Tips To Keep Your Yard Pet-Friendly

Creating a beautiful yard can be relaxing for many. But in the process of doing so, you have to be sure that you’re not potentially creating an area that is unsafe for Fido. To help make sure your yard is dog-friendly, here are some tips to follow. 

Toxic Plants to Avoid 

Planting can be very therapeutic. But when planting, you need to be sure you aren’t potentially growing any plants that are toxic to your hound. Many pet parents don’t realize just how many popular outdoor plants can be poisonous for your pooch. Here are only a handful of plants you need to avoid:

• Mums
• Iris
• Foxglove
• Hydrangea
• Tulip
• English Ivy 
• Lily-of-the-valley
• Morning glory

And keep in mind this isn’t a full list. So before planting anything in your yard, check and make sure it’s not harmful to Fido first. 

Keep Compost Out of Paws Reach 

For composting, food and garden waste is an excellent addition to your garden. But some of the items that go into your compost, like fruits and veggies, can be extremely poisonous for your pooch. Additionally, coffee grounds and moldy food could be in your compost as well, and should not be eaten by your pup. So if you love to garden and have a compost, be careful about letting your dog near it. You may have to end up putting chicken wire around your garden during some points to ensure your furry friend doesn’t go digging their nose where it doesn’t belong. 

Choose Pet-Friendly Mulch

Most pet parents are well aware that their pup can’t eat chocolate. Similarly, cocoa mulch is also off the table. Cocoa mulch is a byproduct of chocolate production used when landscaping. And despite its toxicity for your dog, they love the smell of it, which usually temps them to try and eat it. Alternative pet-friendly mulch like cedar, shredded pine, or hemlock bark are much safer routes to take.   

Always Put Tools Properly Away 

Any gardening or landscaping tools should always be in your field of vision, and when you’re done using them, always be sure to properly put them away in a safe location. Tools like rakes, tillers, hoes, and trowels can be much more hazardous towards your pup than many owners initially realize. Injuries to your furry friend’s eyes, paws, or nose can easily occur from the tools left lying around. And if any of these tools (that could potentially have a bit of rust on them) puncture your canine’s skin, you’ll be looking at potential tetanus danger. 

Reduce the Hiding Spots for Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks thrive in tall brush, uncut grass, and untouched leaf piles, just waiting for their chance to pounce on your poor pooch. So maintaining your yard through regular grass cutting and leaf raking is essential if you don’t want a flea infestation or Fido contracting a disease from a nasty tick. 

Taking precautions to make your yard dog-proof can sometimes be a bit of extra work. But as a pet parent, it’s always worth it when your furry friend’s health is on the line.