6 days Ago By Sydney Evans
As we look to make the most of the longer days and milder weather this season, spending more time outdoors, it’s likely our four-legged friends will want to do the same. But there are a few things you might want to keep in mind when creating a dog -friendly space this spring so that you and your canine companion can both enjoy your garden with peace of mind. With spring being the perfect chance to revive your garden after the winter months, dog owners are being “urged to plant, and plan, with their pets in mind".
When choosing which plants to add to your outdoor space this month, whether it’s a vibrant bloom added to your flowerbed or creating your own herb garden, dog owners should also consider their pet’s preferences. Choosing dog-friendly scents can help reduce your pet's stress and keep them mentally stimulated in the garden, but you also want to ensure your garden isn’t totally destroyed by their outdoor exploration. Guide Dogs has shared their advice on how to create a “safe and stimulating garden” for your dog.
With a sense of smell up to 100,000 times more powerful than humans, dogs rely on this to explore their environment. “A few simple changes can turn an ordinary garden into a sensory haven for dogs,” said Hannah Wright, Guide Dog’s programme lead. “By embracing their natural behaviours, owners can create an environment where dogs can thrive.
” From which toxic plants to avoid and how to create digging zones that protect flower beds, these are Guide Dogs' top tips for creating a garden that both you and your dog can enjoy. Toxic Spring Flowers First up, it’s important to keep in mind what plants could be potentially dangerous to dogs. Spring is “peak time for toxic plants” with Guide Dogs highlighting daffodils, tulips and hyacinth as ones to watch out for.
If eaten, symptoms can include "vomiting, drooling and tremors". Rhododendron, lilies and bluebells should also be avoided, and if your dog does become ill, always contact a vet. Interactive Scents Sniffing is an important part of dogs' behaviours, and important for their general wellbeing.
Planting dog-friendly flowers with a strong scent like lavender, freesia and sunflowers, can provide an enriching environment. If you’re looking to create your own herb garden, Guide Dogs suggests rosemary, oregano and thyme. Dig Zones While planting flowers with your dog in mind, there are some spaces in your garden that you might want to protect from their paws.
Creating a sandy area in your garden can help dogs “relieve stress and bust boredom while keeping the rest of the garden in shape". For extra sensory fun, hide their toys here for them to search for. Lawns Rolling in grass is a favourite pastime for many dogs, so it’s important to keep a space for them to do this if you have grass in your garden.
However, they might also be tempted to go to the loo here, and pet urine can burn grass. Fence off a dedicated section of the garden for them to do this in, protecting your grass from uneven patches. If you don’t have grass in your garden, consider adding bark or gravel, providing your dog with texture to play.
Shady Spots Finally, dogs can struggle in hotter temperatures, and with summer fast approaching, creating an area out of the sun is essential. Dense foliage can create an easy retreat, or you might consider adding a pergola to your garden..
