Best Plants to Have in Your Garden for Your Dog’s Health
If you’re a pet parent who loves gardening, why not make your garden a healthy haven for your furry friend? Many plants not only beautify your space but also provide natural health benefits for dogs. From aiding digestion to repelling fleas and calming anxiety. Creating a dog-friendly garden can help your pup thrive while keeping them safe from harmful plants.
Below are some of the best dog-safe plants to grow that support their overall well-being.
Rosemary
Why it’s good for dogs: Rosemary is packed with antioxidants and has natural antimicrobial properties. It’s great for supporting your dog’s immune system and even helps with bad breath.
How to use it: You can sprinkle finely chopped rosemary (fresh or dried) over your dog’s food in small amounts. It also works as a natural flea deterrent when planted around the yard.
Tip: Avoid overfeeding herbs — moderation is key.
Parsley (Curly-Leaf Only)
Why it’s good for dogs: Parsley is excellent for freshening breath and supports kidney and bladder health due to its natural diuretic qualities.
How to use it: Add a pinch of chopped curly parsley to their meals once or twice a week.
Caution: Only use curly-leaf parsley, not spring parsley, which can be toxic.
Basil
Why it’s good for dogs: Basil helps fight inflammation and contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It can also calm dogs who are anxious or stressed.
How to use it: Add a few fresh leaves to your dog’s dinner or make a light basil-infused rinse for their coat.
Lavender
Why it’s good for dogs: Lavender is known for its calming scent, which can help reduce anxiety in dogs. It also attracts pollinators and repels mosquitoes and fleas naturally.
How to use it: Plant lavender near shaded areas where your dog likes to rest. You can also use dried lavender in sachets placed around sleeping areas — just ensure your dog doesn’t chew on the plant.
Chamomile
Why it’s good for dogs: Chamomile is soothing for both the stomach and the skin. It helps with digestive upset, stress, and minor skin irritations.
How to use it: Brew a mild chamomile tea and let it cool before adding a spoonful to your dog’s water or gently applying it to itchy skin.
Peppermint
Why it’s good for dogs: Peppermint aids digestion and helps repel insects. Its scent can freshen your yard and your pup’s breath.
How to use it: Let dogs sniff it freely in the garden or add a single crushed leaf to water for a refreshing treat.
Caution: Avoid concentrated peppermint oils, which can be too strong for pets.
Aloe Vera
Why it’s good for dogs: The gel inside aloe leaves can soothe minor burns, cuts, and insect bites.
How to use it: Apply the inner gel directly to your dog’s skin (avoid the yellow sap near the rind—it can upset their stomach).
Tip: Keep aloe plants out of reach, as ingestion of the raw plant can cause digestive discomfort.
Thyme
Why it’s good for dogs: Thyme supports respiratory health and has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
How to use it: Sprinkle dried thyme into meals or make a natural paw rinse for dogs who often walk on rough or dirty surfaces.
Why It’s Popular: Building a Healing Garden for Your Pet
More pet owners are discovering the benefits of growing a “healing garden” filled with herbs that boost their dog’s health naturally. It’s a simple way to make your backyard both beautiful and functional — giving your dog a safe, sensory-rich environment while promoting wellness.
Top Pick for Gardeners: A small raised herb bed near your patio that includes rosemary, basil, and chamomile — the perfect combination for health, calm, and fresh scents!
Dog-Safe Alternatives to Toxic Plants
Some popular garden plants are beautiful but toxic to dogs. Here are safer swaps that keep your landscape lovely and your pets protected:
Toxic Plant |
Dog-Safe Alternative |
Why It’s Better |
|---|---|---|
| Foxglove | Bee Balm | Still attracts pollinators but won’t harm dogs if they sniff or nibble. |
| Azalea or Rhododendron | Camellia | Gorgeous blooms with no known toxicity to pets. |
| Daffodil | Marigold | Adds bright color and naturally repels mosquitoes and fleas. |
| Lily (all types) | Zinnia | Vibrant and non-toxic, zinnias are easy to grow and pet-safe. |
| Hosta | Coral Bells (Heuchera) | Offers lush foliage in many colors without posing a risk. |
| Tulip | Sunflower | Hardy, cheerful, and completely safe for curious canines. |
🛠️ Shopping Spotlight: Garden Essentials for Pet Lovers
Building a pet-safe garden doesn’t just take the right plant, it helps to have the right tools and supplies, too. Here are a few favorites from our store that make gardening easier and safer for you and your four-legged companion:
Dragoyle Fabric Gardening Grow Planter (Instant fabric soft raised garden bed)
This is perfect for creating a dedicated herb- or dog-friendly garden bed (for herbs like rosemary, basil, chamomile) that’s raised/contained and accessible.
Use the Grow Planter to build a secure, raised-bed herb zone near your patio, ideal for planting dog-safe herbs and keeping curious paws from trampling seedlings.
Dragoyle LLC
Dragoyle 9-Piece Aluminum Gardening Tool Set & Carry Case
Good garden maintenance gear helps keep the space functional and safe for dogs (less unmanaged growth, better soil, etc.).
Keep your garden tidy and healthy with this lightweight tool set, better maintenance means a safer, more dog-friendly space.
Dragoyle LLC
Dragoyle Mini 10 Pc Gardening Hand Tools Kit with Tote Bag
Handy for smaller herb beds or container setups, including those dog-safe herbs in your blog (e.g., parsley, basil, thyme).
For the smaller herb beds that fill up your front porch or patio, this compact kit makes planting parsley, basil, and thyme a breeze and safe for your pup’s environment.
Dragoyle LLC
Dragoyle Best Protective Digging Garden Gloves
When you’re gardening around dogs, you’ll likely deal with pets underfoot, digging, sniffs, etc. Gloves help you work safely and comfortably.
Gardening with a dog in the yard? Protect yourself (and your dog’s zone) with these durable gloves, no more thorny mishaps while you plant dog-safe herbs or dig new beds.
Dragoyle LLC
Dragoyle Solar Flame Garden Lamp
While not strictly “dog health” in terms of ingestion or herbs, it enhances the garden atmosphere, safe lighting means comfortable evening time for you and your dog, and less risk of trip hazards.
Create a safe, inviting garden space for your pup and you to enjoy in the evenings with this solar flame lamp. Good lighting means better visibility and fewer surprises for your furry friend.
Dragoyle LLC
Final Thoughts
A dog-friendly garden is more than just safe, it’s a place where your pet can explore, relax, and benefit from nature’s healing power. By choosing the right plants and tools, you’re creating a space that supports your dog’s health, happiness, and connection to the outdoors.
Presented by Coach Trina at Dragoyle.com