Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden

It’s not just the two legged inhabitants of the home that are likely to enjoy time in the garden this summer, the garden also represents a natural paradise for pets during the warmer months. But is your garden pet friendly?

Dog-Safe Fencing

The top priority for any pet-friendly garden, especially one for dogs, is secure fencing. Relying on overgrown plants or ageing, damaged fences can be an open invitation for even the most obedient dogs to wander beyond your boundaries. Investing in sturdy, well-maintained fencing will help keep your pets safe while giving you peace of mind.

Choose the Right Fence Style:

• Close-Fitted Fence Panels: Options like Featherboard or Tongue and Groove fence panels create dense barriers that mischievous pups can’t penetrate.

• Acoustic Fencing: Secure, gives good privacy and can help reduce barking next door.

• Classic Palisade (Picket Fencing): This is a popular choice, but if not using picket fence panels, ensure the space between the pales is correct and that the fence is close enough to the ground or install a gravel board that is dug in stopping dogs and pets digging underneath the pales.

• Open Designs: Styles such as Jaktop (for small pets) or post-and-rail fencing require additional wire stock fencing at the base to prevent escape attempts.

This blog explores the various styles and types of fencing for dog kennels, providing a detailed analysis of their pros and cons.

Be mindful that open designs providing a view into the garden can attract unwanted attention from opportunistic thieves, so consider balancing aesthetics with privacy and security.

Secure Garden Gates

Even the sturdiest fence won’t keep pets safe if your garden gate isn’t secure. Check the following:

• Hinges and Bolts: Ensure they’re in good working order. A dropped or misaligned gate can easily become an escape route.  If buying new, look for gates with adjustable hinges.

• Rust-Free Fittings: Look for galvanised bolts and hinges to maintain long-term functionality.

• Durability: Gates prone to rot can compromise safety. Products treated with Jakcure timber treatment from Jacksons come with a 25-year guarantee against rot and wood-boring pests, ensuring peace of mind and a low-maintenance solution.

Sanctuary From The Sun

Just like humans, pets need protection from the sun to avoid overheating. If your garden lacks natural shade from trees or hedges, consider adding shelter:

• Shade Solutions: Install features like giant sails, pergolas, or garden shelters such as the Jacksons Retreat.

• Temporary Options: Even a simple parasol or shade cloth can make a significant difference on hot days.

Remember, shade benefits all household members, not just your pets!

Planting Protocol

Some common plants and bulbs are highly toxic to pets and should be avoided at all costs. These include:

• Daffodil bulbs

• Deadly nightshade

• Narcissus bulbs

• Umbrella plant

For a comprehensive list, consult resources like The Dogs Trust. Additionally, consider replacing toxic hedging species with strong, non-toxic fencing for a safer, low-maintenance alternative. Visit The Dogs Trust for more details. 

 Some species of plant regularly used to create a hedge which acts as an effective boundary are also included in the list of ‘toxic’ plants. Pet owners are therefore encouraged to opt for a suitable strong fence which represents a more responsible (and lower maintenance) choice.

This blog was updated by the team in December 2024

photo credit: tjuel via photopin cc