Sensory Gardens: How to create your own

Sensory gardens are valuable for dogs because they provide a stimulating environment that engages their senses, promotes mental stimulation, and enhances their overall well-being.

Here's why they are important:

Sensory Stimulation Dogs rely heavily on their senses, including sight, smell, touch, and hearing, to interpret and interact with their environment. Sensory gardens offer a variety of textures, scents, colors, and sounds that can captivate their interest and provide mental stimulation.

Enrichment Dogs, like humans, benefit from enrichment activities that keep them mentally engaged and prevent boredom. Exploring a sensory garden allows dogs to experience new stimuli, which can prevent behavioral issues that arise from lack of stimulation.

Physical Exercise Many sensory gardens incorporate features that encourage physical activity, such as uneven terrain, agility equipment, or pathways for walking. This provides opportunities for dogs to exercise and stay fit while enjoying themselves.

Calming and Relaxation Certain elements in a sensory garden, such as soothing scents, gentle sounds, or comfortable resting areas, can help dogs relax and reduce stress or anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for dogs who are nervous or easily overstimulated.

Bonding with Owners Sensory gardens can be enjoyable spaces for dogs and their owners to spend quality time together. Exploring the garden, playing games, or simply relaxing side by side strengthens the bond between dogs and their human companions.

Therapeutic Benefits For dogs with sensory impairments or cognitive decline, sensory gardens can provide therapeutic benefits. The various sensory experiences can help stimulate their remaining senses and cognitive function, enhancing their quality of life.

Environmental Enrichment Dogs are naturally curious creatures who thrive when they have opportunities to explore and engage with their surroundings. Sensory gardens offer a safe and controlled environment for dogs to satisfy their curiosity and indulge their natural instincts.

Overall, sensory gardens provide a multifaceted approach to enriching a dog's life by engaging their senses, promoting physical and mental well-being, and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.

Safe Plants

Choose dog-friendly plants that are non-toxic and safe for dogs to be around. Some examples include lavender, chamomile, sunflowers, and rosemary. Avoid plants that are toxic to dogs, such as lilies, azaleas, and ivy.

Lavender Known for its calming scent, lavender is safe for dogs and can add a lovely fragrance to the garden. Also reduces stress for anxious dogs.

Chamomile Another calming herb, chamomile is safe for dogs and can be soothing for them. Also good for skin and stomach upsets.

Sunflowers These bright and cheerful flowers are safe for dogs and can add visual interest to the garden.

Rosemary A fragrant herb that dogs can safely sniff and even nibble on in moderation. It has been known to boost the immune system.

Mint Dogs often enjoy the scent of mint, and it's safe for them to interact with. Plus, you can use it in cooking or as a natural pest repellent. It is often selected by dogs with skin irritations due to its cooling properties.

Thyme Another herb that's safe for dogs and has a pleasant scent. This can be chosen by animals with bacterial infections, skin irritations and diarrhoea.

Basil Dogs can safely sniff and nibble on basil, which also has a fresh scent that humans enjoy.

Marigolds These colourful flowers are safe for dogs and can add a pop of colour to the garden. This flower is good to have if you have just rescued a dog as it can help with emotional distress.

Daisies Simple and cheerful, daisies are safe for dogs to be around.

Catnip (not just for cats) this plant is great for relaxation and can stimulate playfulness in dogs.

Snapdragons These tall flowers come in a variety of colours and are safe for dogs.

Marshmallow Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Bamboo The real Bambusoideae species is 100% safe for dogs to consume. The foliage of bamboo contains up to 22% of protein, making it useful for dogs.

Remember to always monitor your dog while they're in the garden, especially if they have a tendancy to chew on plants. While these plants are generally safe for dogs, it's still possible for them to have adverse reactions if they ingest large amounts. If you're unsure about a specific plant, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.

Textures Incorporate a variety of textures for dogs to explore with their paws and noses. You could include soft grass, smooth stones, rough bark, and even a shallow pool or fountain for them to splash around in.

Scents Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so include plants with strong scents like mint, sage, and thyme. You could also plant flowers like marigolds and daisies that have distinctive smells.

Taste Some dogs enjoy nibbling on grass and herbs, so consider planting edible plants like parsley, basil, and strawberries. Just make sure they're safe for dogs to eat.

Sounds Incorporate elements that make interesting sounds, such as wind chimes, rustling leaves, or a small waterfall. These can provide auditory stimulation for dogs as they explore the garden.

Obstacles and Agility Set up simple obstacles and agility equipment like tunnels, hurdles, and balance beams. This provides mental and physical stimulation for dogs and encourages them to use their problem-solving skills.

Shade and Shelter Ensure there are shaded areas where dogs can rest and cool off, especially during hot weather. You could plant trees or install shade sails to provide shelter from the sun.

Interactive Toys Scatter interactive toys throughout the garden, such as puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing balls. This encourages dogs to sniff around and keeps them mentally stimulated.

Safety Make sure the garden is securely fenced to prevent dogs from wandering off. Check for any potential hazards like sharp objects or toxic plants and remove them.

Water Source Provide a fresh water source for dogs to drink from, such as a dog-friendly fountain or a shallow water bowl.

Remember to supervise your dog while they're in the sensory garden, especially if they're prone to eating plants or digging. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a wonderful outdoor space that both you and your furry friend can enjoy together!

Come and check out our sensory garden at The Tetbury Pet Shop, open during Spring-Autumn this is a lovely place to hang out with your pet away from the hustle and bustle of Tetbury.