Life

Gardening advice: Tips for making your room outside a safe space for pets

Many plants are fine for dogs but they can have adverse reactions to bluebells, lupins, yew, rhododendron, wild cherry tree and the stems of sweet peas
Many plants are fine for dogs but they can have adverse reactions to bluebells, lupins, yew, rhododendron, wild cherry tree and the stems of sweet peas Many plants are fine for dogs but they can have adverse reactions to bluebells, lupins, yew, rhododendron, wild cherry tree and the stems of sweet peas

1. What's poisonous? Lilies – the leaves, flowers and pollen – are highly poisonous to cats, even in minuscule quantities, and have the potential to be fatal. Most crocuses are a good alternative for spring colour to daffodils, which are toxic, but avoid colchicums or autumn crocuses, which can also be poisonous. Bluebells can be too, but severe poisoning is rare.

Other plants which are toxic to cats and dogs include tulips, daffodil bulbs, foxgloves, hyacinth, ivy, azalea, cyclamen root and buttercups. Cats should avoid iris, yucca, leeks, tomatoes and potatoes, while dogs can have an adverse reaction to bluebells, lupins, yew, rhododendron, wild cherry tree and the stems of sweet peas.

2. Safer choices: Many herbs, including rosemary, parsley, lavender, thyme and sage are good, safe choices. Other safe plants for your cat and dog include African daisy, calendula, nasturtium, Boston fern, rose, camellia, gerber daisy, pampas grass, marigold, petunia, spider plant, star jasmine, sunflower, viola, snap dragon and zinnia. Many cats like catnip or catmint, while rosemary and snapdragons provide stimulation if you have a dog.

3. Potential hazards: Fences and gates must be secure so dogs can't escape. Six foot is a good height for most. Slugs and snails can infect pets with lungworm, but avoid slug pellets which can be toxic. Stick to using barriers like soot, sharp sand or beer traps and ask your vet pet about lungworm protection.

4. Be cautious with fertiliser: Lawn feed and moss killer may irritate your pet's paws and can cause gastrointestinal upsets, so keep your pets away from any area you treat.

5. Lock sheds: Keep shed doors firmly shut and greenhouse entrances/exits blocked with mesh. It'll prevent explorers from becoming trapped or getting into trouble with dangerous substances or sharp tools kept inside, or succumbing to heatstroke. Avoid chemical weed killers and pesticides too, as they can be harmful to pets (and wildlife).

6. Make the garden fun: Provide logs to scratch and climb on, and tunnels for your pet to go through. Cats like to sit up high and observe the goings on below. If you don't have any trees, consider placing platforms and scratching posts around your garden.