Is Rover digging in your favorite perennial bed? Is Tiger using the mulch as a litter box? If your family includes pets and you garden, you may have problems, but don’t give up. Most pet problems can be solved.

Dogs

One of the most concerns is brown spots in the lawn, sometimes caused by dog urine. Dog urine contains urea, a fertilizer and salt. The salt takes the moisture from the grass, eventually killing it. The circle around the dead spot will green up as the grass takes in nitrogen in the urine. To decrease damage, water the area immediately to dilute the urine. A method to avoid dog spots entirely is to train your dog to use a specific area.

Another suggestion to avoid dog waste in your yard and garden is by fencing off an area where your dog is allowed. Be sure to incorporate Rover's needs by including a dog run with shade, shelter, water and a gravel path. Allow supervised time in the remainder of your yard.

Some pet owners have reported success by using an electric fence to keep the dog out of a specific garden area—check local ordinances to ensure that electric fences are allowed in your neighborhood.

If your dog is wearing out a path around the perimeter of the yard, consider planting trees and shrubs inside the fence, leaving space for the dog to roam and patrol.

A fence around the garden may be the best way to keep Rover out of your prized dahlias; also think about using container plantings. Groupings of containers can create stunning focal points. Mass together containers in a design that pleases you.

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to digging then others, so research dog breeds before you add a puppy to your family. If your dog has recently started digging, try to determine the reason. Does he dig only when left alone? If so, amend your dog's routine and let him out only when it's time to eliminate or for your play/exercise time. Perhaps the dog is bored or lonely when left outside and a dog-door would solve the problem. Professional dog trainers may have more information to help you with this problem.

The most important thing to remember is to never allow Rover to eliminate in the edible portion of your garden. Dog feces can contain microorganisms that could endanger your health. If all else fails, fence off the edibles so that the dog can not enter the area.


Cats

To protect Tiger from using your garden as a litter box, try designing an area that is specifically for him. Create an area that entices the cat. Encourage him to stay in the area by having kitty grass. Pet stores and health food stores sell trays of wheat grass or oat grass that is much safer than letting him chew on the lawn, which may have pesticides or fertilizer.

Catnip will be a big hit—it’s a perennial plant that doesn't require much water. It grows 2-3 feet tall and has lavender or white flowers in June. But, since it’s a member of the mint family, it may spread rampantly throughout your garden.

To convince Tiger to stay out of your garden, try sprinkling cayenne pepper around the plants; it’s unpleasant but won’t harm cats. Cats also dislike citrus smells—sprinkle citrus peels around your plants. Commercial repellants are also available at garden centers and pet stores.

Another deterrent is to use rough-surfaced rock mulch around your plants. Most cats don't like walking on rocks and will naturally stay away. Finally, motion-detector sprinklers can squirt cats when it is in an unwanted area.

Protect pets from harmful plants. If your cat has grass to chew on, it will probably leave the other plants alone, but curiosity may lead it to take a bite or two of plants that are harmful.

Plants toxic to pets include castor bean, daffodils, delphinium, hyacinth, larkspur, morning glory, rhubarb and wisteria (seeds and pods are toxic). Look for symptoms like skin rashes, difficulty breathing, convulsions, vomiting and problems swallowing. If these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian for appropriate treatment. Pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides can also be harmful. Use them according to the label directions and store them safely where they can't be reached.

If you are unsure about the effects of a plant on your dog or cat, call the ASPCA's National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-548-2423 for more information.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

Return to Master Gardener Articles

This page updated:  September 19, 2007