March 20 marks the first day of spring, and many people will soon begin planting and tending to their gardens. While humans love their gardens, they can actually be dangerous to our four-legged friends. To help keep your garden dog-friendly this spring, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers the following tips:
- Avoid using dangerous plants: It’s important to do research on the plants that you will be using in your garden. There are common flowers and plants that can be unsafe or even fatal for dogs. Some plants to avoid are Calla Lilies, Sago Palm, Azalea, and Rhododendron, among others. Be mindful of flowers and plants, such as roses, that have thorns.
- Be careful of pesticides: Pesticides used to control insects and weeds in your garden can be hazardous for your pup. Do not use pesticides with snail bait with metaldehyde and fly bait with methomyl. Be sure to follow directions and be sure that pesticides are stored in a place where your dog cannot get to them.
- Designate a play area: Give your pup a designated area to play that is away from your garden. It’s a space where your dog can run around, burn some energy or even do some digging. Having this designated play area will help prevent your pup from causing damage to your garden.
- Establishing boundaries in your garden: To help keep Fido out the garden bed, you can use a fence or border. A low picket fence or a border using rocks or stones can help protect your garden. It’s best to use vocal commands and treats to help your dog distinguish between where your dog can and cannot go. Raised garden beds or paving a path in your garden using brick or gravel can also help your dog distinguish boundaries.
March 20 marks the first day of spring, and many people will soon begin planting and tending to…