If you are a pet lover and gardening enthusiast, you may ask whether there are dog-friendly plants for your backyard space. Considering some dogs have excellent sniffing ability and are more attracted to leaves, you might be motivated to create a dog-friendly backyard space. However, you should bear in mind that some plants are medicinal and edible for humans but may be harmful to dogs.
Although your dog may not enjoy the attractive flowers you like, it’s still possible to create and maintain a functional and safe backyard space. This post is a blueprint of dog-friendly plants for your backyard space and the importance of plants to dogs. Read on!
The Importance of Plants to Dogs
Planting dog-friendly plants in your backyard space has multiple benefits, including:
Helps Dogs to Keep Digging
You can easily teach your dog to dig by burying some treats for them to search for. You can also bury some toys for them to dig out. If you search for a dig box, your dog will likely copy you and repeat your actions. The most common experience is that a dog repeatedly digs at the same point.
If you start digging and hiding your dog’s reward anywhere in your garden, they will likely come and start seeing what you are doing. Later, your dog will develop a habit of digging anywhere within the park in search of their rewards. Therefore, you can establish a dog-friendly garden in your backyard to help your dog keep digging, as they will generally love it.
Keeps them Safe During Summer
You should ensure your dog can access shade and water when it’s hot outdoors. Some tips for keeping your dog safe during this adverse weather condition are supervising your dog in the garden, avoiding toxic plants dogs, and avoiding exposing them to direct sunlight. Fortunately, establishing a dog-friendly garden in your backyard guarantees your dog is safe during this weather, and you will easily manage it.
A Great Way of Getting Outdoors Together
A garden is suitable for you and your friends to stay outdoors. However, you can make your backyard space to accommodate your dogs by planting dog-friendly plants to increase the exciting things to do there. Later, you can enjoy your future outdoor times together.
7 Dog-friendly Plants
Although garden plants are good for your dog, not all plants are safe for your dog. If you are planning to establish a dog-friendly backyard space, here are 7 dog-friendly plants you can consider planting:
#1. Sunflower (Helianthus spp.)
Sunflowers are among the best dog-friendly plants you can consider planting. These plants are well known for their hardiness and can grow in USDA zones 2 to 11, where they mostly bloom in summer and fall. Fortunately, these plants are super hardy and will flourish in all soil types, provided they access enough water. Sunflowers will not only be attractive to dogs but will attract bees to pollinate other flowers.
#2. Green or Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Green or purple basil is safe for humans and pets such as dogs and cats. You can also enjoy the medicinal benefits of these plants since they have anti-inflammatory effects. Generally, this plant grows in hardy areas between 10 and 11 and requires temperatures above 50℉.
#3. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is a perfectly safe dog plant that freshens their bad breath. This plant has a great ability to self-sow, and you can expect it to grow after every year. Luckily, it is a hardy plant that grows in zones 2 to 11.
#4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
Bamboo is among the strongest known plants worldwide, with a fast-growing rate. This plant is dog-friendly and provides them with a convenient hiding place under a cool temperature. Therefore, consider planting this plant if you are looking for a suitable hiding place for your dog while increasing the privacy of your premise.
#5. Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Dogs safely prefer some small portions of thyme. This plant repels pests such as beetles, fleas, and tomato hornworms, making it a great dog companion. Also, this plant grows in hardy conditions between 5 and 9 and is pollinator friendly. Thus, you can plant it as a dog-friendly garden while contributing to a healthy planet.
#6. Magnolia Tree (Magnolia spp.)
The magnolia tree is a beautiful and non-toxic plant for dogs. This tree blooms in summer and has large-sized flowers you can be able to see at a distance. Amazingly, this tree is flexible, and you can train it to grow against your wall.
#7. Asters (Aster spp.)
Asters are attractive dog-friendly plants with various colors, including white and lilac. You can plant this plant based on your color preference, and it will act as a non-toxic dog companion in your backyard space.
How to Keep up Plants in the Backyard with Dogs Around
While most experienced plant owners understand that outside forces can definitely interfere with plant growth, newer ones may not know what to do, especially if pets are to come into play. The main way to protect these new green additions to the backyard would be to take plant placement into consideration along with applying protection to them. This could be as simple as putting wire or a small fence around the objects.
Overall, it is easy to keep up plants in your backyard with dogs around. You only need to choose and plant dog-friendly plants, ensure they access their required ecological conditions, and ensure they are free from pests that can threaten your dog. Eventually, you and your dogs will have ample space for relaxing outdoors.
Plants That Are Dangerous That Dogs Should Avoid
Although there are safe plants for dogs, there are some plants that dogs should avoid. Here are some of the toxic plants for dogs:
- Sago palm
- Tulips
- Oleander
- Castor bean
- Daffodil
- Bleeding heart
Plant Dog-Friendly Plants in Your Backyard Space!
Planting dog-friendly plants in your backyard gives you and your dog a great outdoor experience. Also, these plants have endless benefits, such as keeping them active and safe during summer. Thankfully, we have discussed some dog-friendly plants you can consider adding to your backyard space.
Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for AKRS Equipment Solutions Inc.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/LzLWRRX9RiQ
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