Dog-Safe Gardening Guide

Dogs can be taught where they're permitted and where they are not. Learn how things like raised beds can protect plantings from scampering paws and swinging tails.

Digging Pit

Give dogs places to practice their excavation skills without disrupting your garden beds, preferably in shaded locations. You might entice them to use it by lightly burying (as they watch you) a treat-filled chew toy. After all that rolling around in the dirt, it's good to do some basic dog grooming and clean up.

“Patrolling” Area

Leave a plant-free zone around the perimeter of your yard; dogs instinctively (and repeatedly) cruise boundaries and fence lines.

Construct Barriers

Plants of the nightshade family, including eggplant, tomato and potato need to be blocked off; their foliage and stems contain dangerous alkaloids that can kill a dog. Keep your dog away from onions and rhubarb leaves as well. When consumed in quantity, they can cause red blood cell destruction and kidney damage, respectively.

Avoid Cocoa Bean Mulches

Their chocolaty smell makes them pup catnip, but they contain theobromine, which is toxic for dogs.

Cross Off Almond & Walnut Trees

Tannin is a canine toxin, and almond and walnut hulls contain it; moldy walnuts are also a problem. Trees with toxic bark, such as cherry (contains cyanide-like components) should be avoided. And, some stone fruit trees (apricots, plums) can provide raw material for obstruction with indigestible pits.

Say No to Snail Bait

Do not use snail bait containing metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to dogs and cats. Copper barrier tape is a good alternative; slugs and snails are deterred from crossing it by the tape's tiny positive electric charge.

Protect Young Trees

Young trees are a no-go, especially if you have a male dog. Be sure to frequently rinse the trunk and soil with fresh water. Or, secure a copper or galvanized splash guard of appropriate height and circumference around the developing tree the first couple of years to divert unwelcome attention from your pup.