🌿 Gardening with Pets: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

There’s nothing quite like digging your hands into warm soil, feeling the sun on your back, and hearing the jingle of your dog’s collar or the soft purr of a curious cat nearby. Gardening can be a joyful way to connect with nature—and your pets often want to be right there with you. But before you plant that new flower bed or mulch your vegetable garden, it’s important to consider what’s safe for your four-legged companions. 

We see it often at Animal Medical Center—well-meaning pet parents come in with questions (or emergencies) tied to gardening. Sometimes it’s a dog that chewed on a toxic plant, or a cat who walked through pesticide-treated mulch. So let’s talk about how to make your outdoor space a safe haven for both plants and pets. 

<image.png>

🌸 Pet-Friendly Plants vs. Toxic Troublemakers

Many popular plants are surprisingly toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause upset stomach, drooling, or worse—organ failure or neurological symptoms. Here’s a quick guide: 

Avoid These Common Toxic Plants:

• Lilies (especially deadly for cats) 
• Azaleas and rhododendrons
• Sago palm
• Foxglove
• Oleander
• Autumn crocus
• Daffodils and tulips (bulbs are especially dangerous) 

Pet-Safe Alternatives:

• Marigolds 
• Snapdragons 
• Spider plants 
• Sunflowers 
• Zinnias 
• Catnip and cat grass (for your feline friends!) 

Pro tip: Always check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List or give us a call before planting something new. 

<image.png>

🐾 Mulch, Soil, and Fertilizer: What’s in the Bag Matters

That rich, earthy smell of mulch? Your dog probably loves it too. But some types can be dangerous. 

• Cocoa mulch, made from cocoa bean shells, contains theobromine—the same compound in chocolate that is toxic to dogs. 
• Compost piles, while great for the garden, can harbor mold or food scraps that are harmful if ingested. 
• Fertilizers, especially those with blood meal, bone meal, or iron, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis. 

Opt for organic or pet-safe fertilizers and avoid using any chemical treatments when pets are nearby. Store all garden products in a locked bin or high shelf—curiosity can be dangerous. 

<image.png>

🌱 Garden Design Tips for Pet Safety

We believe gardens should be shared spaces—for paws and people alike. A few small changes can make a big difference in keeping your pet healthy: 

• Create a dig zone: If your dog loves to dig, designate a sandbox or soil area where digging is allowed. 
• Build barriers: Use raised beds or garden fencing to separate delicate plants from playful pets. 
• Avoid sharp edging or thorny plants near pet pathways. 
• Provide shade and fresh water so your pet doesn’t overheat while you work. 

One of our clients, a Labrador named Daisy, used to dash through her owner’s garden every spring—until they created a winding mulch trail just for her. Now, she explores safely, and the plants stay intact. Win-win!