Non-toxic Plants for Your Dog-friendly Garden

Pet-friendly snapdragons are a whimsical addition to any outdoor garden. Planting a patch or two will enliven the area. With solid or variegated petals, these flowers are tall, eye-catching, and breathtaking. Placed in a spot with full sun, their warm colors will flourish.

Snapdragons are safe for dogs. However, just as with anything else, too much of a good thing can result in a bad experience. If a pup consumes too much of any plant, flower, herb, or food, they can get sick. Upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy are the most common symptoms of overeating. Usually, these feelings will pass in a few hours, so there's no cause for alarm.

If you take a trip to your local grocery store, you might find nasturtium in the produce section. Nasturtium is sold as an edible flower that enhances plate presentation. But it does have a kick of flavor, and the scent is quite appealing.

Nasturtium is fabulous for a dog-friendly garden. As annual flowers, they'll give you colorful blossoms all season long. Growing and maintaining nasturtium is a breeze, too. They thrive in poor soil and don't require any fertilizer.

Bright and sunny marigolds add a flair of dramatic shine to any location. They're stunning, attractive, dog-friendly, and establish a symbiotic relationship with your garden. If you plant them throughout as natural pest deterrents, they keep harmful insect infestations. Any pooch owner should put them at the top of their list of gardening favorites.

It's fine if your dog eats some marigolds. Yet, you don't want them all to disappear due to their environmental benefits. If your pup seems a little too interested in marigolds, you may have to fence off the garden to prevent the loss of your valuable flowers.

A sure sign of summer, sunflowers will look equally great as a stand-alone feature or a tall member of your floral display. They come in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, so the sky's the limit on what you can do with them. Plus, when their petals fall in the autumn, their seeds mature, and they'll attract birds. If your dog is into bird watching, they'll get a kick out of what this non-toxic flower brings to your yard.

Known for their brilliant foliage, coral bells are a wonderful option for a dog-safe garden. Shapes and colors abound, and this plant offers unlimited aesthetic potential and appeal. They're easy to care for, tolerate any condition, and look great as a border.

When you're fertilizing coral bells or any other plant, read the label first. Many brands can be toxic to animals. The same rings true for pesticides. Always go with a pet-friendly option in both instances.

Pink polka dot plants are a fun addition to any pet-friendly garden. Easy to grow, they don't mind being in the shade. In warmer climates, they're a perennial. If you're in a colder zone, to overwinter them, simply dig them up and turn them into a houseplant until next spring.

Sempervivum, or hen and chicks, is a ground-cover staple for many gardens. This perennial succulent will do well anywhere as long as it has well-draining soil. Tolerant to heat and drought, it also survives cold winters in its dormant phase before showing its rosettes in the spring. Non-toxic to dogs, this is a nice option for a low-maintenance garden.

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that steals the show whenever it's used. All varieties are safe for dogs to eat. A little bit goes a long way though, so don't expect your pup to consume a massive amount of this potent plant. But whenever they rub against it, the strong fragrance will delightfully fill the air.

Any type will enhance the greenery of your garden. Creeping variants are a useful ground cover, though. They'll fill in empty spaces and look magnificent, cascading from raised beds.

An annual herb, coriandrum sativum, is quite versatile. Its leaves are known as cilantro, while its seeds are coriander. Related to carrots, parsley, and fennel, it's grown worldwide, and its history goes back to ancient times. Not only do cilantro and coriander spice up food, but they have medicinal purposes.

Cilantro and coriander are safe for dogs. If your pooch does show an adverse reaction to this or any other pet-safe garden display, it's because of a specific allergy and not due to toxicity. Basic symptoms often include skin rash, coughing, watery eyes, and an itchy mouth, which usually subside quickly. To be on the safe side, test all flowers, plants, and herbs with your dog before planting.

Dill is a wonderful addition to any garden. Fast-growing and flavorful, its leaves and seeds make for some awesome meals. Not only is it a tasty treat for your dog, but they'll love rubbing their face on this soft and feathery herb. Just make sure to leave plenty of space for growing: dill sprouts quickly and can take up a lot of room.