Creating the garden of your dreams is made extra challenging when you have four-pawed companions to think about. Unfortunately, not all plants are safe for pets, with many being toxic and causing animals to become ill. Likewise, there are some plants that will easily become destroyed by curious dogs trampling on them. The good news, however, is there are so many dog-friendly plants you can choose from instead.
If you've already explored the wide range of dog-friendly backyard ideas out there, you might already have your heart set on some particular plants. Whether you want an abundant kitchen garden, flourishing flower patch, or a relaxing patio garden to escape to, it's best to make sure your chosen plants are both safe for your dog to be around and won't become damaged beyond compare by an adventurous pup.
Just like the best pet-safe indoor plants, dog-friendly plants for the yard will allow you to create an outdoor space you and your dog can enjoy together without the worry of them becoming harmed. Here, plant and veterinary experts share their top picks of garden plants to grow when you have a dog.
5 beautiful dog-friendly plants to grow in your yard
There are so many poisonous plants for dogs to be aware of, but equally so many dog-friendly plants to use instead. When selecting plants to grow in your yard with a dog, you need to take into consideration all aspects of your outdoor space - do you require dog-safe kitchen garden plants?
Maybe you need a ground-cover plant that can be walked on? Here, we take a look at some of the best dog-friendly plants to use in different ways in the yard.
1. Blueberry bush
This is a great edible hedge plant option when you have a dog. Not only will growing blueberries provide you with a harvest of delicious summer fruit, but these berries are non-toxic to dogs, making them harmless if your pet does sneakily help themselves to your crop.
'Blueberries provide antioxidant-rich treats for dogs,' says Michelle Baker, dog health and behaviour expert from Furkids Dog Daycare & Enrichment Center. This means allowing your dog to have a the occasional helping of blueberries can actually boost their health.
You can even grow blueberries in pots if you're aiming to create a dog-friendly container garden.
Don't forget to prune blueberries around late February to encourage healthy, new growth.
With the Sweetheart Blueberry Bush, you get huge harvests each year under most conditions.
Michelle is a Dog Behavior Specialist and the owner of Furkids Dog Daycare & Enrichment Center. She is knowledgeable about a wide range of topics relating to dog health.
2. Irish moss
Looking for a pet-friendly ground cover plant your dog can run over without killing? Look no further than Irish moss. It's perfect for filling gaps in pavers, works well as a plant for under trees because it enjoys shade, and it can be repeatedly walked on without any harm to its long-term health.
'This ground cover withstands stress. It is softer than grass, grows well in high-traffic areas, and is non-toxic,' adds gardening expert Ryan Harden. 'This makes it a good candidate to provide a soft green carpet for dogs to lounge or play on.'
Plus, Irish moss produces charming white flowers in spring and summer, so you can also add it to your list of flowering, walkable ground cover plants to consider.
This starter plant will help you grow a lush, vibrant ground cover of Irish moss.
Passionate plant enthusiast and owner of The Harden Garden. Ryan has years of experience in plant care and sustainable gardening.
3. Snapdragons
Just because you have an energetic dog running around in your yard doesn't mean you can't have thriving flower beds. Snapdragons, for example, are an ideal choice for dog-owning gardeners because they're non-toxic.
'It's easy to grow snapdragons and they're resilient alongside pets. Not to mention, these non-toxic flowers add vivid color to gardens,' Ryan says.
Another bonus is you can keep snapdragons flowering easily by deadheading snapdragons as their flowers start to fade and by using this all-purpose fertilizer from Amazon to boost the nutrients available to them.
This mixture of snapdragon seeds offer timeless blooms and growing them is an effortless, vibrant way to invite some summer color to your yard.
4. Marigolds
Another option for dog owners who want a bright garden, growing marigolds is guaranteed to bring you and your dogs joy. Plus, marigolds are a pest-repellent plant that will keep your homegrown crops safe.
'Marigolds are edible and safe for dogs, even common garden marigolds are non-toxic,' says veterinary expert Dr. Nita Vasudevan.
It's easy to grow marigolds in pots, borders, and beds. You can even grow them as a plant for hanging baskets as an extra precaution to prevent your dog taking a nibble.
Take care to deadhead marigolds when the flowers start to fade to encourage returning blooms. You should use essential pruning tools when doing this, like these pruning shears from Amazon.
With 4000 marigold seeds, you'll be able to create an orange meadow in your backyard.
Nita is a Small Animal Clinician and Telehealth Veterinarian and Leader. She aims to strengthen the human and animal bond.
5. Rosemary
If you're planning a fragrant garden but are wary of not incorporating harmful plants for the furrier members of your family, then consider growing rosemary. This aromatic herb brings delicious scent to your yard and you can harvest rosemary for to cook with.
'Rosemary is a drought-tolerant, fragrant herb that aids digestion for dogs,' Michelle Baker notes.
Just like blueberries, this makes rosemary a safe edible plant for dogs to nibble. Although, be aware they should only consume rosemary in moderation.
As a bonus, you might notice your rosemary repels mosquitoes, too.
Use these starter plants to grow delicious rosemary in your yard. You can also use these to start an indoor herb garden.
FAQs
Which plants should you never grow if you have a dog?
There are quite a few toxic plants you should be aware of if you have a dog. Gardening expert Ryan Harden warns: 'Foxgloves are potentially life-threatening to dogs as it can cause serious heart problems if consumed.' You should likewise avoid growing azaleas, says veterinary expert Dr. Nita Vasudevan: 'They contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues in dogs.' It's best to always research the plants you wish to grow to ensure they won't cause harm to any pets you have.
Making sure you have the best dog-friendly plants in your yard isn't the only thing you have to consider when gardening with pets. For example, you might find our guide to growing grass with dogs is also useful.
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