Dog-Safe Backyard Plants & Flowers for Spring

Living in military housing can sometimes feel like settling into a cookie-cutter life, where everything looks the same. But our backyards can be vibrant places that show off our personalities—especially for our furry friends. Spring means a fresh start, making it the perfect time to explore dog-safe plants and flowers that can turn our yards into lively havens, free from hidden dangers for our pets. 

As pet owners, we always think about safety. The last thing we want is a surprise trip to the vet because our curious dog thinks a toxic plant is a tasty snack. Many common plants can be harmful, and we’d rather not spend our weekends at the vet explaining how Bella decided to munch on an azalea.

Dog-Safe Plants & Flowers: 

1. Marigolds: These sunny flowers add color to your backyard and help keep pesky bugs away! Plus, they’re safe for your dog to sniff, chew, and (let’s be honest) probably dig up at some point. 
2. Zinnias: With their bright colors, zinnias are like the fun party guests of the flower world. Your pup can enjoy running among the blooms without any worries. 
3. Sunflowers: These tall beauties wave victory over dull yards everywhere! They’re safe for your dog, too. If your pup decides to play tug-of-war with a sunflower stalk, just remember: it’s all fun until someone gets a face full of pollen!
4. Snapdragons: These fun flowers are safe for your furry friend and make for a great plaything. You can laugh as your dog “talks” to the snapdragons—or is it just trying to get them to bark back?
5. Pansies: With their charming faces, pansies might be the cutest flowers in your garden. Best of all, they’re safe for dogs! Perfect for adding to your kids’ (or your) salads! Talk about a multi-purpose garden. 
6. Begonias: Begonias can brighten up your backyard without risking your dog’s health. Imagine a beautiful flowerbed where your dog can run around without worrying about upset tummies!
7. Gerbera Daisies: These bright flowers bring joy to any garden. Since they’re safe for dogs, you can enjoy the scents of spring together—unless your dog decides to roll in them, which could lead to a “you smell funny” moment.

Tips to Keep Your Dog and Garden Safe:  

• Research Before Planting: Before you fall in love with a beautiful plant in the store, check if it’s safe for your dog. A quick search can save you a lot of worry.
• Designate a Dog Area: Create a special spot for your pup away from your prized plants. Think of it as dog heaven—where they can dig and play freely!
• Watch the Mulch: Avoid cocoa mulch—it’s dangerous for dogs! Instead, use pet safe materials, or stick with the boring but safe stuff from the store. 
• Monitor Allergies: Just like some people can’t handle certain plants, our dogs can have allergies too. Keep an eye on their sniffing. If they start sneezing like you do after a trip to the flower shop, it might be time to make a change. 
• Training and Supervision: Teach your dog to stick to the paths. This is not just good manners…It’s a safety measure.(Plus, it saves you from pulling them out of your lilac bushes!)

So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to make this spring one to remember! After all, why settle for “just a yard” when you can have a colorful, dog-friendly paradise? Join the Military Pet Club today for more pet tips! 

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com and Pets!