Do you have a precious pooch who loves to spend time outdoors? Perhaps you also have a green thumb and enjoy spending time in your garden?
There is nothing more soul satisfying than having a relaxing garden to spend your mornings, afternoons and perhaps even your balmy summer evenings. The good news is that the plants you choose for your garden can also be great for your darling dog.
Our RSPCA Dog Care Experts have pulled together a list of plants and herbs that are not only pretty to look at, but have added physical and mental health benefits for your precious pup.
Be ready to get your gardening gloves on!
Bamboo
This is a great one for calming your dog, since they love the peaceful sound bamboo makes when it rustles in the breeze. It is also a sensory delight for your pup – it feels nice for them to snuffle through the shoots and reeds. For us humans, bamboo is great for screening and creating some privacy in your backyard.
Basil
Not only does basil add a burst of fresh herbaceous flavour to almost any Italian dish, it’s a firm favourite for your sniffing side-kick. Dogs love the aromatic scent that basil gives off, so you can both enjoy an amazing Italian themed evening al-fresco!
Catnip
Despite what its name might suggest, catnip is not only for cats! The plant is known for its wonderful relaxing properties, and can be a great way to calm your pup before a stressful visit to the vet. Or, your four-legged friend might react differently in some situations, and you might find that catnip actually stimulates playfulness.
Top tip: since catnip can make your pets sleepy or excited, our Dog Care Experts advise keeping your catnip our of constant reach, and saving it for special occasions only.
Chamomile
Chamomile makes one of the best soothing teas for us humans, and it is just as beneficial for our canine companions. A great zen-maker for anxious dogs, chamomile has even been proven to help with your dog’s upset stomach or any skin irritations they may have.
Hops
That’s right, now you can justify a microbrewery in your own home! Hops will help your hound to calm their hyperactive mind, and is great for dogs who are easily stressed. Plus, you can enjoy a refreshing beer in the garden while your pup hops through the hops.
Lavender
Sleep peacefully knowing that any scratches or skin irritations on your fur-baby can be helped with trusty lavender. Great for scar tissue regeneration, lavender is also a fabulous way to get a good night’s sleep for us humans. Not to mention, it makes fantastic hedges, is low maintenance and leaves your garden smelling amazing!
Marigolds
Keep your garden pest-and-insect-free with a scattering of marigolds. Marigolds will keep your fruit trees, veggie beds and roses blooming and happy. Your dog will thank you too, as marigolds are great for dogs experiencing grief or emotional distress.
Peppermint
Known for its cooling properties, peppermint is often sought out by dogs who have skin irritations.. Not only will your pup feel cool and calm with peppermint, but we all know peppermint tea is also a fabulous natural way to relieve any digestive issues in humans.
Top tip: some of the rarer mint species can be dangerous if consumed by your puppy pals, so be sure to stick with the common peppermint variety.
Rosemary
Great for hedges and herb gardens, rosemary is a must have for your garden. The aromatic scent will be a firm favourite with your puppy pal, and is also a magical natural bug repellant. If your pooch is an unfortunate favourite with undesirable pests like ticks and fleas, planting rosemary will help to keep the bugs at bay.
Thyme
One of the most versatile herbs to cook with and extremely low maintenance, you can’t go past thyme. The fragrant herb is perfect for dogs with any skin irritations or bacterial infections. It is also a natural solution for easing an irritable bowel for your furry friend.
Violets
Add a pinch of purple to your already beautiful yard with a spattering of violets. The flower is often chosen by dogs who struggle with nerves, and is a great calming plant for your pup if you have recently changed homes, or if they are recovering from stress or pain.
Wheat Grass
Keep calm and grow some wheatgrass. A favourite addition for your morning kickstart juice, wheatgrass can also be a great mood booster for your pooch. Dogs who are nervous or anxious, or even ones who exhibit hyper behaviour will gravitate towards wheatgrass to support and stabilise their mood.
