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Step 1
Observe your pet’s behavior and work with it, not against it, when designing plantings. If your dog likes to patrol the perimeter, leave room between shrubs and the fence. If a dog or cat tends to dig or lie in a certain spot, don’t ask for trouble by planting a shrub or flowerbed there.
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Step 2
Keep plants out of harm’s way by using raised beds and decorative fencing. Pets will usually follow the path of least resistance instead of climbing up into a raised bed or over a barrier. It might not keep them out when a tempting squirrel runs past, but it will minimize intrusions. Choosing plants that grow up trellises or arbors will also keep flowers and Fluffy out of each other's space.
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Step 3
Allow for your pet’s favorite activities. If your dog's a digger, provide a spot of loose dirt where digging is permitted – hide toys there to encourage him to use that place. If he always runs a certain way, build a path along that route, not a flowerbed.
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Step 4
Choose plants with pet safety in mind. Thorns are no fun for anyone – especially smush-faced dogs with bugged-out eyes. Avoid plants that are potentially toxic.
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Step 5
Minimize your use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This is better for your pets and better for the environment too. If you absolutely must use them, follow instructions carefully – more is not better!
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Step 6
Be cautious of organic plant foods as well – some contain yummy ingredients like fish, bone or blood meal that are attractive to animals. Dig these in deep, and don’t let residue get on plants that you don’t want chewed – or plants that are toxic to your pets if eaten.
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Step 7
Compost is a safe fertilizer and soil improver, but if you make your own, don’t include meat products or leftovers – when rotting these are attractive to animals and can make them ill.
