Pets can be a challenge if you have a yard, but there are great opportunities to watch your cat climb or watch your dog search for hidden treats without disturbing the plants. Here are some tips to make your garden pet-friendly.
Safety comes first, of course. Fences and gates must be secure so that dogs cannot escape. Snails can infect pets with lungworm. But slug pellets can be poisonous – including some that are described as “safe”.
Avoid plants that are dangerous for pets
Some plants are so dangerous that they are best avoided. Lilies — the leaves, flowers and pollen — are highly toxic to cats, even in minute amounts. Most crocuses are a good alternative to daffodils, which are poisonous. Hyacinths can also be poisonous, but serious poisoning is rare. Most plants that grow from bulbs and most evergreens are poisonous to rabbits. Choose sturdy plants but watch out for thorns, especially at eye level. Many herbs, including rosemary, lavender, and sage, are good, safe choices. Other safe plants that are fairly resilient and recover from damage include African daisy, calendula and nasturtiums. You could create a fragrant garden as some animals enjoy honeysuckle and lavender. Many cats like catnip. Not all are sensitive to the effects, but the plant is sometimes chosen as a sleeping pillow.
Have fun!
Don't forget to enjoy your garden! If you don't have trees, your cat can still climb a ladder. Place a scratching post in a prominent place. Cats like to sit high, so consider platforms, but if there are a lot of cats around, make sure a neighbor's cat can't look at your pet. How about a sandbox where your dog can dig for treats?
More tips
* Keep barn doors securely closed to prevent pets from getting trapped or getting into trouble with hazardous materials or sharp tools held inside.
* Turn your garden into an animal amusement park. Put a scratching post or two outside for cats, and set up a sandbox for your dog so they can dig for treats. You could even put tunnels for your rabbits.
* Shaded areas provide great relief from the hot summer sun for all pets.
* Try to deter pets from chasing bees and wasps, as stings can cause allergic reactions.
* Avoid chemical weed killers and pesticides as they can be harmful to pets (and wildlife). Read the manufacturer's guidelines carefully.
* Slugs and snails can be a nuisance, but granules are poisonous to pets and pests. Ask your vet about protection against lungworms.
* Ask BBQ and party-goers not to leave food, skewers or hot cookware within reach of your pet. Many human foods are best avoided by pets and alcohol is a definite no-no.
