Garden Tails | The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Friendly Green Spaces

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our gardens often serve as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. But what if we could extend this haven to our beloved furry companions as well? A pet-friendly garden is not only a joy for your four-legged friends but can also enhance the overall well-being of your entire household. Let’s explore the key elements of designing a garden that is both beautiful and safe for pets.
 

1. Plant Selection

When planning a pet-friendly garden, ensuring the safety of your furry friends is paramount. Here are some detailed steps and considerations to help you create a beautiful and safe environment for your pets:

Choosing Non-Toxic Plants

The first and most crucial step in creating a pet-friendly garden is selecting plants that are non-toxic to animals. Here are some safe options:

• • Marigolds: These bright, hardy flowers are not only safe for pets but also help repel insects, making them a practical choice.
  • Sunflowers: These cheerful blooms are non-toxic and can add height and drama to your garden.
  • Petunias: Available in various colors, petunias are safe for pets and add vibrant splashes of color to your garden beds.

Pet-Safe Herbs

Incorporating herbs into your garden can be both functional and pet-friendly. Consider the following:

• • Mint: This easy-to-grow herb is safe for pets and can help repel insects. It also adds a refreshing aroma to your garden.
  • Rosemary: Not only does rosemary add fragrance and flavor to your cooking, but it’s also safe for pets and can act as a natural pest deterrent.

Avoiding Toxic Plants

Certain plants can be hazardous to pets and should be avoided or placed out of reach if you have a pet who can’t resist to nibble on things. Use the BCSPCA toxic plants list for reference when selecting your plant material. Examples include:

• • Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, even a small ingestion can cause severe kidney failure.
  • Azaleas: Ingesting even a small amount can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling in both dogs and cats.

 
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency ventinary hospital immediately. Prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome.
 

Creating Safe Zones

To further protect your pets, consider these strategies:

• • Raised Beds or Containers: Plant potentially harmful plants in raised beds or hanging baskets that are out of reach of pets.
  • Fencing or Barriers: Use fencing or decorative barriers to keep pets away from specific areas of the garden.
  • Supervision and Training: Train your pets to avoid certain areas and supervise them when they’re in the garden.

2. Create Shaded Retreats

Just like humans, pets need a break from the sun, especially during the hot summer days that are common in Metro Vancouver. To ensure your garden is a safe and comfortable haven for your furry friends, consider the following tips for creating shaded areas and ensuring they stay hydrated.

Natural Shade with Trees and Shrubs

• • Deciduous Trees: Planting deciduous trees like maples, oaks, or elms can provide ample shade during the summer months. These trees offer broad canopies that create large shaded areas.
  • Evergreen Trees: Coniferous trees such as cedars or pines can also provide year-round shade and shelter.
  • Dense Shrubs like hydrangeas (keeping in mind the toxicity) or rhododendrons can create shaded spots. Ensure that any shrubs used are non-toxic or placed in areas your pets cannot access.
  • Pro Tips:
    • Placement: Plant trees and shrubs strategically around the garden to create shaded patches that move with the sun throughout the day.
    • Cooling Effect: The foliage of trees and shrubs not only provides shade but also helps cool the air through transpiration, making the area more comfortable for pets.

Constructing Cozy Nooks

• • Umbrellas: Large garden umbrellas can be placed in areas where pets like to rest. Choose umbrellas that can be adjusted to follow the sun’s path, ensuring consistent shade.
  • Awnings and Canopies: Install awnings or canopies over patios or specific garden sections. These structures provide permanent shade and can be particularly useful for creating a cool spot on hot days.
  • Pet Tents: Consider small, portable pet tents that provide an instant shady retreat. These can be moved around the garden as needed.
  • Pergolas and Gazebos: Build pergolas or gazebos covered with climbing plants like wisteria (non-toxic varieties) or grapevines to create stylish, shaded areas.

Ensuring Easy Access to Water

• • Designated Water Station: Place a water dish in a shaded, easily accessible area. Check and refill it frequently to ensure fresh water is always available.
  • Elevated Bowls: Use elevated bowls to keep water clean and reduce the likelihood of dirt or debris getting into the water.
  • Pet Water Fountains: Consider installing a pet water fountain. These devices provide a continuous flow of fresh water, which can be more enticing for pets and help ensure they stay hydrated.

