Keeping a Pet Friendly Garden
Summer is in full swing, and for many of us that means spending any downtime we can get outdoors with our furry friends! In addition to the warm weather and sunshine, one of the best things about summer is the beautiful scenery created by the many colourful plants and flowers now in full bloom. While gardens can be a great hobby and lovely addition to your yard in the summer, it’s important to be mindful of what you include in them to keep your pet as safe as possible.
Be Prepared
Whether keeping a garden full of flowers or vegetables, it’s important to do your research beforehand to ensure you aren’t planting anything that could potentially be harmful to your four-legged family member. When ingested, there are many plants that are toxic to pets and can cause them to become ill or worse. As many of us have had our gardens planted since the spring, consider replacing any plants that your research determines to be toxic with something that is pet friendly.
You could also install a fence around the perimeter of your garden to prevent your fur baby from potentially eating something harmful, or use a tie out stake and cable to keep them away while still allowing them to roam the yard. If your garden features a pond of any kind, it’s a good idea to make sure this is also blocked off so your pet doesn’t run the risk of falling in – no matter how shallow the water is.
Protect Against Pests
As many flowers and other plants attract a wide variety of insects, many of which sting, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to make sure you know what to do should your pet ever get stung or bitten. A flea and tick collar can offer protection from head to tail and help deter these pests from your pet while outside. If you find a tick on your pet, the O’Tom Tick Twister can help remove it. While the O’Tom Tick Twister offers an at-home solution, if you feel uncomfortable removing the tick by yourself be sure to bring your pet to your veterinarian where it can be removed professionally.
Keep It Shady
On a really hot day, you’ve probably witnessed a dog try to cool themselves down by laying in cool dirt or soil. Consider creating shady areas in your backyard or purchasing cooling products to prevent your furry friend from using your garden as a spot to cool down. From cooling mats to water bottles and collapsible bowls, there are many ways to help keep your pet cool on a hot summer day outdoors!
Store Tools Away
Gardening can be hard work, sometimes requiring several tools and supplies to get the job done. It’s often tempting after finishing a task to place your tools or supplies down and step inside to take a break, but it’s important to always make sure that these aren’t accessible to your fur baby. When you’re not using them, be sure to place any tools or supplies in your shed, garage, or anywhere else that your pet can’t get to them or bring your companion indoors with you.
