We love our pets.
But they can be a pain sometimes.
Especially when dogs start chewing on the beautiful plants, you are growing with care.
But don’t worry. There are several methods you can use to protect your dogs and your plants from each other.
1. Remove the plants if possible
The simplest way to protect your dogs from plants is to remove them. This may not be possible if you also want to keep your plants.
But you could compromise and only remove the plants that your dogs prefer to chew on while keeping the rest.
I asked fellow gardeners what they do to keep their dogs away from plants in the garden. Below are the results of this survey. Most gardeners find fencing or moving the plants to be a good option.
2. Train your dog to stay away from the plants
You might find it beneficial to train your dogs with the help of an animal behaviorist or a professional trainer.
Your dogs may eat plants because of anxiety or stress that these professionals can help with. Once these root problems are resolved, your dogs will stay away from the plants.
My dog isn’t interested in any of my plants. A Border Collie, her main goal in her outdoor life is getting under the fence. IF she bothered plants, I would train her. – Margaret
Don’t underestimate the efficacy of the word “no”. If you have taught your dog basic commands, then the word “no” or other keywords to that effect will definitely come up.
If you have the time to watch your dog when you let him run loose in the yard, simply telling him no when he attempts to graze could put a stop to it and reinforce training.
3. Spray organic and dog-friendly deterrents near the plants
Your dogs probably chew on the plants because they taste good. So a simple solution could be to spray deterrents that discourage the dogs from going near the plants.
It’s best to use organic methods that are gentle on the plants and the animals as well. Some options you can spray on or near the plants include diluted lemon juice, garlic spray, or pepper spray.
I also like neem oil spray as it works not only to protect your plants from animals but also pests and diseases.
Obstacles like container with carrots. Bitter herbs and small garden fencing worked with my basset hound. – Selina
4. Keep plants out of reach from the dogs
If you’re growing plants in containers, this is a simple method to move them to a location out of reach of the dogs. This could be a place at a height that they cannot reach.
Another option is to fence off the plants so your dogs can’t reach them. Stop dogs from destroying your garden by cordoning off a section. You can use chicken wire, build a small fence, or place rocks or bricks strategically to keep your dog away.
I use a Greenstalk vertical planter to keep my dog away from my peas and green beans. Seriously I thought it was our neighborhood opossum eating my plants but it was my dog. I also use fence material and chicken wire to keep him away. – Leslie
5. Keep your dog occupied with something else
Maybe your dog just needs to spend some energy and right now they choose to do this chewing up your plants.
Maybe you need to spend more time keeping your dog occupied with other playtime activities so it distracts them from the plants.
6. Use a sound deterrent to keep dogs away from plants
I don’t prefer this method, but it’s an option you could consider. There are sound deterrents that will keep animals away from the plants. They use ultrasonic sound to deter animals.
Dogs have sensitive hearing, so you need to be careful to pick a device and use settings that are gentle enough on their ears.
7. Reorganize your garden to distract your dog
The dogs may have got familiar with the location of the plants they like to chew on. You can try reorganizing the garden and move the plants to a different location.
This may discourage some dogs from chewing the plants as they cannot find the plants in their original location.
8. Check the health of your dog
Sometimes animals like dogs, and cats may chew on plants when suffering from a health condition. You should observe your dogs for behaviors such as panting, pacing, lethargy, loss of appetite.
If you find these symptoms, it’s best to consult a vet as soon as possible to ensure timely treatment for your dog.
Why does my dog eat my plants?
It’s useful to understand some of the underlying reasons your dog may chew on your plants.
It could be an upset stomach
Dogs will instinctively chew on plants, especially grass, when they have an upset stomach. It helps irritate their stomach so they can throw out any unwanted materials they may have ingested.
The plants may be good for their taste
Your dog may find that some plants are delicious and they want to eat it. It could be the crunchy texture or flavor of some plants.
You may keep note of the plants that your dog prefers to nibble on to understand those are the plant varieties it favors.
It may be your dog’s entertainment
Your dogs may just be bored and find it fun to chew on your plants. They may not be getting enough stimulation from play time and end up attracted to the plants as an outlet.
Your dog may be suffering from anxiety
Like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety and stress as well. And to cope with these issues, the dogs may eat up your plants.
Your dog may just be exploring
When animals are young, they have a tendency to be curious just like humans. Puppies may find it fun to run around in the garden and chew up plants.
They want to explore all the new things they can find and the typical reaction is to chew them first and understand what it is with their sense of smell and taste.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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