As much as we love our dogs and cats, it can often be a nightmare maintaining a garden with them around. Whether they are digging up your lawn, lying in your flowerbeds or eating your plants, these 8 simple tips will help keep your garden and your animals safe.
Cordon off areas with chicken wire
You can use chicken wire to create a semi-permanent barrier around flowerbeds and other areas you want to protect. It’s lightweight and flexible, so you can just roll it out of the way when you need to work, then put it back in place when you’re done.
Give your dog a play area
Create a designated play area where your dog can run around, dig and do what they like. You could dig out a sand pit and put your dog’s favourite toys in there.
Know which fertilisers to use
If you plan to use fertiliser in your garden, do your research and make sure it’s safe for pets. Non-toxic fertilisers include manure, seaweed and compost.
Avoid toxic plants
Many common plants and flowers can be harmful if eaten by animals. See our list of 12 houseplants that are poisonous to pets.
Get a pet house
Protect your pet from the elements and give them somewhere to relax. Experts suggest that a pet house should be about 25% longer and wider than your animal.
Stick to pet-friendly furniture
When purchasing garden furniture keep your pets in mind. If you are buying wooden furniture, make sure the wood preservative agents don’t contain harmful substances such as arsenic. Garden Furniture Land’s products use Tanalith E, which is generally safe for pets.
Be careful with bird feeders
Bird feeders are okay, but the build-up of bird droppings underneath them can contain dangerous bacteria. Keep your pets away by using strategically placed plants.
Paths
A well-placed stone or gravel path will help to dry off your dog’s muddy paws before they make it into the house. Cedar chips are also useful for protecting your cat from fleas.
The infographic below comes courtesy of homeadvisor.com. Click on the image to view the full-size version.
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