![We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai](https://cdnexpatwomanfood.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/urban%20bar%20and%20kitchen%20brunch%20main.png "We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai")
What not to plant and how to keep your garden safe for your pets
1 April 2019
| Last updated on 19 January 2020
All Credits: PA
Are you concerned your garden might be a hazard to your pets?
Pets can be a challenge for keen gardeners, especially when it comes to safety, and if your animals spend a lot of time in the garden, they may chew on plants or try to explore areas you thought were out of bounds.
With a bit of planning, you can create a beautiful and safe garden for everyone to enjoy, including your pets, all year round.
What’s poisonous?
Lilies – the leaves, flowers and pollen – are highly poisonous to cats, even in minuscule quantities, and have the potential to be fatal.
Most crocuses are a good alternative for spring colour to daffodils, which are toxic, but avoid colchicums or autumn crocuses, which can also be poisonous. Bluebells can be too, but severe poisoning is rare.
Other plants which are toxic to cats and dogs include tulips, daffodil bulbs, foxgloves, hyacinth, ivy, azalea, cyclamen root and buttercups.
Cats should avoid iris, yucca, leeks, tomatoes and potatoes, while dogs can have an adverse reaction to bluebells, lupins, yew, rhododendron, wild cherry tree and the stems of sweet peas.
Potential hazards
Fences and gates must be secure so dogs can’t escape. Six foot is a good height for most.
Additionally, slugs and snails can infect pets with lungworm, but avoid slug pellets which can be toxic. Stick to using barriers like soot, sharp sand or beer traps and ask your vet pet about lungworm protection.
Be cautious with fertiliser
Lawn feed and moss killer may irritate your pet’s paws and can cause gastrointestinal upsets, so keep your pets away from any area you treat.
Lock sheds
Keep shed doors firmly shut and greenhouse entrances/exits blocked with mesh. It’ll prevent explorers from becoming trapped or getting into trouble with dangerous substances or sharp tools kept inside, or succumbing to heatstroke.
Avoid chemical weed killers and pesticides too, as they can be harmful to pets (and wildlife).
Make the garden fun
Provide logs to scratch and climb on, and tunnels for your pet to go through. Cats like to sit up high and observe the goings on below. If you don’t have any trees, consider placing platforms and scratching posts around your garden.
- Tags:
- Gardening
- Life
- pets & vets
- home & car
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
