Natural Ways to Keep Dogs Away from Your Garden: Plants That Can Help

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Natural Ways to Keep Dogs Away from Your Garden: Plants That Can Help

Dogs are friendly and loving animals, but sometimes they can be a nuisance when they dig up your garden beds. Placing metal or plastic fencing may keep them out of some areas, but you probably want your plants (and the dogs) to remain healthy.

Fortunately, certain plants can also serve as a natural dog repellent. Some of these plants work because they contain scents or tastes that dogs find unpleasant. Others have harmful substances that can cause adverse reactions when ingested or touched.

Best Plants to Repel Dogs

1. Agapanthus: This plant is also known as the “Lily of the Nile.” It is a beautiful perennial flower that is easy to care for and is resistant to deer feeding. But it is also an excellent choice if you want to keep dogs away from your garden. The odor released by this plant is particularly unbearable to dogs.

2. Lemon Grass: This plant is commonly used in Asian cuisine and has a pleasant lemony scent. However, that sweet scent does not attract dogs. In contrast, they find the pungent citrus odor downright repuve. Planting lemongrass around your garden bed can be an effective way to protect your plants from unwanted chewing and digging.

3. Coleus Canina: Also known as "scaredy-cat" plant, this member of the mint family produces a unique foul odor that repels dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. This plant is non-toxic to pets and humans, but gardeners should be aware that it emits an unpleasant scent.

4. Citronella Geranium: This plant is often included in natural insect repellents because it produces a strong citronella scent that mosquitoes and other insects find unpleasant. Dogs also dislike the smell of citronella.

5. Rue: Rue is a bushy perennial herb grown primarily for its foliage. It contains Ruta graveolens, which is toxic to dogs and other animals when ingested. Hence, dogs are unlikely to come near this plant because they know that eating or touching it would cause them harm.

Dog-Deterrent Plants

1. Lavender: Lavender is an excellent choice if you want to protect your garden from dogs naturally. In addition to its lovely scent, dogs find the taste of lavender unpleasant. Planting a few lavender bushes around your garden is both beautiful and functional.

2. Rosemary: The woody aroma of rosemary is another scent that can keep dogs away from your plants. You can use rosemary as an ornamental plant or harvest it for cooking. Either way, it's a win-win situation for you and your garden.

3. Marigold: Marigolds produce sulfur compounds that can repel unwanted pests in your garden, including dogs. Apart from keeping dogs out, marigolds also look lovely in any garden bed.

4. Pennyroyal: Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family that emits a pungent odor that dogs loathe. You can plant pennyroyal around your garden beds or use its essential oil as a natural insect repellent.

5. Scaredy Cat Plant: The scaredy-cat plant, also known as Coleus canina (mentioned previously), is not only effective against cats but also repulses dogs. Its unique scent will keep Fido away from your garden.

6. Wintergreen Boxwood: Wintergreen boxwood is an evergreen shrub with aromatic foliage that repels dogs naturally. This plant is an excellent choice for hedges and borders.

7. Mimosa Pudica (Sensitive plant): Mimosa pudica is also known as the sensitive plant due to its touch-sensitive leaves. When touched, it folds its leaves inward, making it an unusual addition to any garden. The plant releases a chemical called mimosine that can stunt the growth of animals, including dogs.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

1. Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These popular ornamental plants are toxic to dogs and other pets when ingested. The entire plant, from the blooms to the leaves, contains grayanotoxins, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

2. Lilies: Lilies are beautiful flowers often given as gifts, but they are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Even a small amount of lily pollen or plant material can cause kidney failure in dogs.

3. Daffodils: The bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers of this spring-blooming bulb can be toxic to dogs.

4. Hyacinths: Hyacinths are another spring-blooming bulb that can be toxic to dogs. The bulbs contain a toxin called oxalic acid, which causes vomiting, drooling, and other symptoms.

5. Tulips: Like hyacinths, tulips are also part of the lily family and can cause irritation of the mouth and throat if ingested by dogs.

6. Oleanders: This Mediterranean shrub produces lovely blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. But beware! Oleanders are highly toxic to dogs and humans when ingested. Eating this plant can cause severe digestive upset or even death in some cases.

Using dog repellent plants is a natural and safe way to keep dogs from unwanted areas. Keep in mind that some plants may cause adverse reactions when ingested, so you need to be cautious when using them around pets or young children. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new plants into your garden.

FAQ

1. Which plants can cause harm to dogs? Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Lilies, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips, Oleanders, and several other plants are toxic to dogs.
2. Do dog repellent plants really work? Yes, they do! Certain plants have natural odors and substances that repel dogs and keep them away from your garden.
3. How can I create an effective dog-repelling barrier in my yard? Some options include installing a fence, planting thick hedges or shrubs, and creating a designated dog area in your yard away from your garden beds.
4. Can the same plants used to repel dogs harmful to cats or other animals? Yes, some of the plants that repel dogs can also be toxic to cats or other animals. Always research the plant variety beforehand since certain breeds can contain harmful chemicals.
5. Are dog-repellent sprays and ultrasonic devices safe for pets? Dog repellent sprays and ultrasonic devices can be detrimental to dogs' health, causing anxiety and fear states. It is best to use natural deterrents such as plants and physical barriers rather than relying on artificial sprays or devices.
6. Can planting these kinds of plants make a difference in keeping dogs out of certain areas? Yes, planting dog-repelling plants can make a significant difference in keeping dogs away from unwanted areas. The strong odor and unpleasant taste of the plants often keep them away from the designated areas.
7. What is the best way to protect indoor plants from pets? To protect indoor plants from pets, you could use barriers such as closed doors or curtains, or you could hang the plants in high places out of reach of your pets.
8. What is the most effective way to keep a dog out of a garden bed? Physical barriers such as a fence or hedges are effective ways to keep dogs away from garden beds. Planting dog-repelling plants around the perimeter of the bed is also effective in deterring them.
9. How can you detect plants that are not safe for dogs? You can research the plant variety online or through books and consult with a veterinarian to determine if the plant is safe for your pets.
10. Why is it better to use natural dog repellent methods? The use of natural dog repellent methods is less harmful to both animals and the environment compared to chemical deterrents, which may have lasting effects and cause harm to the ecosystem.