It can be tricky to find a balance between a garden that you love, and a garden that is suitable for pets. But don’t worry! Your animals and your garden can live together in harmony!
Have a read of our tips for making sure your pets don’t ruin your lawn and flowerbeds, as well as how to make sure your garden is pet friendly…
Know your Breed
Different dogs have different behaviours, with some inherently motivated to dig, dig, dig! Keep that in mind when choosing a dog, or designing a garden. What you think might be bad behaviours may just be a characteristic of the breed, and what you might like for your garden might not be practical.
Avoid Toxicity
Cocoa bean mulch, bone and blood meal and fish meal are all fertilisers that are toxic to animals. You may not realise it but lilies, daffodils, amaryllis and tulips are also toxic to dogs. The Dog’s Trust have a full list of plants that pets should not ingest which you can view.
Give them a Walk
Animals that destroy a garden may be simply doing it out of boredom. Dogs need regular walks and exercise that a garden probably cannot provide – consider it this way, if you were stuck in one place for the whole day you’d get pretty bored too.
Create Walkways and Boundaries
One of the best ways to stop your dog running amok in your garden is through the design. The trick is to train them to follow a certain path by literally creating pathways, building up borders with thorny or fragrant bushes, or sectioning off areas with small fences or gates. Make the easiest route, the route you want them to take!
Artificial Grass is a Great Option
If you don’t want to limit your animals from using the lawn but would rather avoid discoloured patches and muddy areas, then artificial grass is a good choice. It’s tough and durable but also soft, and dogs especially love to lie around on it. If you’d like to know more about artificial grass and pets then why not read some of our frequently asked questions.
Give them a Play Area
Though very hard wearing, even artificial grass cannot stop certain animals’ natural instincts to dig. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an area like a sandbox where dogs can play to their heart’s content. You can also keep their toys in sections of the garden where you want them to play, and away from areas where you want them to avoid.
If you make a few changes then your pets can enjoy using the garden as much as you do, without making a mess in the process!
