying products such as this, so the chemicals seep into the soil.

Many people choose to make their own plant food, using things like compost and egg shells. That’s fine, but you still have to be careful. If a chicken bone ends up in your compost bin, Fido could dig it up once it gets into the garden.

Slug bait is also very dangerous. Keep a watchful eye out, and look for signs of ingestion. These include:

• Tremors
  
• Fever
  
• Seizures
  
• Panting
  
• Anxiety
  
• Tachycardia
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Drooling
  
• Breathing difficulty
  
• Respiratory failure
  
• Unsteady gait
  
• Mydriasis
  
• Restlessness
  
• Collapse
  
• Colored bait in vomit or stools
  
• Coma
  
• Death
  
• Excessive excitement
  
• Hypersalivation
  
• Rigidity
  

With slug bait ingestion, symptoms appear within three hours of ingestion. At the first sign of any of these symptoms, contact your vet or a pet poison control specialist. Fido will need emergency treatment, but you may be instructed to perform first aid on him first.

Keep Fido occupied.

While each of our canine companions is unique, one thing we can say about all of them is that they are much more likely to cause mischief when they are full of pent-up energy. Before you go outside, tire Fido out with a walk and/or some fun play.

VPM wrote about gardening with dogs in this article. Penn State also covered the topic here.

FAQs

How Do I Make My Yard Fun For My Dog?

There’s also a lot to be said for offering some fun distractions to keep your pet out of your garden. Consider putting in a few things for Fido. Fun outdoor toys may very well fit the bill. Many pups will appreciate having a kiddie pool to splash around in. If your furry pal likes to dig, make him a sandbox and bury some toys in it. You can also get outdoor bully sticks for your pup. Of course, a suitable chew stick will also keep your canine pal pretty well occupied.

What Kind Of Ground Cover Is Safe For Dogs?

Keep your furry buddy’s health and safety in mind as you are choosing ground cover. Mulch is of course very popular with gardeners. However, there are a few potential risks for Fido. Your pup could get painful paw splinters by walking on it. Some dogs may even try to chew it. This can be extremely dangerous. Pea gravel is a safer option. You can also opt for clover, which is great because you won’t have to mow it.

How Do I Give The Yard A Pupgrade?

Add some fun features for your canine pal. Kiddie pools, sandboxes, outdoor play areas … These things can all keep your pet happily occupied and hopefully, out of your flower beds.

What Type Of Fencing Is Best For Dogs?

You’ve heard the saying that good fences make good neighbors? They also help keep your canine buddy protected. If you know or suspect that your pup may be prone to trying to escape, take a few extra measures here. You can bury chicken wire along the fence line, and then weigh it down with rocks, gravel, or flower beds.

It’s also worth mentioning that getting your pet fixed can significantly reduce escape attempts in many dogs. Keeping Fido active and occupied will also go a long way here.

No matter what you decide to do or how your yard is set up, make sure that your furry bestie always has shade and fresh water available outside. It’s also important to keep up with your canine buddy’s parasite control products. Bring your pet to our animal clinic regularly.

What plants are safe for dogs in my yard?

Safe plants for dogs include pet-friendly herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme, as well as flowers such as marigolds and sunflowers. Avoid lilies, tulips, and other toxic plants.

How can I keep my dog from digging up the garden?

Divide your yard into sections, provide a sandbox, or create a designated digging area to redirect your dog’s energy.

Is mulch safe for dogs?

Some mulches can splinter or be ingested, causing harm. Pea gravel, clover, or safe non-toxic mulch are better alternatives.

How do I protect my dog from lawn chemicals?

Use non-toxic products whenever possible. Water areas after applying fertilizers or herbicides and keep dogs away until safe.

What fencing is recommended for a dog-friendly yard?

Four-foot fencing is often sufficient, but height depends on your dog’s jumping ability. Consider chicken wire buried along the edges to prevent escape.

How do I keep my dog entertained while gardening?

Provide outdoor toys, a kiddie pool, chew sticks, or a sandbox. Tire your dog out before gardening with walks or play sessions.

Make An Appointment At Animal Hospital of Crested Butte

Keep Fido safe and entertained with expert guidance from Animal Hospital of Crested Butte in Crested Butte, CO, serving Gunnison County as well. Our veterinarians provide tips on gardening with dogs, safe plants, and creating a dog-friendly yard.

Schedule a visit today at our pet clinic or animal hospital to ensure your dog enjoys a safe, happy yard.

This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for proper medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet, and follow their professional guidance.

To learn more about our Crested Butte pet clinic, drop by our Service page here for an overview of our animal clinic. You can also learn more about our Wellness and Vaccinations offerings here or our Laser Therapy options here.