Tips for a Pet-Friendly Garden

After a very long, cold winter, it seems like warmer weather is finally here! Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice, and if you have a furry friend it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to keep them as safe and comfortable as possible.

Research

From beautiful flowers and shrubs to colourful vegetable plants and more, the options are endless when it comes to choosing what to include in your garden. No matter what you’re leaning towards, make sure you do plenty of research to ensure you aren’t planting anything that could be harmful to your beloved companion. Unfortunately, there are many plants that are toxic to pets when ingested and can lead to illness.

Consider also installing a fence around your garden to provide your four-legged family member with even more protection. A tie out stake and cable can also help prevent your pet from eating anything dangerous while still allowing them to explore the yard. If your garden includes a pond, keeping this blocked off from your pet is also a good idea so they can’t fall in.

Pest Protection

While a garden full of flowers and plants can add a lot of beauty to your yard, they also attract a wide variety of insects – many of which sting or bite. As our pets are curious creatures who often stick their noses in places that they shouldn’t, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian so you know what to do if your pet gets stung or bitten. Some pets may experience a mild reaction while it may be more serious for others, so it’s important to always be prepared.

From flea and tick collars to topical treatments, there are many solutions available to help keep your pet protected from head to tail while outdoors. If you do happen to find a tick on your pet, the O’Tom Tick Twister can help you remove it. If improperly removed, a tick can leave body parts in your pet’s skin and cause inflammation or infection. By twisting with the O’Tom Tick Twister, the tick’s spikes bend into the axis of rotation and the tick is easily removed without traction, decreasing the risk of breaking inside the skin. 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 Cool

If you and your four-legged family member are spending time outside on a warm day, you’ll probably notice them looking for shade or trying to lay in the soil to cool off. If you don’t have any shade in your yard already, consider creating some shady areas or using cooling products on your pet. Not only will this help prevent your furry friend from over-heating, but it will also stop them from trying to use your garden as a place to cool down! From cooling mats, bandanas and vests to water bottles and collapsible bowls, there are many ways to keep your companion cool and comfortable on a warm day outdoors.

Store Your Tools

While working on a project in the garden, it can be tempting to put your tools down and head inside to take a break. However, if you do so be sure that you’re placing your tools somewhere that is not accessible to your pet. Put your tools or supplies in your shed, garage or anywhere else that your pet can’t access, or bring your furry friend inside with you if that’s easier!