MacTavish Scotties

Thursday, April 11, 2013

How to Create a Garden For Dogs

From plants to water features, a dog-approved guide to the "ultimutt" backyard

Think having a beautiful backyard and a dog are diametrically opposed? Think again. We spoke with Stephen Westcott-Gratton, senior horticultural editor at Canadian Gardening, who provided tips for creating an outdoor Eden both you and your dog can enjoy. Highlights include:

Patchy Problem - How to Prevent Brown Spots on Your Lawn. From preventing AND rejuvenating burnt-out spots in your lawn to urine-resistant ground covering ideas like clover, ryegrasses, and fescues, we've got you covered.

Pick Your Plants - What's Safe For Dogs. The safest flowers are the ones that are completely edible and which you can use in your own salads and dishes (bonus!). These include violets, pansies, and roses, as well as flowers from vegetables like squash. The signet marigold is one of Westcott-Gratton’s favourite annuals. One of the most famous varieties is called “Lemon Gem” for its lemon colour and delicious lemon flavour.

Solve the Digging Dilemma - How to create a spot designed especially for your dog to dig in.

Ditch the herbicide! A study by Purdue University veterinary researchers found exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens increased the risk of bladder cancer by four to seven times in Scottish Terriers. The study adds to earlier research conducted by the National Institutes of Health that found elevated rates of canine lymphoma in dogs exposed to lawn pesticides. We've got natural alternatives to help keep you pest free.

Modern Dog Magazine

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Scottie Dog for Your Easter Basket

Great addition to your Easter Basket - other dog breeds too!

Scottie Dog Chocolates

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Spring Pet Care

As you hasten to clean out your garage and prep your yard, remember these activities may pose a risk to your pet. Many cleaning agents, fertilizers, pesticides, weed-killers, and even mulch can all be dangerous to dogs and cats. Last spring a friend accidentally left a container of liquid plant food out on her porch. Her cat drank some and developed kidney failure. Luckily, the cat survived, but it could've easily been much worse. Remember, our pets can't read warning labels. Look out for your little ones as you go about greening your homes.

Easter Treats and Decorations Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!

Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Check out ASPCA list of garden care tips.