5 Ways to Pet-Proof your Garden

Pets and a pretty garden can mix, providing you’re prepared to balance your love of perfect planting with the needs of your pet friends. So, while you may enjoy a dazzling dahlia display that sets off a perfectly manicured lawn, remember that our pet animals view our gardens as simply an exciting outdoor space to explore and play in.

So, is it possible to create a garden that’s both stylish and pet-friendly? According to garden and dog behaviour experts, the answer is a resounding yes!

In time for National Pet Month, the Ideal Home Show is sharing 5 expert tips to help homeowners create stylish, pet-friendly gardens. 

A new feature at this year’s event is The Bark Yard, developed with UK charity Dogs Trust and the Style Makers design team, highlighting practical ways to make outdoor spaces work for every member of the family – including those with four legs and wagging tails.  

A mood-boosting outdoor space

The Bark Yard shows how gardens can be both chic and enriching for dogs, supporting their wellbeing, safety and natural behaviours. Drawing directly on Dogs Trust’s expert advice, The Bark Yard uses safe, nontoxic plants and features sensory zones, safe water play, and shaded rest areas. 

The design features a bright and bold Miami summer colour palette, a ‘yappy hour’ self-serve drinking bowl station, a ‘ball of fame’ toy display and a ‘pawformance area’ with a splash pool – resulting in a mood-boosting outdoor space for pets. 

Hannah Harris, Behaviour Expert at Dogs Trust, says: “A well-designed garden can make a huge difference to a dog’s quality of life. By working with the Ideal Home Show on The Bark Yard, we’re helping to highlight simple, thoughtful design choices that support dogs’ natural behaviours while keeping them safe at home.”

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CHECK OUT HANNAH’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR CREATING A PET-FRIENDLY GARDEN

1. Choose safe, non-toxic plants: Opt for dog-friendly herbs and flowers such as rosemary, sage, calendula, cornflower and sunflower, which provide scent, colour and interest without posing a health risk. While safe, any plant can cause issues if eaten in large quantities.  

2. Create sensory enrichment zones: Give dogs space to explore naturally by planting herbs at different heights, offering varied textures (like grass, sand or woodchip), and encouraging sniffing and foraging behaviours through hidden treats or toys.  

3. Add features for fun and stimulation: Incorporate small climbing elements such as railway sleepers to let dogs explore different levels, helping to keep them mentally and physically engaged.  

4. Provide safe water play: A shallow paddling pool can be a great way for dogs to cool down in summer, just ensure constant supervision, easy exits and that the pool is drained when not in use. 

5. Include a shaded rest area: Designate a quiet spot with shade, shelter and fresh drinking water where your dog can relax, especially during warmer months. 

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Speaking at the Ideal Home Show as part of a panel on Creating the Perfect Garden for Your Dog, Clare Balding, broadcaster and Dogs Trust Ambassador, said: “It’s so important to make your garden not just dog friendly, but also dog safe, and make it an invigorating and inspiring place for your dog to enrich their lives so you can enjoy the spring and summer months ahead outdoors with your dog in the best possible way.”

The panel, which also included Dog’s Trust Hannah Harris, along with the charity’s senior veterinary surgeon, Charlie Dobson, highlighted often-overlooked risks such as toxic plants, garden chemicals and heatstroke, while stressing that safety starts with simple checks and thoughtful design.

Key takeaways from the expert panel discussion included:

1. Design your garden for natural behaviours: Digging, sniffing, and exploring are all natural behaviours that dogs need outlets for. Instead of trying to stop digging, create a designated area like a sand pit and make it rewarding with toys or treats. Adding scent-rich plants or rotating toys can also keep the space mentally stimulating. A well-designed garden should support your dog’s wellbeing while still working for you.

2.  Watch out for toxic plants and garden chemicals: Many popular garden plants, including daffodils, are toxic to dogs, especially the bulbs, which they often dig up and chew. Everyday items like slug bait, rat poison, fertiliser, cocoa mulch, and bone meal can also be dangerous. If you’re updating your garden, consider dog-friendly herbs and flowers that create a beautiful space without the risk.

3. Make your garden secure and train recall: Dogs will naturally explore boundaries, so check that fences are high enough and there are no gaps they can escape through. Gates are a common weak point, particularly if left open by visitors or deliveries, so make sure they can be properly secured. Alongside this, recall is the most important training you can teach, as it’s what ultimately keeps your dog safe.

4. Protect your dog in hot weather: Gardens can quickly become heat traps, especially with artificial grass, paving, or decking. Use the five-second rule: if it’s too hot to hold your hand on it, it’s too hot for your dog. Always provide fresh drinking water and shaded areas.

5. Learn your dog’s body language: A relaxed dog will have loose body language, while signs like lowered ears, tension or turning away can indicate stress or anxiety. Recognising these early signals allows you to step in and remove them from uncomfortable situations. Designing your garden with calm, safe areas will give them somewhere to retreat if needed.

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At Burgess Pet Care, all our high-quality recipes have been formulated by vets and nutritionists. This ensures they contain the right balance of vitamins and minerals to supplement your pet’s diet to help keep them happy and healthy. With a long tradition of supporting British farmers, we actively source all our ingredients as close to our mill as possible.

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CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your pets from Burgess, the pet experts. Training, nutrition, grooming and general care, it's all here >>