Other Cooling Strategies

• • Cooling Mats: Purchase cooling mats specifically designed for pets. These mats often contain a cooling gel that activates when your pet lies on it, providing immediate relief from the heat.
  • Shaded Beds: Provide raised pet beds that allow for airflow underneath, keeping your pet cooler than if they were lying on the hot ground.
  • Frozen Treats: Make pet-safe frozen treats using ice cube trays. You can freeze water with a bit of low-sodium broth or pet-safe fruits like blueberries.
  • Hydration Toys: Use toys designed to hold and slowly release water, which can keep pets entertained and hydrated.

3. Paw-Friendly Surfaces

Creating a garden that is not only beautiful but also comfortable and safe for your pets involves careful consideration of the surfaces they will walk and play on.

Soft Grass

• • Comfort: Grass is a natural and soft surface that is gentle on your pet’s paws, providing a comfortable area for running, playing, and resting.
  • Cooling Effect: Grass can help keep your garden cooler during hot weather, providing a more pleasant environment for your pets.
  • Choose Durable Varieties: Opt for hardy grass varieties like Bermuda or Kentucky Bluegrass that can withstand heavy foot traffic and occasional digging.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keep the grass healthy with regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

Ground Covers

• • Clover: A soft, durable, and low-maintenance ground cover. It is also resistant to pet urine, reducing the risk of unsightly brown patches. Varieties like white clover (Trifolium repens) is a popular choice for pet-friendly gardens.
  • Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A resilient, fragrant, and non-toxic option that can handle moderate foot traffic.
  • Irish Moss (Sagina subulata): A soft and cushiony ground cover that thrives in shaded areas and provides a cool surface for pets.
  • Regular Trimming: Keep ground covers trimmed to prevent overgrowth and maintain a neat appearance.
  • Weeding: Regularly weed the area to ensure the ground cover remains healthy and lush.

Pet-Friendly Mulch

• • Comfort: Mulch provides a soft and cushioned surface that is gentle on your pet’s paws, reducing the risk of injury.
  • Temperature Regulation: Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Read more about the different types of mulch.
  • Regular Replacement: Replace mulch periodically to maintain its cushioning properties and prevent mold or mildew buildup.
  • Safe Mulch Options:
    • Cedar or Pine Mulch: These types of mulch are safe for pets and provide a pleasant scent. They also help repel insects.
    • Rubber Mulch: Made from recycled tires, rubber mulch is soft, durable, and non-toxic. It provides excellent cushioning and doesn’t decompose.
  • Avoid:
    • Cocoa Mulch: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs if ingested.

Avoiding Harmful Surfaces

• • Gravel and Sharp Stones: These can be hard on your pet’s paws, causing discomfort or even injury, such as cuts or abrasions.
  • Ingestion Hazard: Small gravel pieces can be a choking hazard if ingested by curious pets.
  • Alternative Options:
    • Pea Gravel: If gravel is necessary, opt for pea gravel, which has smooth, rounded edges and is less likely to harm your pet’s paws.
    • Paved Pathways: Consider smooth paving stones or bricks for pathways, ensuring they are not too hot for your pet’s paws during summer.

4. Secure Boundaries

Maintaining a secure garden is essential to keep your pets safe from potential hazards and prevent them from wandering away.

Choosing the Right Fencing and Maintenance

• • Tall Fences: Ensure that your fence is tall enough to prevent your pets from jumping over. For most dogs, a fence height of at least 6 feet is recommended, though some breeds may require even taller fences.
  • Durable Materials: Use sturdy materials such as wood, vinyl, or metal. These materials are strong and difficult for pets to chew through or break.
  • Solid Panels: Solid or close-boarded fences provide a visual barrier that can reduce your pet’s inclination to escape by eliminating external distractions.
  • Avoid Gaps: Ensure that there are no gaps between fence panels or underneath the fence that pets could squeeze through. Small pets, in particular, can find their way through surprisingly small openings.
  • Inspect for Weak Points: Regularly walk along the perimeter of your garden to check for any signs of damage or wear, such as loose panels, holes, or rusted areas in metal fences.
  • Check Gates: Ensure gates close securely and cannot be easily pushed open by a determined pet. Consider installing self-closing hinges or childproof locks.
  • Immediate Repairs: Promptly repair any damage to the fence to maintain its integrity. Replace broken panels or reinforce weakened sections.
  • Digging Prevention: If your pet is prone to digging, bury a portion of the fence underground or add a concrete footer to prevent them from tunneling out.

