Petscaping: Landscaping with your pets in mind

Petscaping: Landscaping with your pets in mind. 

Maintaining a beautiful yard while being a pet owner shouldn’t be that hard. Here’s a few tips you might be missing:

Paw-Friendly Decking/Fencing
Many common deck, fence and wood treatments, such as pressure-treated wood, can cause cause adverse health effects for people and pets after long term exposure. Over time, the chemicals (which includes arsenic) used to treat the wood will eventually seep into its surroundings, exposing it to all of its toxins. Pets who chew on the wood are at an even higher risk of being exposed. If possible, use organic wood treatments such as Cedarshield, a one-time treatment that is 100% safe for people and pets.


Eliminating Brown Spots
Have you been wondering why your lawn can’t seem to stay green everywhere? Those brown spots are likely caused by too much nitrogen in your pet’s urine. Watering the area where your pet uses the bathroom can help dilute the nitrogen and keep those pesky brown spots from popping up. Also, if you fertilize your yard, try to use a reduced nitrogen fertilizer.

Beware of  Hazardous Plants
When planning to add plants to your lawn it’s important to consider which ones may be beneficial or harmful to your pets. Herbs such as Basil, Lavender and lemongrass all have benefits for your pets, while  common plants such as Azaleas, Lilies, Daffodils and Sago Palms are poisonous for them.  For a full list of hazardous plants, click here. 

Use Non-Toxic Pesticides
Many commonly used commercial and DIY pesticides have been proven dangerous to both people and pets. Symptoms such as fever, tremors, vomiting, depression, seizures,  increased heart rate and in some cases death can occur.  Using organic pesticides can safely eliminate bugs without the fear of any of dangerous side effects.

Designated Digging Areas
Many pets that are thought to be “problem diggers” are actually overheated pets just looking for a place to cool down. Make sure your pets have access to shade or a cooled area. If digging persists, try making a designated digging area and placing toys in the dirt to direct them there. After a while, most dogs will catch on and the digging in your garden will stop.

Know Your Mulch
Most people know that chocolate is poisonous for dogs but many are unaware that mulch can be just as dangerous. Cocoa mulch, which is derived from cocoa beans, contains Theobromine, the deadly toxin found in chocolate. Even small amounts can harm animals and cause side effects such as vomiting, tremors, nerve damage and more. Make sure to use organic, chemical-free mulch such as Cedar Mulch.


By paying attention to these small (but big) steps you can safely and beautifully landscape your lawn and enjoy it with your pets.

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