A little planning can go a long way in keeping your garden from being destroyed by your dog. First of all, take a look at your pet's habits. If there is a special place your dog always sits, leave that spot alone for him to enjoy. Simple plans like raised beds with clearly marked paths help keep dogs out of your tender plants. Leave an empty space if your dog is a digger, and teach him to dig there by burying bones or small toys in that area for him to find. Rough mulch or rocks should keep your dog away from certain areas. Remember plants that grow up trellises or arbors keep plants out of harms way. Leave space between your fence and your plants to give your dog space to run.
“Minimize your lawn" says David Mizejewski, naturalist with Wild Life Federation. Add more native plants that don't require extra water, chemicals, and intensive care. Basic good gardening practices reduce your need for chemicals; weed early before weeds spread and seed themselves, and "compost" says Mizejewski. It's easy to make your own, and it's filled with all the nutrients you need.
Don't use chemicals that are harmful to your pets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency only 5 to 10 percent of pests you find in your garden are pests. Soap suds will wash most of them away. If you have a chemical free yard you will have, insects, frogs, birds that are consumers of insect pests.
Dr. Tina Wismer, veterinary toxicologist for the American society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals says, "A dog that is eating blood meal or bone meal may also injest plant material." Watch your pets when you are pruning, puppies especially. They may end up chewing sticks from toxic plants. Check the list for plant toxicity at www.aspca.org/apcc.
If you do use chemicals, read the label, use the correct solution, and dogs shouldn't be out while you are using it. Remember when you use chemicals you are killing the helpful insects as well as the harmful, lady-bugs, birds, worms, frogs, besides poisoning the water, so please think about that, keep your pets safe and protect our environment.
