By Laura A. Hofman

Anyone who shares their life with a dog knows they area a member of the family. As such, they need to be comfortable in your living space, including your garden. Here are some easy and practical tips to creating a dog friendly garden that you and your best friend will love…

What Is A Dog Friendly Garden?

The most important factor to consider when creating a garden your dog will love is their personal habits. Is your dog inquisitive by nature? Do they like to dig and chew? How much space do they need to run and explore?

Examine your dogs habits and research the breed if necessary. If your dog enjoys digging, like a beagle for example, you’ll want sturdy plants that are easy to replant. Similarly, if your furry friend likes a full out gallop now and then, it is important to give your pet enough area to roam and run.

A dog friendly garden is essentially an outdoor living space that both you and your pet can enjoy. Your dog’s safety is of primary importance, so you will want to choose plants that aren’t harmful to animals if ingested. From your viewpoint, you won’t want to constantly replace damaged plants and flowers, so consider your pets habits when choosing places to plant.

Choosing Your Plants

When you own a dog, chances are great they will occasionally interact with your plants when running, fetching, or playing. Choose sturdy species that can withstand a little rough housing. Also, consider where your dog likes to nap and eliminate. You won’t want your prized plants damaged by their daily routine.

If you have a boy dog, choose plants that are immune to the nitrogen in their urine. Boy dogs mark their territory, so your plants will get sprayed now and again. Certain types of plants are immune, like viburnum and spirea. Interestingly, shrub roses are another great choice. Not only are they sturdy and hardy, but they are practically immune to dog urine.

After a while, your dog will learn its space boundaries. Dogs are highly adaptable creatures and in general will cooperate with your landscaping ideas. Be sure they have enough shade, a place to nap outdoors, and room to run and you should be fine.

Plants To Avoid In A Dog Friendly Garden

There are certain species of plants that can be toxic to dogs. That said, the risk really lies in your dog’s habits. Most dogs will exist peacefully with plants and won’t chew and gnaw at them. Even if your dog is a chronic chewer, you can alleviate your worry by giving them dog bones that will keep them busy for hours.

With that said, there are a few plants that should give you pause. They include lilies, tulips, and azaleas. When ingested, these plants may cause severe digestive problems for your pet, so exercise due caution. For the most part though, if your dog is properly exercised daily, they really won’t be inclined to chew on plants.

Summary

Designing a dog friendly garden is well worth the time for both you and your pet. You will be able to match your landscape preferences with your dog’s habits by following a few simple tips.

Examine how your dog interacts with your outdoor space and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to properly exercise your dog to help curb their inquisitive nature and avoid nuisance behavior like chewing and possibly damaging your plants.

Laura A. Hofman is an expert gardener and pet lover who enjoys helping you get the most enjoyment from your outdoor living space. Discover the secrets of a dog friendly garden by visiting Laura’s new website dedicated to eco friendly and cost effective gardening tips for dog lovers. You’ll find it at: http://www.dogfriendlygarden.com

By Kimberly Case

Choose the right dog toy. Photo by Aussiegall

Dog treats and toys are not a one-size-fits-all purchase. There are products designed with puppies in mind while others are created for adult dogs only. This can pose a problem when specific items are given at the wrong age. Whether you are buying dog treats and toys for your new pup or for someone else’s’ take care to choose the right products.

Treats for Puppy

Although a puppy can probably swallow some adult dog treats, these have not been made with a puppy’s growing body in mind. They can create serious digestion problems as well as be harmful to puppy teeth. Look for biscuits that are designed specifically for puppies, such as AKC puppy training treats. These are a great choice because they come pre-sized for a small puppy mouth. They are also designed to help you get a good start on training. Just because they are smaller and designed for your young dogs’ growing body doesn’t mean they lack in taste, either. AKC dog treats include real liver among the ingredients.

Puppy Teeth Treats

Puppy teeth are very different from adult dog teeth. They are not intended to remain long term, and can be damaged. N-Bone has created a puppy teething ring treat. These are very unique because they are completely digestible but crafted to optimize chewing for a young dog’s teeth. The teething ring measures three and a half inches, so it is very easy for a little dog to carry and maneuver without trouble. No nylon or rubber pieces are used to there is less concern for choking hazards or stomach problems.

Bones for Puppies

Any dog owner knows that bones are a great way to keep their pet occupied. They can also help work out frustration and clean teeth. Puppies, on the other hand, may find adult dog bones too hard and heavy to get their jaws around. Nylabone has created the Toro puppy roll bone which is ideal for a growing dog. These dog treats are bones that are a little softer and made in short sticks. They even come in enticing flavors, such as bacon. Calcium has been added while salt and sugar has been left out to keep the Toro dog bones healthy for pups. These dog treats will last longer when given to most breeds.

Plush Toys for Puppies

Plush dog toys are a fun addition to your dog’s collection, however make sure you are choosing the right toy that will keep your growing dog safe. Stick with plus dog toys that do not have small parts which could be broken or chewed off and swallowed. Also make a point to check your pet’s toys daily and remove worn toys that have tears or damage. This is especially important when using plush toys that have squeakers or rattles inside. Your pet can free these items, which are not meant to be played with individually. If uncertain, always err on the side of safety and throw the toy away. If you are careful and selective about the dog treats and toys you give your pup, he or she will have no problem growing into a strong, healthy adult.

Article by Kimberly Case of dogtreatstogo.com- Where you can find a large selection of Dog Treats including Dog Biscuits and Salmon Dog Treats Online!

By Raymond Remi Rheault

Photo by Mike Baird

I really think that getting the dog out for a run is important and I do my best to get her out all year long. Of course, there are inconveniences no matter what season it is. In the winter it’s wet paws on the back seat of the car, but even wet paws are better than the mud soaked ones that comes with fall or spring! In the summer my problem isn’t really dirt so much as the heat.

Dogs need a lot of water, and if they get a lot of exercise they need much more. Have you ever thought about how you would feel if you ran as much as your dog? I’d be pretty near dead, I’m sure. It’s amazing really, the amount of effort they put into it. A dog needs almost an ounce of water for every pound on their body. Depending on the season, this can be tricky.

In the winter it’s as simple as letting your dog eat snow. He or she will want to, so there’s no encouragement required. Still, bring a bottle of water and keep it warm if possible. In the spring and fall, depending on where you are, there are usually lots of places to find running water or newly formed mega-puddles. It’s important to be aware that near major roads there can be unknown toxins in puddles, so try to keep your dog away. Find a lake or stream.

In the summer, bring a dog water dish in the car with you and go for a nice long ride with the windows down after you take your dog for a run. They’ll appreciate the cool wind. Be careful with your choice of water dish though, as it’s easy to spill in the car when you’re making corners (or if your dog is a messy drinker) and spills can lead to unpleasant odours and ruined upholstery.

I recommend the K9 Travel Mug, it fits directly into your cars cup holders, is spill resistant, and made of durable stainless steel.