Gardening tips for dog-owners

Dogs can ruin a garden, so here are some tips to make your garden dog-compatible.

The fence

Good fences, make good neighbours, and good fences make good dogs! You don't want your dog to poke his nose through the fence and get bitten by a neighbour's dog, so the holes in the fence must be too small for a dog's nose. Diamond mesh chain link makes a good strong fence. It should be dug at least a spade's depth into the ground as dogs can dig under a fence. Dogs can jump or climb over fences, so the higher the better. Dogs need to see out the garden for mental stimulation, so a see-through fence is better than a wall.

You can hide the fence with shrubs or grow creepers up it - rambling roses, granadillas, or beans. Beans have an attractive flower, and you can eat them the beans!

Make sure the dog can't open latch on the gate with his nose. You may need to padlock it when you are out. A padlock will prevent someone from stealing the dog.

The pool

Whether it's a swimming pool, or fish pond, a puppy will drown. Children also drown in swimming pools, so make sure the pool is fenced & securely gated.

The lawn

Some dogs dig holes and lie in them to keep cool. Be prepared to accept this, and remember to provide shade near the house. Dogs like to be near the house. Urine may cause dead patches, so take the dog out often for walks. Dogs and cats eat grass - it helps clean out their stomach. Never use fertiliser, weedkiller, or any chemical on the grass as it may poison the pet.

Paving or mulch

Dogs like to run around the perimeter of their territory and this wears away the grass and soil. You may wish to pave a path anywhere that the dog habitually runs or digs. Bark mulch is an eco-friendly alternative to paving. Cocoa mulch is toxic to pets. Pine needles will hurt the paws.

Cement stuff

Cement ornaments, statues, birdbaths, table and chairs, can make a garden look attractive while being indestructible.

Flower pots

Planting plants in big containers can prevent dogs from digging them up. You can also place rocks around plants.

Hanging baskets

Petunias look colourful in a basket hanging out of the dog's reach.

Shade

Dogs need shade in the garden, so plant a tree or dense bush. You will have to protect the young plant while growing or the dog may break it.

Aloe Vera, or any aloe.

Aloes are a hardy plant that stands up well to dogs. Its spiky leaves & bitter taste protect it. They will survive without watering. Aloe is said to have healing properties for wounds & minor abrasions, but the best use is for discouraging chewing. If your dog is chewing something he shouldn't - his bed, for example - cut a small piece of aloe leaf and rub the juice on the bed. The bitter taste will repulse the dog. You can rub it on the dog's paw if he is chewing his paw.

Insect repellent plants

Insects can bite your dog and annoy him, so plant marigolds and plants that don't attract insects. Remember that some dogs are allergic to bee stings, so consider this when planting flowers.

Vegetables

Dogs may dig up vegetables, even root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. The only solution may be to fence off the veg patch. Few dogs will eat spinach. If a dog uses the vegetable patch as a toilet, humans can get worms from the vegetables.

Plants that are toxic to dogs: 

Azalea, Cannabis (Dagga), begonias, castor bean, crocus, cycad, cyclamen, holly, hyacinth, Japanese yew, mistletoe, snapdragons, potato leaves & stem, tomato leaves and stem, rhododendron, rhubarb leaves, Yesterday-today-tomorrow, grapes, & onions. If you see excessive drooling, vomiting & a vacant look on the dog's face, it may be plant poisoning. If a large quantity is eaten, it can result in coma, and possible death. Seek veterinary advice. Take the plant to the vet for identification.

Enjoy your garden!

With a little planning, you and your dog can enjoy the garden.

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