How to Create A Pet Friendly Garden

Many people enjoy gardening, and it is a great way to spend time outside^1. But many common plants in our gardens are toxic to dogs ^1. So, how do you create a garden that is friendly for you and for your furry friend? The first step is to consider if your dog is a digger, likes to chew, or gets into mischief ^2. It will decide the garden and flowers you can have. Gardening with your furry friend can be challenging, but with the right tools and planning, it’s possible ^2.

Diggers need planning and patience^2. The right way to do it is to have a rake and extra soil^2. Planning for when you need to refill holes and plants is ideal^2. However, unplanned digging can happen and can be frustrating. My late family dog used to do the same! But this can be mitigated by planning your dog’s visits outside more strategically. Supervision and close monitoring can help with this issue ^3. A designated box, such as play sand or soil, might be helpful to distract them^3. However, some dogs may not be able to be outside in the garden, such as my family dog. In this case, the dog being on a leash when outside in the yard is probably the best idea.

Dogs that get into mischief, like knocking over plants and jumping into beds^2. This can damage plants. But there can be solutions^2. Creating paths for these dogs to walk on, such as wooden pathways and steppingstones, can be helpful^2. Covering sensitive plants with rocks can help protect them from your playful or rambunctious dog^2. The best way I have seen personally to avoid your planters from shattering when dogs knock them over, or your flowers getting damaged from being trampled is to put the plants in a greenhouse away from your dog. With some time and some training, you and your playful dog can coexist in the garden^2.

The most challenging and tricky are the chewers^2. Puppies in particular tend to be the biggest culprits. They chew on everything^2. Puppies are like toddlers. Curious, rambunctious, and will try to eat or chew on anything that they think is food or a plaything^4.That includes your plants, planting pots, or their poop sometimes^4. The best case in this scenario is check outdoor plants and remove them if they are toxic to dogs^2. Removal of those plans and supervision is the best choice^5. Dogs should not be left unsupervised in the garden^5.

There are many toxic plants that your dog should avoid, so let’s talk about them first^6.These plants make for gorgeous spring or summer gardens^6. But they are not safe for your dog. We’ll discuss five types of flowers to avoid planting when you have a furry friend.

1. Amarylis. This gorgeous white flower brightens up the garden, but your dog should never touch it! Otherwise, they will have diarrhea, drooling, and tremors^6.
2. Azalea. This purple plant is a common one in gardens^6.. But it causes severe symptoms such as cardiac arrest, coma, and maybe even death^6..
3. Birds of paradise. This has similar symptoms to azalea and is just as dangerous^6.
4. Tulip. This common plant is toxic to your dog, causing nausea and too much drooling^6.
5. Morning Glory. Depending on the dose of flowers eaten, this plant can cause severe symptoms, from vomiting to even hallucinations^6.

Keeping your dog away from these plants often prevents them from eating them, but accidents can happen^6. Symptoms of poison usually include drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea^6. The most dangerous symptoms are seizures and a coma⁶. Discovering the first symptoms usually avoids that, but sometimes the more severe symptoms come on quickly if your dog ate a more deadly plant^6.

Now, here are dog-friendly plants you can have in your garden^7.. Monitoring is still good, so your plants aren’t trampled or dug up^2. Here are the top five dog-safe flowers you can have in your garden.

1. Roses. The thorns aren’t safe because they are sharp, but the roses themselves aren’t toxic^8.
2. Orchids-Pretty to look at and safe for your dog if eaten by accident. However, it should be noted that some dogs are sensitive to this plant ^9.
3. Sunflowers-Tasty for you and for your dog, but of course in moderation^10.
4. Gerber Daises-These multicolored beauties are non-toxic to your dog^7.
5. Sword Ferns. Part of the true ferns, this plant is non-toxic for your pet^11.

So, overall, gardening with your pup doesn’t have to be frustrating. With some time and patience, gardening can be a rewarding experience for you and a fun way to spend time with your dog outside.

References:

1. Lotz, Kristina. “How to Plant a Dog-Friendly Garden.” American Kennel Club, March 19, 2024. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-plant-a-dog-friendly-garden/.

2. Hamlin, Serome. “Gardening With Dogs.” VPM, August 28, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-plant-a-dog-friendly-garden/.

3. “Paws in the Garden: A Pet-Friendly Guide to Gardening – Westwood Gardens,” n.d. https://www.westwoodgardens.com/blog/paws-in-the-garden-a-pet-friendly-guide-to-gardening.

4. Brooke, Leyla. “Why Having a Puppy Is the Same as a Toddler.” Your Baby Club, n.d. https://www.yourbabyclub.co.uk/why-having-a-puppy-is-the-same-as-a-toddler-268.

5. Authority, Fairfax County Park. “Gardening With Your Dog.” Our Stories and Perspectives, April 19, 2016. https://ourstoriesandperspectives.com/2016/05/07/gardening-with-your-dog/.

6. M, Eric. “15 Plants Toxic to Dogs [With Photos],” Aspca Pet Insurance. n.d. https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/plants-toxic-to-dogs/.

7. DoveLewis. “Pet Safety in Bloom: Which Flowers Are Dangerous for Pets?” DoveLewis, March 17, 2025. https://www.dovelewis.org/blog/pet-safety-bloom-which-flowers-are-dangerous-pets.

8. TrustedHousesitters. “Are Roses Poisonous to Dogs?,”n.d. https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/are-roses-poisonous-to-dogs/.

9. Gardenia. “Are Orchids Toxic to Dogs?,” n.d.https://www.gardenia.net/guide/are-orchids-toxic-to-dogs

10. Reisen, Jan. “Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds?” American Kennel Club, June 24, 2025. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sunflower-seeds/.

11. Coleman, Liz. “Are Ferns Poisonous to Dogs?” Rover, n.d. https://www.rover.com/blog/are-ferns-poisonous-to-dogs/.

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