Garden Detective

MCT Photo

Dogs love to frolic in the garden, but it isn't always wise to leave them unattended. For starters, lots of plants are poisonous. Then, there are concerns about the damage they can do to plants and lawns. But it is possible for a beautiful garden and your coddled canine to coexist peacefully. Here are some tips that will help:

Photo by Justine Damiano

1. Dogs and grass generally don't mix

The high nitrogen content in their urine will trash your grass, becoming visible with telltale brown patches scattered about. And there are only two things you can do to prevent them: Run out with a hose and water like crazy after every pit stop or train the dog to go elsewhere. Find an out-of-the way spot you're willing to surrender to your dog and take him there on a leash every time nature calls.

2. Mulch an area where the dog can be free to run and play

If you can fence it in, even better. This will protect the turf from rips and general wear and tear.

3. Avoid cocoa bean hull mulch

It smells like chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, and can be just as harmful. Also avoid mulching with rocks; some dogs will swallow them.

4. Space shrubs and trees so there's ample room between them

The purpose - so dogs can run around them. Tightly packed shrubbery won't discourage dogs from trying to enter, and damage will occur.

5. Don't use toxic fungicides, herbicides or insecticides

For instance, try corn gluten in the spring to control crabgrass instead of chemical pre-emergent herbicides. And remember, organic doesn't necessarily mean safe.

Brunfelsia (left, University of Houston photo) and Digitalis, or foxglove (Cornell University photo) are toxic to dogs.

6.Familiarize yourself with plants that are toxic to dogs

And don't plant them. Here's a list of plants that are poisonous to dogs

7.Include some garden items that could benefit the dog

Like a fountain (above) that's low enough to provide a nice, cool drink.

8.Relax

If your annuals get trampled from time to time, so be it. Dogs will be dogs.