The garden for the “whole” family. (Including the dog)
My landlord has a dog named Peanut. Peanut is 15 years old and it’s hard for him to walk. Still, you can see that he likes to go outside. He inspired me to dedicate the first blog of the “purposeful” series, to things that matter to Peanut and other dogs.
A commonly known fact is that our little (and sometimes big) friends are highly dependent upon us. We choose what they eat, when they exercise and who they interact with. We make their world, or to be precise we are their world. So, when dog owners either move into a new house or decide to redesign their outdoor space, they should also take into consideration their pet’s needs and wants.
To start, think like your pet: what do you like to do the most? Where’s your favorite place to rest? Where do you like to walk? There are some characteristics that specific breeds have, from my experience, beagles are very laid back and don’t mind stretching in the sun most of their time. On the other hand, if they sniff a mole, there will be no way to stop them from obsessed digging for the next 30 minutes. Breed is not the only thing that determines those characteristics, usually each dog has its own personality that only the owner would know.
Having figured out his/her or even their preferences, we should talk about safety issues. To keep an animal inside, install a fence. If a young puppy was raised with a particular fence, even a low one, it will likely grow up with a respect for that fence and won’t try to escape even when full grown. In other cases, a new fence should be tall enough to discourage jumping. For digging dogs, extend the fence several inches into the ground.
Another very important aspect of canine safety is toxic plants. Very often our curious friends, having nothing to do, find themselves chewing on plants in the gardens. Some of them are poisonous to dogs. To see the full list of poisonous plants follow the link: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants. A good example of a poisonous shrub is an all-time favorite, hydrangea. After consuming the plant material, a pet may show the following symptoms of intoxication:vomiting, depression, and diarrhea.
Less scary, but nonetheless important is making sure that mulch is splinter free and not toxic, etc. For example cacao mulch is toxic, and coconut husks, once swallowed, will swell and clog the intestines. For dogs with long, woolly coats, even ordinary mulch can create problems by sticking to them. (Though it’s rather an owner’s problem).
Next on the list, things to make the life of a dog more comfortable and entertaining. Providing a potable water source, especially if combined with a fountain, could be pleasant for both you and your friend. In summer, it’s also important to have a shady retreat. Dogs like to have their private areas: build a shelter and have a gravel path along the fence hidden by shrubs and perennials. When you are having a party on the patio, your dog will probably join you so having a nice cushion would make your pet feel comfortable.
As our dearest companions have endless personality variations, I can endlessly continue listing possible tips and solutions. But today I will stop here. If you have any questions, you can always contact George Cardenas Landscape.