Content
- Why do they bite the plants?
- Vitamins, distraction and some citrus spray
- What if your dog keeps eating the plants?
Dogs, especially puppies, are fanatical about plant leaves. They bite, lick them and play with them because they like their acidic and natural taste, and they like to explore the bushes because they find them curious about their smell and appearance.
It is very common to see dog owners angry that their best friend has destroyed their precious garden, and even more common, end up frustrated for not being able to control this behavior.
Fortunately the war is not lost. Continue reading this PeritoAnimal article where we will give you tips to prevent your dog from eating the plants. You will find that you will reach the desired goal with a good dose of distraction, training and much more.
Why do they bite the plants?
Your dog may be chewing, biting, destroying and enjoying your entire garden due to many reasons: lack of vitamins in your body, boredom, stomach pain (in this case they look for the herb to improve the unpleasant feeling) and even to release stress when, for example, situations occur that generate unexpected changes or anxiety (the arrival of a new family member or a move, for example).
Vitamins, distraction and some citrus spray
- Nutrient deficiency. As mentioned in other articles, food is very important. Puppies often bite plants because their organism lacks the necessary fiber to keep all digestive processes in order. This act could be a warning that your pet is doing you. Analyze your diet and if the deficiency is present try to add a little bran (rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals) to your food. A cereal made from bran flakes may suffice or change your ration to one that contains higher doses of plant fiber than meat and grains.
- It is also possible that your dog is bored and that the only way you can have a little fun is to play with your plants. Place as many dog toys as you can around the house (as far from the garden as possible). Make sure you have all the distractions you need to focus your attention on something other than your precious roses or aromatic herbs. Don't forget to pay attention to it and also get involved in the game.
- If your dog starts crawling near the garden, let him sniff all he wants (it's a natural and necessary attitude for puppies), but the first moment he sees that he intends to bite, say "No" in an energetic and safe way. (never aggressive), and move him away from the area. If you are constant and do not let the opportunity pass, you will see how in a few days you will lose interest in your plants. If your dog does what you're telling him and walks away by itself, he should reward your good attitude, this will help you create a better habit because you will know that by not approaching the flowers you will get some reward.
- At PeritoAnimal we do not believe in punishment, we believe in correct education. Severely and directly punish your dog could only cause fear and conflicting emotions in him. The smartest way to reprimand him and, at the same time, the most indirect way possible, where your puppy doesn't relate you to punishment. An example is put a harmless spray on the plants but of unpleasant taste. It can be acidic lemon or apple juice that is available in all stores and garden centers to keep animals out of the gardens.
What if your dog keeps eating the plants?
- Something very simple, but at the same time complicated, because we don't always have the availability to do it is to maintain the plants. out of reach of your dog. For example, if your friend is small, climb the plants to a level he or she cannot reach or even see. Now, regardless of whether your pet is big or small, simply blocking access may be the easiest way to keep it away. Surround the shrubs or garden with something like a net or wire.
- Dogs don't like to walk on certain surfaces. A good way to keep them out of the garden is to lay out items that might feel uncomfortable like aluminum foil, bubble wrap or pine cones. With this you will be able to make a kind of protective barrier. Make sure the elements you are going to use will not hurt you.
- Remember that puppies are pure energy and if we don't help them to drain it in a regular and proper way, they will always find a way to do it and this might not be the most enjoyable, the lack of exercise in puppies it often favors undesirable behavior. Among the best exercises you can do with your best friend that work to release accumulated energy is to get stuff.If you make an effort to play with your puppy and deplete his energy in a positive way, you will see how he will try to bite and eat less of your plants, he will be so tired that he will prefer to sleep than to approach them.
Don't forget that there are plants that are toxic to your dog. Review our list and make sure that you don't have any of them in your garden or inside your apartment.
If you have a cat in your house, read our article that explains how to keep cats away from plants.