Plants for Pets

As a former pet owner who took boxes of puppies, yes boxes of puppies, not yet weaned to my house from the road near my house, I know attachment one has to its pets.

I have also welcomed my children’s dogs and now grand dogs when the ‘Two Legged’ go on vacation.

As a former professional landscape designer, I always asked these questions.

1. Do you have pets?

2. If dogs, are they male or female?

3. How do you propose to use your yard?

4. What are your favorite plants?

5. If you want lawn do you care what it looks like?

Dogs are not like bunnies! Rabbits are easily house-broken and use the same place to “do their business.” Dogs, however, like to distribute their treasures in different places where you can easily find them. Cats cover their feces.

The urine of female dogs is highly acidic, as is evidence of the brown/burn spots in your lawn. Male dog pee doesn’t cause as much despair. A thorough dousing of water to the spot of either will help neutralize the urine.

Never incorporate dog or cat manure in your compost or garden. Parasites found in these manures can remain in the soil and be infectious for humans. Put pet poop in the trash.

Rabbit manure, however, is a good source of a slow release fertilizer.

Is the yard you visualize a place for you to wile away the stresses of life or simply an area for your pets to exercise? Or are both elements part of the plan? A designated pet paradise doesn’t have to be blah.

Your pet needs shade. A tree, little house, fence or bushes. If your dog is a digger, a cleared area will be heavenly. I once incorporated a lawn swing for a German Shepard in his own kingdom. The only thing missing was his crown! A gate, of course, is a necessity.

When choosing the ‘right plant for the right place’ it is also important to incorporate plants that respect the wellbeing of your pets.

Indoor plant friendly selections include Boston Fern, Christmas Cactus, Polk-a-dot plant and Spider plant. Indoor plants to avoid are Aloe, Begonia, Bird of Paradise, Mother-in-law Tongue, and Poinsettia. Poisonous Plants, such as Amaryllis, Azalea, Cyclamen, Golden Pothus (Diffenbauchia) and Easter Lily should not be made available to pets.

Outdoor considerations for plants for your pets and your pleasure include, Alyssum, Impatiens, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Bottlebrush tree, Canna, Celosia Plumosa, Pampas Grass, Petunias, Roses, Snapdragons, Sunflower, Viola, and Zinnia. You see, a pet friendly garden and yard need not be Blah, it can be Vibrant.

Outdoor plants toxic to pets are Begonias, Calla Lily, Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Cosmos, Fleabane, Geranium, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Iris, Peony, Peace Lily, Dianthus, Plumbago, Primrose and Sedum.

Poisonous plants include Azalea, Castor Bean, Daffodils, Foxglove, Hostas, Milkweed,

Star Gazer Lily, and Tiger Lily. And Grapes, all parts of grapes are extremely poisonous to dogs.

Spring flowers toxic and or poisonous to pets include Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Lily of the Valley, Iris, Crocus and Easter Lilies. All Lilies are poisonous to pets.

These lists are not intended to be exhaustive so before purchasing your plants for a pet friendly yard, always ask about toxicity.

At this stage in my life I must admit I do not have dogs. I have had to say goodbye to many of my canine friends. I miss their attention, loyalty and companionship.

I do have wild rabbits however, and I am tempted to enlist the talents of a smart Austrian Shepard.

— Margaret A. Swenson is a Washington State University Master Gardener. To contact her, call 509-477-2181.