Warm weather is on the way, and I can’t wait to get outside. If you’re like me, after a cold winter, you’re ready to get outside and enjoy the sunshine – and so are your pets.
Spring and Summer inevitably bring outdoor projects like landscaping the yard or decorating the patio or porch. When doing those projects, it’s important to keep our pets’ safety and comfort in mind as well as our own.
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Pet-friendly design
When designing an outdoor space, whether it be a garden or an outdoor living space, carefully consider how your pets will interact with the space. Can they easily get around without knocking anything over? Are there plants that might get trampled by your pets? Do you need to discourage your pets from entering certain areas?
Keep in mind that clearly defined paths that are made with mulch or pea gravel are easy on a dog or cat’s feet and might encourage them from wandering into areas where you don’t want them. When designing pathways, consider the size of your pet and make sure they have enough room to maneuver without trampling decorative plants or other landscaping items.
When picking your decor, be sure to use planters that are large enough and heavy enough that your pet won’t knock them over with the wag of a tail or by accidentally running into them.
Choose large, sturdy containers or shelves to display flowers so you don’t have to worry about Fido knocking it over.
Avoid toxic plants
Many common plants are actually toxic to your pets, so be sure to keep them out of your landscaping. Azaleas, daffodils, delphiniums, elephant ears and English ivy are all poisonous to both dogs and cats. Day lilies are a popular addition to many gardens, but they are dangerous to cats.
The Humane Society of the United States provides a list of common plants that are toxic to pets.
Just because some popular plants are toxic to pets, that doesn’t mean you can’t include them in your landscape. This is where faux flowers and plants can be the heroes.
You can still have your favorite flower or plant by using a high-quality UV-resistant faux plant that will blend well with live plants in your landscaping, giving you the look you want without putting your pet at risk. Replace live plants that are dangerous to your pets with faux flowers like our Lily and Eucalyptus arrangement for an elegant look perfect for your dining room!
That way, you can enjoy your favorite flowers without having to worry about putting your pet in danger.
This elegant Lily and Eucalyptus arrangement is filled with elegant Lilies and Eucalyptus and provides a pet-safe alternative.
Solving a thorny issue for pets
Roses and cacti create a thorny problem for dogs and cats.
Dr. Gaylord Brown of Glendale, Calif.-based Delta Rescue tells HGTV: “The most common injuries I have seen associated with gardens are those caused by thorns. Both rose and cactus thorns can cause serious injury to the eye and are notorious for becoming lodged in the feet.”
Placing thorny plants behind fencing that prevents animals from getting too close or making faux plants a part of your landscape design can help eliminate the risk of injury for your pets.
Keep your pets’ paws thorn-free by replacing live plants that have thorns with artificial alternatives. This Faux Floral arrangement of Orange Poppies in a vase is a perfect substitute that both you and Fido can love.
This Faux Floral arrangement of Orange Poppies is perfect alternative to thorny rose bushes that might cause your pets pain.
Eliminate indoor dangers, too
It’s not just outside areas where plants can be an issue for your pets. Some common houseplants can cause problems, as well. Two flowers that are popular in holiday decorating can be dangerous to your pets.
As Easter approaches, keep in mind that Easter lilies are toxic to cats. Opt for an artificial arrangement to grace the Easter dinner table instead of live flowers to keep your feline friend feeling fantastic (say that five times fast).
Because Easter lilies can be dangerous to cats, consider swapping out live versions with our Faux White Lily Arrangement.
Vibrant lilies sit bundled together with green foliage bouquet in a glass vase with this White Lily Arrangement.
When Christmas time rolls around, poinsettias are a favorite decorating option, but they can also be toxic to pets. When the winter holiday season approaches consider adding a high-quality artificial poinsettia to your holiday decorations instead of a live one.
No matter what type of decorating you do around your home, both indoors and outdoors, make sure to take your pets’ needs into consideration. That way you can both enjoy the beauty and stay healthy.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
