Turn your plot into a pet haven: Take a lead from Monty Don and keep beloved dogs safe and happy says Ciar Byrne

Monty Don’s dogs – Ned the golden retriever, Patti the Yorkshire terrier and the much-missed Nigel and Nellie – have delighted viewers of BBC’s Gardeners’ World for years.

So it is only fitting that the RHS has announced that the first ever show garden designed by Monty for the Chelsea Flower Show, where we are more used to seeing him as the TV host, will be a dog-friendly space.

Details of the garden, designed with the help of a team led by Jamie Butterworth, are still under wraps. But if you have pets, there are plenty of measures you can take to make sure your garden is a happy and safe place for them.

When we got our cockapoo, Baxter, the first thing we did was to make the boundaries of our garden completely secure so we can let him outside without fear of him escaping.

In summer, Baxter loves to stretch out on the grass in the sun, until he gets too hot and flops in a cool corner. Make sure to create plenty of shaded places for animals to relax in.

When Baxter was a puppy, one of his favourite occupations was digging holes in our lawn. One solution is to have a designated area where your dog is allowed to dig.

Creating plenty of different sensory experiences is great for pets. Long plants and grasses that are safe to play in are good, although watch out for seeds if you have long-haired breeds.

Ensure surfaces don’t become too hot in summer and avoid sharp edges. If you have space, include a shallow water feature which they can splash in. Smaller domestic animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, benefit from being allowed to run around in a secure pen on a lawn, so long as the weather is not too hot or cold.

In our front garden, we have raised beds, which the neighbours’ cats like to use as litter trays. I put down wire mesh as a deterrent until the seedlings come up. Having a patch of catmint nearby for them to roll in helps.

When it comes to planting, choose tough plants such as hardy geraniums, lavender and shrub roses that can withstand wear and tear. Include plants that animals can eat, such as raspberries.

Pet-friendly gardens are often as much about which plants to avoid. There are many species that are toxic to dogs, including bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, as well as aconitum, azaleas, foxgloves, delphiniums, hydrangeas and yew. 

All members of the onion family should also be avoided or fenced off. Lilies and sago palm (Cycas) are particularly toxic to cats. And take care when choosing houseplants, as ficus, cheeseplants and aloe vera are not cat friendly.

There are many good reasons not to use chemicals in your gardens, instead opt for organic methods of pest and disease control such as companion planting. If you have a pet, this is even more important, to avoid any risk of poisoning.

Steer clear of slug pellets as these can be damaging if consumed by pets. Prevent dogs from eating slugs and snails as they can pass on lungworm.