National Dog Day is Friday, August 26: time to celebrate our four-legged friends! If you've got a canine family member, keep them in mind when maintaining your landscape.Here's how:
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. 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 list on their website of plants that are potentially toxic to dogs. A landscape professional can also help you choose the right plants to keep your yard beautiful and your dog safe.
Protect the paws. Sharp steel edging often used to separate lawns from flower and shrub beds can harm paws; so can rough granite used to cover beds. 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, Aug. 23). Tip of the Week: Pet-friendly landscapes. https://www.alcc.com/tip-of-the-week-email