National Dog Day is Thursday, August 26th: time to celebrate our four-legged friends! If you've got a canine family member, keep them in mind when maintaining your landscape with these pet-friendly tips.
Avoid potentially dangerous plants
Many dogs dig up or chew bulbs and plants. If your dog is a curious type who likes to dig or taste what's growing, keep dangerous plants in an area that pups can't access or avoid them altogether. Here are some plants that could make your dog sick:
Spring flowering bulbs like daffodils or tubers like dahlias and irises
Grapes, peach stones, and apple seeds
Chrysanthemums, clematis, and horse chestnut tree
ASPCA offers a comprehensive list on their website of plants that are potentially toxic to dogs.
Protect paws
Sharp steel edging often used to separate lawns from flower and shrub beds can harm paws. Rough granite used to cover beds can also be a culprit. Opt for edging with a rounded edge, poured concrete, brick pavers, or concrete blocks. If you can't use wood mulch because your furry friend chews it or kicks it around the yard, try smooth river rock or cobble.
Provide shade
When the sun is shining, dogs need a place to escape the heat. If you don't have mature trees to offer shade, be sure your pet has access to a covered porch, patio, or other shade structure so they can cool off when they aren't sunning themselves.
Make water available
Make sure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water when they are outside playing or even just lying in the sun. If you have a water feature, make sure the products used to keep it clean are safe for pets.
References
Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (2019, August 23). Tip of the Week: Pet-friendly landscapes. https://www.alcc.com/tip-of-the-week-email