Additional Security Measures

• • Barrier Plants:
    • Thorny Shrubs: Plant thorny or dense shrubs along the inside of the fence to create an additional barrier. Plants like roses or holly can deter pets from approaching the fence.
    • Tall Plants: Tall, dense plants can also provide a visual barrier that reduces the temptation to escape.
  • Underground Fencing: Burying wire mesh along the base of the fence can help prevent pets from digging their way out. The mesh should extend at least a foot underground and curve outward from the fence.
  • Electronic Solutions: While not a physical barrier, invisible fences can be used in conjunction with traditional fencing to provide an additional layer of security. These systems use a buried wire and a collar that emits a warning beep followed by a mild static correction if your pet attempts to cross the boundary.

Secure Play Enclosures

• • Catios: Build a “catio” (cat patio) for cats to enjoy the outdoors safely. This can be a fully enclosed area with plenty of space for climbing and lounging.
  • Dog Runs: Create a secure dog run with a fenced area where dogs can play and exercise freely.

Supervision and Training

• • Monitor Outdoor Time: Whenever possible, supervise your pets while they are outside. This allows you to intervene if they exhibit escape behaviors.
  • Designated Play Areas: Create designated play areas within your garden that are specifically designed for safe, supervised play. Use portable fencing to create smaller, secure areas for pets to enjoy.
  • Boundary Training: Train your pets to understand the boundaries of the garden. Reward them for staying within the designated area and discourage attempts to escape.
  • Behavioral Solutions: Address underlying reasons for escape behavior, such as boredom or anxiety, by providing plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship.

5. Hazard-Free Play Zones

Enhancing your garden to accommodate your pets can create a more enjoyable and safe environment for both you and your furry friends. Here are some ideas:

Shallow Water Feature

Adding a shallow water feature such as a pet-friendly fountain or small shallow pool allows pets to cool off on hot days. Ensure the water is clean and easily accessible.

• • Safe Exits: Incorporate a gentle slope or steps to make it easy for dogs to enter and exit the water.
  • Circulating Water: Use a pump to keep the water circulating, which helps maintain cleanliness and prevents stagnation.
  • Regular Cleaning: Clean the water feature regularly to prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria.
  • Fresh Water: Change the water frequently, especially during hot weather, to ensure it remains clean and cool.

Sandpit for Diggers

If your pets love to dig, a designated sandpit can provide them with a safe place to indulge in their favorite activity without disturbing your plants. Provides mental and physical enrichment, helping to reduce stress and boredom.

• • Location: Place the sandpit in a quiet, shaded area of the garden where dogs feel safe.
  • Size and Depth: Create a sandpit that is large enough for dogs to move around comfortably and deep enough (at least 6 inches) for digging.
  • Covering: Include a cover or a shaded structure to keep the sand clean and dry when not in use.
  • Regular Cleaning: Remove waste and debris regularly to keep the sandpit hygienic.
  • Fresh Sand: Replace the sand periodically to ensure it remains clean and inviting for your dogs.

Play Structures

Incorporate pet toys, climbing structures, or tunnels for added fun. These can be integrated into the garden design to blend with the natural environment.

• • Agility Equipment: Install agility equipment like tunnels, ramps, and hoops to provide physical exercise and mental stimulation for dogs.\
  • Climbing Structures: For cats, consider adding climbing posts, shelves, or even a small treehouse to satisfy their climbing instincts.

 
A pet-friendly garden is not only an extension of your living space but a tailored paradise for your furry companions. By selecting safe plants, providing shade, creating comfortable surfaces, ensuring secure boundaries, and incorporating pet-friendly features, you can transform your garden into a haven where both you and your pets can unwind and create lasting memories together. So, go ahead, design a garden that caters to the needs of every member of your family – including the four-legged ones!