The warmer weather provides ample opportunity to spend afternoons and evenings outside in the garden, and you might not be the only one wanting to make the most of the mild conditions. Dogs love to get outside at any time of year, but summer makes for a particularly ideal environment to spend hours running around in the garden. Although you should be careful about letting your pooch out between certain hours on particularly warm days, it’s also important to make sure your garden is safe for them.
Protecting flowerbeds from being dug up, and avoiding any toxic plants, are both important to the safety of your garden and furry companions. Dogs have a knack for sniffing things out and getting up to no good, so while there’s plenty of methods to stop them from digging up soil and ruining your garden, that doesn’t mean they won’t have a go at making their way through flowers or plants. Even the best-trained dog can get curious, so it’s always safer to keep plants that won’t cause them any harm on their adventures around the garden.
Being able to relax in your garden without having to keep an eye on your pooch is made easier knowing there’s no plants that can do them any harm, and an expert has revealed the best plants to grow for a dog-friendly garden.
Qualified pet nutritionist at Pure Pet Food Emma Passman has revealed the pet-safe plants for flowerbeds. However, as with anything, consuming these plants in large amounts could still upset your dog’s stomach, so it’s best to keep an eye on them.
The expert said: “Several common plants, such as daffodils and foxgloves, can be toxic if ingested. As such, if you’re gardening this summer, it’s important to choose non-toxic greenery and stay informed about which plants could pose a risk.”
Five dog-friendly plants to grow in garden
Marigolds
A popular addition to summer gardens, marigolds thrive in sunny spots, adding a vibrant splash of yellow or orange to gardens. They’re also a natural pest repellent, helping protect nearby plants without the need for any harsh chemicals, and are also considered pet-friendly.
Snapdragons
Available in pastel pinks and deep reds, snapdragons not only attract bees and butterflies into gardens, they also add depth and protection to borders, reaching up to three feet. Acting as a protective barrier in flower beds, you can rest assured that your dog is safe while roaming around the garden.
Spider Plants
Making for a hardy houseplant, despite often being kept indoors, spider plants can also be added outdoors to gardens. Non-toxic for dogs, they’re also incredibly low-maintenance, and can simply be kept in pots on patios for a touch of greenery.
Camellias
A non-toxic shrub, camellias are a sophisticated addition to any garden. The winter-flowering variety can be particularly valuable in cooler months for an outdoor space that looks great all year round, and it’s a great option even for beginner gardeners.
Roses
A classic flower seen in many gardens, despite their thorny reputation which can harm humans, they’re surprisingly safe for dogs. Coming in a variety of colours, they can quickly add charm to a garden while keeping your pooch safe.