Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden
Gardens can be wonderful, stimulating spaces for our pets, but they can also contain hazards. The team at The Veterinary House have put together some useful guidelines for gardening with your pets in mind.
- Secure Fencing. Ensure sure that your fences or walls have no holes or gaps that your pet can fit through or escape. Should you discover a hole or gap, make mending a priority. If your pet continues to investigate them, they can become larger. Keep an eye out for fallen branches or trees which are close to your fence or wall. Your pet could use these to climb up and over the fence. Your fence line should be checked regularly to ensure the safety of your pets.
- Use non-harmful, organic pesticides/herbicides and avoid rat and snail bait. Many weed killers or pest repellents used in our gardens have toxic and potentially fatal chemicals in them. Make sure that any pesticides or herbicides that you are using are organic and safe for pets. Did you know that rat, ant, or snail has a sweet taste which makes it very palatable for pets? Never leave any of that type of bait out and about where your pet has access. Make sure to also store your pest repellents, pesticides, and herbicides in a secure location that your pet cannot get into.
- Pool safety. When it comes to swimming pools, pets are as much at risk as children are. Not all pets are stronger swimmers and when a pet falls into the pool, they can become panicked and have difficulty finding a way to get out. Erecting a pool net or fence is best. It’s ideal to train young puppies, teaching them where to locate the steps in your pool.
- Make your garden stimulating for your pets. Pets have very active minds, just like humans. They need stimulation to prevent boredom and subsequent destructive behaviour. Add some pathways in your flowerbeds so your pets can explore the garden. Each path can be a different texture like stones or ornamental grass. Adding different textures and surfaces are stimulating underfoot for your pet. When creating a stimulating garden, keep in mind the following: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch.
- Go wild with plants that are safe for your pets. There are so many plants that are safe for pets. Some plants like catnip have a great effect on your pets. Catnip is safe for them to eat and it grows very well. Make sure that you don’t have toxic plants in your garden. Know you plants before planting new ones and remember that you can chat to the Blackwood’s team if you need help in this regard.