Tip #1 Metal Edging
Spring is here and now is the time to take stock of upcoming chores. If you still have sharp edged metal edging snaking around your garden areas, make 2010 the year to deal with it. And if you need convincing of the importance of this, just ask your vet. Be sure they tell you what it costs for all those stitches, and how long your dog will be wearing the dreaded collar.
We used to suggest placing the vinyl cover over the sharp area, but the vinyl tends to warp away from the sharp edges. A newer choice is metal edging with rolled top edge. It might still hurt or bruise if stepped on, but will not cut paws or feet. Also, place the edger no higher than the grass.
Something else to consider is a more permanent paver edge. Your independent garden center has lots of ideas ready for you to consider.
Tip #2 Chemicals
Weeds, insects, fungus. There is a chemical solution for just about every pesky garden problem.
My first suggestion is to find a natural product to solve the problem. There are more choices today than ever before, along with help to select the right one for your situation at your local independent garden center.
Whether you choose a natural or chemical type product, read and follow the directions on the package. All products are carefully tested, and the consumer information on the package is the result of all that testing. Also, keep in mind that the directions for use are their contract with you.
Whenever using a liquid product, always keep pets and children away from the treated area until the product is dry. When using a dry type product, allow it to settle before turning the pets loose. As always, follow label directions.
Tip #3 Big box store or independent garden center?
Why go to the neighborhood garden center instead of the chain box store when the chain store prices will be less? Most of our local garden centers are staffed with people who make horticulture their career and study both in college and with continuing education at their stores. I find good suggestions for plants and products that will be safer for my pets.
Early spring is training time at most garden centers as employees learn the latest information about the products they sell. Most regions host a trade show each winter where seminars are presented for all the local horticultural businesses. These businesses include garden centers, wholesale growers and suppliers, turf farms, landscape companies and students from the local trade schools and colleges.
Information, better selection, and quality are the reasons I use the local garden center. I know I am paying more for my perennials, but employees can address my particular pet-specific needs and my plants come with the experience and expertise of every person involved with production from seed starting to final sale.
Just something to think about.
1 Comment for Garden Tips for Dog Owners
Author comment by Brianna | April 1, 2010 at 11:13 am
First hand experience with Tip #1 – it can result in costly and painful injuries.
Last summer, I was calling the dogs from the yard to get everyone in bed for the night when I noticed dark spots on the deck which I quickly discovered was blood. Upon inspection of the dogs, I realized that Kelvin had cut not 1, but 2 paws and as Murphy’s Law goes it was Sunday night (i.e. emergency vet), my husband was out of town, and my son was already fast asleep.
Along comes Suzy and Mike to the rescue… they helped me inspect, clean and wrap the cuts so I could wait until morning to visit the vet. After a $500 vet bill and a week with the “cone”, Kelvin was back to his normal self, but it could have been avoided if we had done a routine inspection of the yard for sharp objects.
Lessons Learned:
1. Don’t install metal edging if you can avoid it.
2. Perform regular inspections of your yard.
3. Have a K9 first aid kit available in case an injury occurs.