Let’s start with the good stuff. These four plants contain healing properties that, when used appropriately, can be beneficial for the health of furry “landscapaws”. Although the following plants are generally safe for dogs, it’s important to test each remedy out before Fido dives headfirst into the flowerbed.

Chamomile

Chamomile is far more than just a relaxing beverage. Start the pretty white flowers as seed indoors and transplant outside after the first frost. Once the flowers bloom, harvest and dry them. Prepare a pot of tea using empty tea bags, allow the brew to cool and use it to bathe any itchy areas or hotspots on your dog. Rather than discarding the bags, use them as an eye mask to soothe itchy and irritated skin around your pup's eye. Crushed-up chamomile can also be sprinkled into dinner to relax digestive muscles and even soothe an anxious canine. If you don’t want to wait the six to eight weeks for harvest, try these calming chamomile treats instead.

Fennel

This Mediterranean seasonal herb sprinkles spring flavor into soups, salads and more. It is also great for a hairy horticulturist’s digestive and immune system. Sow the fennel seeds at least 12 inches apart in spring and wait 90 days to harvest the tennis-ball-sized bulbs and green sprigs. High in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and potassium, you can chop it up and add it to your dog’s dinner to help with her immune system, digestive issues and even bad breath. Fennel is also a great natural flea repellant. Crush the seeds up and sprinkle the powder on your dog and around affected areas at home.

Dandelion

Unfortunately, dandelion is a misunderstood wildflower. What you might not know is that it’s absolutely packed full of benefits like vitamins A, C and iron; so perhaps it’s not such a bad thing if Fido sneezes and sends the seeds flying across your yard. Collect the leaves, dry them out and sprinkle it into your pooch’s food. The plant is a natural diuretic, which can help with kidney stones and anal gland issues. It even served as the inspiration for this dandelion dog toy.

Rosemary

Rosemary has many uses in the kitchen, including being a canine superfood. It can promote a healthy heart, calm the digestive system and is even an effective bug repellant. Under perfect conditions, less than half of rosemary seeds will germinate, so spread them thick when you plant. You should have a quick yield, usually 15 to 25 days after planting. Due to its bug-repelling properties, it’s a good idea to grow the herb outside where Fido is likely to play.

With a sense of smell that ranges from 100,000 to 1,000,000 times stronger than that of a human, a dog’s nose is the perfect tool to approve new additions and forage for edible flora outside. Unfortunately, it won’t always recognize a plant as potentially dangerous. These common flora can cause harm to canines and should be avoided in a pet-safe backyard.

Perennials

• Chrysanthemums paint a tapestry of color in many backyards, but if your dog eats any part of it she can experience loss of coordination and nausea.
• Dahlias are a pretty perennial from Central America. Unfortunately, if ingested they can lead to mild gastrointestinal suffering and dermatitis.
• Iris are a common garden plant that should be avoided in your pooch’s garden, as they can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.
• Lily of the Valley is a gorgeous flower that packs a punch. Dogs (and humans) who eat the plant may experience vomiting, heart arrhythmias, seizures and even death.
• Peony is common in gardens in the south. Keep it out of your pup’s reach to avoid an upset stomach.

Annuals

• Begonia tubers are bright and colorful, but they can cause irritation of your dog’s mouth if they are eaten.
• Geraniums can grow in hanging baskets, making ideal plants for smaller spaces. Avoid the Pelargonium variety if you have a canine roommate. This particular species can cause rashes and low blood pressure.

Bulbs

• Amaryllis, though beautiful to look at, can cause abdominal pain and stomach issues for furry friends if eaten.
• Caladium leaves are captivating, but they contain cutting crystals that can damage your dog’s mouth and can even make it hard for her to walk.
• Daffodils are a common sight in gardens everywhere. Don’t let Fido take a bite, as it can cause cardiac issues and an upset stomach.
• Hyacinth are designed to put animals off eating their attractive flowers. The sweet scent draws bees and pollinators, but curious canines who eat them can hurt their mouths and even suffer seizures.
• Tulip festivals are commonplace across America. The plant of Holland is lovely to look at, but eating the bulbs can give your mutt stomach problems.

Shrubs

• Aloe Vera is soothing for human skin, but if ingested can upset canine stomachs.
• Azaleas provide gardens with a pop of color. However, animals who eat the leaves can experience digestive issues.
• Lantanas are tropical by name and dangerous to dogs by nature.

Vines

Vines are useful for covering walls, fences and blank spots in the garden. But steer clear of English Ivy, Clematis, Morning Glory and Wisteria in a pet-safe backyard. If ingested, vines can cause symptoms ranging from an upset stomach to seizures.