Did you know that all bulbs and some other flowers (including wildflowers found in some ‘seeded greetings cards’) along with certain plants and trees are all toxic to animal friends? So is some mulch (cocoa, pine, rubber and fresh compost), snail/slug pellets and garden chemicals. Get rid of all of them and go organic. Even some houseplants are not safe (just brushing a tail past a lily or sago palm can harm). Also do not display foliage near outside garden birds, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Avoid Toxic Plants to Pets
- The book Leaf Supply lists toxic plants to pets
- PDSA lists safe/unsafe plants to choose or avoid
- Toxic plants to dogs
- Toxic plants to cats
- Toxic plants to rabbits
- Toxic plants to birds
- Avoid these herbs near pets
- Trees & plants to horses (inc. yew & oak trees)
- Remove ragwort with a ragfork
- VPIS supplies good info for vets
- Keep pets away from rose thorns
- And plants that attract bees (see natural remedies for bee stings)
Pet-Friendly Landscaping
- Bin chemicals and pesticides
- Grow an organic lawn
- Use safe humane slug/snail deterrents
- Paved areas are safer than stones or gravel
- Trimmed nails help prevent claws getting stuck
- Check ears/paws after walks, for grass seeds
- Have shady areas (cats also get heatstroke)
- Choose a solid wood secure fence
- Or one made with recycled plastic
- Use non-toxic wood stain (over creosote)
- If prey animals (like rabbits) run free, block hedgehog highways (holes in fences). Open at night for nocturnal hogs, when animals are safely inside.
- Clean up poop (old poop can cause blindness to animals and children).
- Citronella (used in wasp-deterring candles) is toxic to pets. Use a Waspinator (looks like a nest to deter other wasps).
- Wash paws after snowy walks to remove rock salt (can burn at indoor higher temperatures). Shovel snow or use EcoGrit (cereal waste), straw or sand.
- Flat Cat & Cataire make screens to keep cats safe near windows (they don’t always ‘right themselves’).
- Keep pets away from BBQs. Remove leftover food (fatty meats, onion, garlic and beer are all toxic).
Pet Garden Safety Tips
- Never leave pets unattended with collars that could snag (balconies, fences). For dogs, Keepsafe Collar is secure on lead walks (attach the lead to both D-rings) but off the lead it breaks away in emergencies. For cats, Kitty Collars (6 months+) are embroidered with contact/medical info and breaks away in emergencies (use with non-hanging Flexitags).
- Supervise pets with toys and avoid throwing sticks (can cause mouth injuries). See where to find safe pet toys.
- Keep pets away from ponds (blue/green algae) and toads. Create sloping sides for pond wildlife and use safer alternatives to netting.
- Even Greener & The Original Water Butt Co are safer than open barrels. Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes.
- Cover pools, when not in use. Doggy Docks are easier to use than ladders, and can also used as boat platforms.
- Remove leaf litter and brush areas where fleas, ticks or snakes thrive. Also clean up spilled birdseed that could attract other creatures.
- Garden organically as some fertilisers (including for chickens) carry ammonia.