We all love pottering about the garden and it’s even more enjoyable when a four-legged friend keeps us company as we weed, water and plant. Dogs are called man’s best friend and for good reason. These animals are loyal, playful and intelligent and make incredible pets and great gardening buddies.

However, they are also very inquisitive and will investigate just about anything which means we have to be very careful about what they’re exposed to. Having certain types of plants in your garden when you have a pet pooch is a no-no.

Dog lovers and avid gardeners should be aware of the plants that could pose a threat to their beloved pets. There are many plants that are poisonous to dogs including lily of the valley, bluebells, foxgloves and hyacinth.

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Let’s take a closer look at what plants are poisonous to dogs and explore some ways to ensure your garden is 100% pup friendly.

Which plants should I avoid when I have a dog?

There are hundreds of plants that are considered to be toxic to dogs, so many that it would be impossible for us to provide an exhaustive list in one short post. However, you can find full details of ALL poisonous plants on the Dog’s Trust website.

That said, we have put together a list of some of the most common plants that are found in UK gardens which could cause a reaction in your dog.

●Amaryllis (bulbs only)

●Asparagus fern

●Azalea

●Bluebells

●Cyclamen

●Daffodils (bulbs only)

●Day lilies

●Foxgloves

●Hemlock

●Hyacinth

●Hydrangea

●Ivy

●Laburnum

●Lily of the valley

●Morning glory

●Nightshade

●Rhododendron

●Rhubarb (leaves only)

●Sweet pear

●Tulips (bulbs only)

●Wisteria

●Yew

In addition to these plants, there are some natural garden items that can be severely detrimental and even fatal for your dog. For example, acorns are known to cause digestive issues for your dog and long-term exposure can result in liver and kidney problems. The same goes for conkers which fall from the horse chestnut tree.

Various types of mushroom and fungi can be incredibly poisonous, not only to your dog but to you. While some are fine to eat, it isn’t always easy to tell which so it is best to remove them all from any garden areas your dog has access to.

How to make your garden dog safe

As well as being very careful about what plants grow in your garden when you have a dog, it is also essential to ensure that the rest of the garden is dog friendly. There are several things you can do to make sure of this; let’s take a look.

Fences

The last thing you want is for your dog to escape and go missing which is why it is important to ensure that the perimeter of your garden is secured with high-quality fencing.

This can also be installed around parts of your garden that you don’t want the dog to go to, such as a vegetable patch where you may grow plants that could harm them.

While some forms of fencing and hedging can prevent your dog from escaping, it won’t limit their visibility. Therefore, it is a good idea to install fencing that does allow them to see too much of what is going on outside the garden. If they see people or other dogs, this could agitate them and cause them to attempt escape.

Plant Texture

While it is crucial to make sure that you don’t grow poisonous plants, it is also advisable to avoid growing plants that could harm your dog in other ways.

Since they are such curious animals, there is a risk that they may get injured when investigating a thorny or spiky plant, so these should be avoided. The prickles from smaller plants also stand a chance of getting stuck in your dog's fur.

Pond Safety

Many homeowners enjoy having a pond in their garden and while this does make a wonderful decorative feature, it can pose a risk to your dog. For puppies who are not yet strong swimmers, a deep pond is a drowning hazard so these should be covered to prevent accidents.

Enjoy your garden with your dog

If you have a dog, you will know how quickly it becomes part of the family. For this reason, you will do everything in your power to make sure that your pup is protected. While you might have a keen eye for gardening, growing certain plants can prove fatal for your dog. Avoiding the plants we’ve listed above is one way to ensure his safety as well as dog-proofing your garden so he can enjoy your outdoor space without any problems.