Pet-safe landscaping and gardening

Got plans for your backyard? Your dog does too! And they involve running through, rolling in and even snacking on whatever you put back there. So before you head to the local home improvement store to start purchasing supplies for your outdoor oasis, be sure that your plans and purchases are pet-safe by keeping these factors in mind:

•   Prevent cut paws by nixing any metal lawn edging in your yard. Opt for a non-sharp alternative, such as plastic edging, bricks or poured concrete.
•   Fence off your veggie garden to prevent snacking on toxic plants, like garlic, onions, chives, green tomatoes, raw potatoes and rhubarb leaves. Besides, it will stop your dog from digging up and eating that irresistibly stinky fertilizer-treated soil.
•   Research all the plants in your yard that your dog can chomp on to make sure they’re pet-safe by checking the ASPCA toxic plant list. Grapevine is a common problem since dogs often like to graze on its prolific and toxic fruits.
•   Help your pet cool off with some strategically placed shade. If your yard is mostly cement, stone or artificial turf, make sure it doesn’t get too hot for sensitive paws on sunny days.
•   Avoid cocoa bean mulch, which may smell nice and chocolatey but, when eaten, can cause the same issues for dogs as actual chocolate.
•   Secure your compost bin to prevent curious noses from exploring or eating the partially decomposed, moldy food stewing in there.
•   Avoid gopher, mole, slug and snail bait, all of which are extremely toxic and even fatal to dogs. 
•   Practice herbicide and pesticide safety by following package instructions for pet safety and keeping all chemicals well out of paw and nose reach.

Plus, check out our landscaping tips that will help reduce the odds of pet parasites from taking up residence in your yard.

If you are concerned that your pet may have been exposed to a toxin, call your veterinarian right away to determine what to do next. If it is after business hours, access unlimited 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA app, where our licensed veterinary professionals can answer all questions related to your pet’s health and wellness.

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