How to Create a Pet-Friendly Garden: Tips for a Safe and Fun Outdoor Space

There’s nothing quite like a warm day and the feel of the bright sun on your face. Sunny days mean long walks, spending time at the park, and lounging around in the yard with a lemonade in hand. But for your pet, especially when left to roam free, those sunny days can lose their luster when Fido gets into something he shouldn’t. And unfortunately, many people don’t realize that some of those very same plants that we love to enjoy at the park and in our back-yard garden are quite hazardous for our pets.

So, how do you create a pet-friendly garden and a yard that’s safe for your favorite canine or feline companion to romp freely? We’ve got some tips.

Safe Indoor Plants for Cats and Dogs

Before we get into those dog-friendly plants outdoors, let’s talk about what’s safe indoors. After all, having plants in the home can be good for our health. And, many people find that plants are a great and relatively inexpensive way to dress up a home and give it a bit of character.

That said and as you can guess, not all plants are safe for your pets. Cats, in particular, love to climb and play, which is why we’ve all seen those Christmas tree disasters—one ambitious leap, and down it goes, taking the holiday spirit with it! To keep things pet-friendly, opt for safe indoor plants for cats, like orchids, African violets, and friendship plants. These options not only brighten up your space but also keep your feline friend from harm.

If you’re looking for large indoor plants safe for dogs, the Kentia palm and cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) are excellent choices. They offer lush greenery without the worry of toxicity. Need something that thrives in dim spaces? Low-light indoor plants safe for cats include the Boston fern and Bromeliads, both adding gorgeous color while keeping mischievous paws out of trouble.

Creating Your Pet-Friendly Garden Outdoors

Now that you have some ideas on what’s safe for your pet indoors, let’s talk about your outdoor space. Here, the chances are that you are going to want a bit more color than what you might be adorning your living room with inside. Beyond some colorful plants, why not add some that add a delicious and tantalizing aroma, too? Well, we’ve got you covered and don’t worry because there are plenty of options that are not just safe for your pet, but perfect for your outdoor enjoyment.

Before picking out the best pet-friendly plants, it’s important to consider your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. This zoning system helps determine which plants thrive in your area based on climate conditions. Zones with lower numbers (such as 3–6) tend to be in the northern and central regions, where winters are colder. Higher zones (7–10+) are further south, where temperatures stay milder year-round. 

And if you’re not located in the U.S., there are plenty of plant hardiness maps available for your reference. Be sure to use these tools when picking plants that aren’t just safe for your pets, but will grow well in the geography in which you live.

Pet-Safe Colorful and Aromatic Plants for Your Garden

Here are some fantastic options that add beauty and fragrance while keeping your pets safe:

Colorful Pet-Friendly Flowers

• Marigolds: Those bright yellow and orange blooms help deter pests and attract pollinators. 

• Snapdragons: A stunning pop of color that grows well in cooler zones.

• Zinnias: If you don’t have a green thumb, you’ll appreciate these easy-to-grow, long-lasting flowers in various hues.

• Roses: Classic, non-toxic blooms (just watch out for the thorns). Trust us, every rose has a thorn.

Aromatic Plants Safe for Pets

• Lavender: Who doesn’t love a bit of lavender to help wind down at the end of the day?

• Rosemary: A fragrant herb that adds beauty and can even be used in cooking. Yum!

• Thyme: Hardy, aromatic, and a great ground cover. And you can even use thyme in your cooking!

• Chamomile: A delicate bloom with a soothing aroma, perfect for tea lovers.

What to Do if Your Pet Gets into a Dangerous Plant

Even though you may take all the possible precautions to keep your pet safe both indoors and outdoors, things happen. Unfortunately, not everyone chooses pet-friendly plants when designing parks and public spaces. Further, plenty of plant species seem to grow on their own without human intervention, which can be hazardous.

So, what do you do if your cat or dog gets into one of these unsafe plants? 

• Identify the Plant: If possible, determine what your pet ate. Common toxic plants include amaryllis, azalea, daisy, eucalyptus, iris, calla lily, and morning glory. Even unripe tomatoes on your tomato plants can be harmful.

• Check for Symptoms: Signs of poisoning vary but may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, or tremors.

• Remove Plant Material: If safe, take any plant bits out of your pet’s mouth and keep a sample for identification.

• Call for Help Immediately: Contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680). These experts can guide you based on the plant and symptoms.

• Visit the Vet: Even if symptoms seem mild, a vet visit is always the safest choice. Some toxins take time to show effects.

• Prevent Future Incidents: Familiarize yourself with toxic plants and remove or fence off any risky greenery in your yard.

Enjoy Your Pet-Friendly Garden with Tips from Crown & Paw

We know how much you love your pets. We love pets, too, and that’s why we’re in the business of creating delightful keepsakes to honor the bond between pet and owner. From dog portraits to the most awesome custom dog sweatshirt, we’ve got it all. So, be sure to take some photos of your pet in your outdoor garden, grab a pic of your kitten seeking solace under low-light indoor plants safe for cats, and send them our way for your very own personalized pet-themed gift. 

And be sure to follow the Crown & Paw blog for more great insights on how to keep your pet safe and happy for the long haul.