6 Tips for Planting a Pet-Safe Garden

2. Rethink garden sprays​

​Whether you’re applying fertilizer for a lush green lawn or blasting the insects eating your favorite plants, it’s important to consider how those products may affect your pets.​

“Unfortunately, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can be dangerous to cats and dogs,” says Michelle Lugones, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society in New York. “The safest way to protect dogs and cats is to not use these products [and], if that isn’t possible, prevent them having access to where you use or store these chemicals.”​

Even if your pets don’t eat fertilizers, rolling in the grass after application or licking their paws after walking across the lawn could cause health issues, including skin burns and irritation, Lugones says.​

3. Minimize flea and tick risks​

You worked hard to make your yard a haven for wildlife; bluebirds flock to the bird bath and snakes take shelter in the tall grasses. But fleas and ticks are hiding in those spots, too.​

“You can also make your outdoor space less welcoming to these insects by keeping the grass mowed, raking leaves, placing 3-foot-wide areas of gravel between your yard and any wooded areas … and keeping any woodpiles neatly stacked and dry,” Lugones says.​

It’s also essential to keep your pet on monthly flea and tick preventives to reduce the risks of heartworm disease, Lyme disease or itchy flea infestations if insects do sneak into the yard, she adds.​

4. Cover the compost​

Tony Sacco with his cat Sushi

Courtesy Tony Sacco

Tossing about-to-spoil produce and last night’s leftovers into the compost bin may lead your dog to think you’re simply refilling the backyard buffet. Even foods like apples and carrots that are safe for your pet to eat fresh should be off-limits once they hit the compost heap.​

“Compost, though good for our gardens, may contain molds that could cause severe illness in our pets,” Wismer says.​

To keep an unauthorized nosh from turning into an emergency trip to the vet, choose a compost bin with a tamper-proof cover and, if possible, keep it in an area of the yard that’s inaccessible to pets.​

5. Be cautious with mulch​

Dogs may not be able to resist the smell of cocoa bean mulch. This recycled product, made from the hulls of cocoa beans, contains theobromines, the ingredients in chocolate that are toxic to dogs.​

Wismer notes that consuming the sweet-smelling mulch could lead to rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures — and that, if your dog eats a lot of cocoa bean mulch, it can be fatal. So if you can, choose from other mulch options.​

6. Consider other dangers​

Other potential hazards include everything from unattended hedge trimmers to swimming pools. Lugones suggests keeping lawn tools and chemicals stored, pools covered (or in separate fenced areas) and gates latched.​

“It’s always best to monitor your pet when they are outdoors,” she adds.​

Remember, a shady spot to rest and access to fresh, cool water are also key for your four-legged friends.​

With a little extra effort, your yard can be an outdoor oasis for you and your pet.​

Editor's note: This article was originally published on July 22, 2021. It has been updated to reflect new information.