Your guide to a pet-friendly backyard

For many New Zealanders, the garden is an extension of the home – a place for relaxing, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. Your furry companions likely feel the same way. Whether they’re basking in a sunny spot or chasing a buzzing insect, the garden is their playground. However, this leafy paradise can hold hidden dangers for curious cats and dogs.

Ensuring your backyard is a safe space is a key part of responsible pet ownership. From toxic plants to common gardening products, potential hazards can turn a fun afternoon into a stressful emergency. A little bit of knowledge and planning can help you create a secure and enjoyable environment for your four-legged family members.

This guide will walk you through the most common garden dangers, find poisonous plants found in New Zealand, and provide practical tips for creating a truly pet-safe garden.

Jump to:

• Common pet hazards lurking in your backyard
• Poisonous plants in New Zealand gardens
• Tips for creating a pet-friendly garden oasis
• Be prepared for the unexpected

Common pet hazards lurking in your backyard

Your pet explores the world with its nose and mouth, which means seemingly harmless garden items can pose a significant risk. Here are some of the most common hazards to be aware of.

Slug, snail, and rodent baits

Metaldehyde, the active ingredient in many slug and snail baits, is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Pets are often attracted to the taste of these pellets, but ingestion can lead to severe neurological symptoms like tremors and seizures, which can be fatal. Similarly, rat and mouse poisons are designed to be appealing and are just as dangerous for your pets.

Safety tip: Choose pet-safe alternatives. You can find non-toxic slug baits at garden centres. Other methods include using copper tape around planters or creating beer traps. If you must use traditional baits, ensure they are in a secure, pet-proof container that your animal cannot access.

Fertilisers and soil additives

Many fertilisers, especially organic ones like blood and bone meal, have an irresistible smell for dogs. While not always poisonous, consuming a large amount can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. In some cases, it can lead to a painful inflammation of the pancreas or form a solid mass in the stomach requiring surgery.

Safety tip: Keep your pets inside when applying any type of lawn or garden treatment. Store all fertiliser bags in a locked shed or a sealed, chew-proof container. Water the product well into the soil to reduce the chance of your pet licking or eating it.

Compost bins

A compost heap is a fantastic way to recycle kitchen and garden waste, but it can be a minefield of hazards for a curious pet. Decomposing organic matter can grow moulds and mycotoxins that cause serious illness if ingested. Furthermore, if you’ve thrown away food scraps that are toxic to pets (like onions, grapes, or avocado), your compost pile becomes even more dangerous.

Safety tip: Secure your compost bin with a heavy, tight-fitting lid that your pet cannot knock over or open. Avoid adding any foods known to be toxic to animals to your household compost.

Garden tools and equipment

Sharp tools like rakes, forks, and shears can cause nasty puncture wounds or cuts if left lying around. A moment of playful clumsiness could lead to a serious injury and an infected wound. Also, check your property for other physical hazards like loose fence wire, protruding nails, or broken edging that could harm a running or digging pet.

Safety Tip: Tidy up after every gardening session. Store all tools in a locked shed or a secure toolbox. Regularly walk the perimeter of your garden to check for and fix any physical dangers.

Poisonous plants in New Zealand gardens

Many common and beautiful garden plants are surprisingly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause anything from mild mouth irritation to severe organ damage. While this list is not exhaustive, here are some well-known culprits to watch out for.

Highly toxic plants for pets

• Lilies: All parts of the lily plant are extremely toxic to cats, and even a small amount of pollen can cause kidney failure.
• Sago Palm: Every part of this popular ornamental plant is poisonous, with the seeds being the most toxic part. It can cause liver failure and is often fatal.
• Karaka Berries: The bright orange berries of the native Karaka tree are a significant danger, especially for dogs. Ingesting the raw flesh can cause severe neurological signs, including paralysis.
• Kōwhai: The seeds of our beautiful native Kōwhai tree are poisonous and can cause sickness if eaten.
• Rhododendron and Azalea: These popular flowering shrubs hold toxins that can affect the heart and nervous system.
• Daffodils: While the whole plant is toxic, the bulb is the most dangerous part. It can cause severe vomiting, drooling, and heart problems.
• Foxglove: A classic cottage garden plant, foxglove holds compounds that can cause life-threatening heart issues if ingested.

Other common plants to be cautious of

• Aloe Vera
• Ivy (some species)
• Onions and Garlic
• Rhubarb leaves
• Tomato plants (leaves and stems)
• Tulips (especially the bulbs)
• Brunfelsia (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)

If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your vet at once. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If possible, take a photo or a sample of the plant with you to the clinic for identification.

Tips for creating a pet-friendly garden oasis

Pet-proofing your garden doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a beautiful space. It’s about making smart choices to create a safe and stimulating environment.

Choose pet-safe plants

When adding new plants, do a quick search to confirm they are non-toxic. Great options include camellias, magnolias, lavender, and snapdragons.

Create designated zones

Use raised garden beds or attractive fencing to keep pets out of areas with delicate or potentially harmful plants. You could also create a designated “digging pit” with sand to redirect your dog’s natural instincts away from your prized flower beds.

Provide shade and water

Ensure your pet always has access to a shady spot to rest and a fresh bowl of water, especially on warm days.

Secure your boundaries

A secure fence is crucial for keeping your pet safely within your property and preventing them from wandering into traffic or other dangers. Check regularly for gaps or weak points.

Be mindful of water features

Ponds and pools can be drowning hazards, especially for puppies or small breeds. Consider secure covers or fencing if you have a deep water feature.

Be prepared for the unexpected

Even with the most diligent pet-proofing, accidents can happen. A moment of distraction, a gate left open, or a neighbour’s plant dropping leaves over the fence can all lead to an unexpected vet visit. These emergencies can be both emotionally and financially draining.

Having comprehensive pet insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that if the worst happens, you can focus on your pet’s recovery without the added stress of a large, unplanned vet bill. It allows you to make decisions based on what’s best for your pet’s health, not your bank account.