How to make your garden pet-friendly
We utilise our outdoor space in a number of different ways. Some people simply like to kickback with a good book and a refreshing drink in a comfortable outdoor armchair, others enjoy entertaining friends and family with garden parties and outdoor games, while some enjoy gardening and growing their own flowers and vegetables. However, for those with a four-legged canine friend, we’re not the only ones looking to enjoy the garden!
That’s why the team here at Barbed (dog-lovers in our own right!) have put together a few tips for you to take on board to ensure your garden remains pet-friendly as well as stylish.
Make your outdoor space stimulating
Dogs are excitable souls, so providing different forms of entertainment for them in the garden is an important component. Creating interesting routes with clearly defined paths and designated digging areas will keep your dog stimulated and may prevent a naughty dog from doing things that you consider unruly or bad behaviour. Providing toys for them to play with, a supply of water and perhaps even their own little doggy den (the Fatboy Doggie Lounger could be great for this) can be a sure-fire way to ensuring they are getting maximum enjoyment and stimulation from the garden. Of course, this won’t replace the need to take them out on a healthy walk every day, but it can certainly add to the enjoyment they receive from outdoor spaces.
Fence off any no-go zones
A fence can be a lifesaver if your furry friend is quite the live-wire. If you want to keep your dog in or out of certain areas, then a simple solution may be to install some secure fencing. If you want to keep your dog away from a chill-out zone where you can relax on an outdoor sofa or have a vegetable patch or beloved flower display that you’d rather didn’t have to succumb to playful digging, then fencing off the section may be required. There are many fencing options available, and they can even be used to blend in with your garden by painting or selecting a chosen colour or using them to grow climbing plants.
Keep toxic plants away from the garden
Many of the garden plants that we love can actually be potentially toxic to dogs, so we have to be very careful when deciding which plants we choose. The most common plants that dog-owners need to avoid include chrysanthemum, aconite, azalea, buttercup, daffodil, tulip, daphne, amaryllis, delphinium, foxglove, hydrangea, oak, tomato, wisteria and yew. If you happen to notice any worrying symptoms and believe your dog may have ingested part of a toxic plant, then you should take them straight to the vet.
Avoid using chemicals
While on the topic of toxic things, it’s vital you avoid using toxic chemicals such as non-organic slug pellets to keep slugs and snails away, as these could be harmful if your dog happens to eat one. Anything you do use to keep pests at bay should be organic and pet-friendly. Do not add any additives to water features or garden ponds, as dogs are often tempted to drink from them.
Just because your pooch makes use of your garden, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style! We have a wide range of luxury garden furniture that can help your outdoor space really stand out, as well as ensuring it remains dog-friendly. Why not pop into one of our London showrooms or fill in our online contact form with any questions you may have about the type of outdoor furniture and accessories you’re looking for?
- 17th August 2018
