Spring is the ideal time to begin planting a flower or vegetable garden. But do you know that there are a variety of plants that are toxic and can harm your pet? Popular choices like Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Lily of the Valley are among a long list of plants that can cause your pet to experience disturbing symptoms, some of which can result in death.
To protect your best friend from the dangers of consuming or coming in contact with toxic plants, it’s imperative to do your homework before purchasing flower, vegetable, or fruit seeds for your garden. The ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States provide a complete list of poisonous plants on their websites. It’s a good idea to print a copy of this list and keep it accessible when selecting plants for your garden.
Selecting non-toxic plants for your garden is one of the most important things you can do to create a dog-friendly garden. The following are a few other tips that will help you design a safe garden and allow you to keep your dog healthy throughout the spring and summer months.
Avoid harmful fertilizers and other chemicals
Certain ingredients in fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can also affect your dog’s health. Using organic or other pet friendly options for your garden is the best and easiest way to ensure that your dog stays happy and healthy.
Secure the garden
Install a garden fence around your garden area; this will keep curious pups from digging up flowers or helping themselves to your growing vegetables. If your dog likes to dig, keep them engaged in play by providing a sand box where he/she can dig for dog bones or favorite toys.
Avoid including bird baths and fountains in your garden design
Pooled water attracts birds, squirrels, and insects, some of which can be disease carriers. Steering clear of such water features will help keep your yard pest-free, creating a safer environment for you and your pet.
Provide shady areas for your dog
Provide areas in the yard that allow for your dog to get away from the sun and cool down. This could be in the form of a dog house, tent, or covered porch with a comfortable cool mat to lie on. Also, keep a bowl of fresh water nearby for your dog to keep hydrated while he plays. Never leave your dog outside for prolonged periods of times, dogs can become dehydrated or suffer from heat stroke.
Provide proper protection against pests
Dog’s love spending the spring and summer seasons playing outdoors, making them more vulnerable to insect bites. That’s why using Veterinarian recommended products to protect your dog from heartworm, fleas, ticks and other pests, is so important.
Heartworm Disease is a debilitating and potentially fatal illness. Don’t wait for your dog to become infected; treating this illness is exceptionally difficult and it is not always successful. The disease itself is excruciatingly painful for the victim. Heartworm disease is preventable; it only takes a monthly dose of a preventative such as Heartguard to keep your dog protected.
Protecting your dog from fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms is also important. Using a preventative such as Frontline or a natural alternative will help your dog have a safe and healthy spring and summer.
Remember to always talk to your pet’s Veterinarian before starting your dog on a preventative. The Veterinarian will help you choose a preventative that is right for your dog’s size.
Please visit the following sites for a list of toxic plants that could be harmful for your pet:
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