How to Keep Your Outdoor Dog Safe (And Away from Your Garden)
How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
If your pet is eating plants, it could be a sign of a nutrient imbalance, so schedule a visit to the vet. Most likely, though, this mischievous behavior is a sign of boredom. Redirect your dog to another activity, like a game of fetch, says Kirsten Theisen, director of pet-care issues at the Humane Society of the United States. And make the garden a less desirable spot to dig in by placing flat rocks around plants and spraying the area with a mix of water and lemon juice (most dogs dislike citrus scents).
Related: Tips for Keeping Your Pets Healthy
How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Backyard Poisons
The first thing you should do to keep your pets safe outdoors is to get to know the names of the plants in your yard to determine if they're safe, says Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. If your pet ingests something poisonous, inform your vet immediately. Common toxins include compost, mushrooms, insecticides, snail and slug bait, and cocoa-bean mulch. For a comprehensive list, visit aspca.org.
Barricade Plants
Puppies have a tendency to chew on everything they find. Place chicken wire around harmful plants (like azaleas, shown) to keep your pet away.
Related: 27 Things Every Pet Owner Should Know
Banish Mushrooms
Pick any mushrooms in your yard and toss them right away -- many poisonous varieties resemble safe ones. For example, toxic Gyromitra esculenta looks similar to these edible morels.
Cover Compost
Although compost benefits your garden, the bacteria and spoiled food inside can make pets sick. Keep compost and lawn-care products covered and out of your pet's reach.
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How to Remove Pet Hair and Stains
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