Gardening With Fido

Does your canine buddy have a habit of tearing up your yard? Dogs are great friends and companions, but they aren’t exactly great gardeners. Actually, Fido has ruined quite a few flowerbeds. We can help! In this article, a Jacksonville, FL vet discusses gardening with Fido.

Before putting plant beds in, observe your furry pal when he is in the yard. If Fido likes to run back and forth along one specific path, incorporate that doggy trail into your design. That way, you’ll be working with your pooch, instead of against him.

Consider dividing your yard up into sections. You’ll want to cordon off one area for your dog, and another for plants.

One good way to keep your furry friend from trampling your flowerbeds is to enclose them with borders. You can use driftwood, short border fences or walls, potted plants, or even thick shrubs.

Another option is to use box gardens. These are also easier to work on, as you won’t have to bend or kneel.

Keep your canine friend in mind when you go shopping. Mulch, for instance, isn’t really safe for dogs. Fido could get splinters in his paw, or try to chew on it and choke. Cocoa mulch is especially dangerous, as it’s toxic to pets. You’ll also want to opt for non-toxic products when you get fertilizer, fungicide, and pesticide.

Make sure that your canine pal has lots of fun toys, and take time to play with him every day. If you tire Fido out with a long walk and a game of Fetch, he’ll be more interested in napping than in digging up your flowerbed. You may also want to make a little doggy playground in one part of your yard. Offer your pooch a kiddie pool, or give him a sand box to bury things in.

Many popular plants and trees are toxic to dogs. Sago palms, for instance, are poisonous to Fido, and can make him very sick. Tulips and daffodils are also dangerous to pets, as are azaleas and oleanders. You can find a full list of safe and unsafe plants at the ASPCA website.

Please contact us, your Jacksonville, FL vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!