Creat ing a dog-safe outside space
CLAIRE’S TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PET FROM HARM IN THE GARDEN:
● When investing in new plants, check they are dog friendly before you buy them. Use a barrier to make any existing toxic shrubs inaccessible to your dog and resite smaller harmful plants in baskets, wall hangers, or containers, well out of your dog’s reach.
● Replace pesticides and herbicides with organic alternatives if possible. “Chemicals that are designed to kill pests and weeds are likely to be harmful to delicate paws and noses,” said Claire, who advises owners to remove weeds from borders and beds by hand if possible and to use all plant and lawn treatments with care. “Either cordon off the area treated or use a product containing a harmless blue dye to remind you where a fertilizer or herbicide has been sprayed.
“Liquid fertilizers are better than pellets, which sit on the soil surface for longer and are more likely to prove tempting to a dog.
“And consider using coffee grounds instead of highly toxic slug pellets to control slugs and snails.”
● “Be very careful how you store plant, lawn, and wood treatments,” said Claire. “Ensure they are well out of reach of inquisitive noses and that the containers don’t leak.”