Your garden should be a safe, fun haven for the whole family, and that includes your cuddly new puppy. Many commonplace garden products can be dangerous and sometimes fatal to dogs. Slug pellets are especially toxic, as are several weed killers, so please, read the instructions carefully and above all, keep these products well out of reach of your pet. If he is unlucky enough to come into contact with something harmful, or you only suspect he has, contact your vet immediately.
Your puppy and plants
Many common plants can be poisonous to pets, and some are fatal. If your puppy is tempted to root out a bulb, for instance and start chomping away, stop him; they're very dangerous. Here are some other plants that are toxic to dogs, in some cases severely so:-
foxglove, primrose, yew, ivy, rhubarb, wisteria, lupin, sweet peas, poppy, chrysanthemum, laburuheum.
You can obtain a more comprehensive list from the Royal Horticultural Society (PDF) on 01483 224234.
Tasty Tips
Your puppy and garden tools
If your puppy is playing in the garden, never use a lawnmower or strimmer as these can cause severe injuries. Never leave tools with sharp blades and points lying around; if your puppy stands on one, he can be badly injured. And to protect you from getting a soaking, don't leave the hose pipe out for him to chew on!
Your puppy and water features
Make sure your water features and ponds are covered while your puppy is young. He could have trouble getting out of the shallowest water and injure himself or (heaven forbid) drown.
Your puppy and fencing
One of your garden jobs should be to check that your fencing is puppy-proof before he can be let out. The last thing you want is for your new acquisition to get lost or injured on the roads. And if you are using a wood preservative such as creosote, keep your puppy away until it is properly dry, and make sure tins aren't left open for him to drink from.
Related products
Perfect Digestion Large Breed Puppy Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with Hill's ActivBiome+ prebiotic blend actively contributes to supporting digestive health and overall well-being to help your pet feel their best
Small & Mini Mature Adult 7+ Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Small & Mini Breed Mature Adult Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Tailored nutrition to support graceful ageing in small dogs. Specially made with a synergistic blend of nutrients for energy & vigor.
Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Breed Adult Dog Food with Chicken & Brown Rice supports ultimate digestive well-being & a healthy microbiome.
Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Small & Mini Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult small dogs from 1 year old that are prone to weight gain or slightly overweight. This deliciously smooth mousse is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
Related articles
What should I do about my overweight dog?
Dog obesity is a significant problem - learn more about helping your dog become trimmer and healthier through improved nutrition.
Dog Bitten by a Snake? Clinical Symptoms & What You Should Do
Learn about snake bites on dogs, including clinical symptoms to look for, what to do if you think your dog was bitten, and treatment & prevention options.
The Science Behind Your Dog and His Behaviour
Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.
Kidney Disease in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Discover the causes, signs, and treatments of kidney disease in dogs and find methods of supporting your dog's kidney health. Learn more at Hill's Pet South Africa.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.