Dog Friendly Gardens

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How to keep a yard safe for your dog and protect the yard, too - The Washington Post

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We love our dogs, and for those fortunate enough to have a yard, proper consideration of what’s in the space can help make sure both dog and landscape bring joy for years to come. We spoke to animal experts and a landscape designer for advice.

Some plants can pose risks to dogs, especially when ingested. Risks from plants generally come from blockages in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract or poisoning, which can be mild, causing an upset stomach; lead to serious conditions, such as kidney failure; or be fatal, said Tina Wismer, senior director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control" target=_blank>Animal Poison Control Center</a>.

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In most cases, dogs would have to consume a lot of plant material for the effects to be fatal. “There are a lot of things that could be present that are potentially toxic, but the risk of really serious problems is pretty low,” said <a href="https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/robert-poppenga" target=_blank>Robert Poppenga</a>, a professor of clinical veterinary toxicology at the University of California at Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine. If your dog has ingested something you’re worried about, contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA’s control center at 888-426-4435.

For inexperienced and curious puppies, Wismer suggests using exercise pens or chicken wire until they outgrow the “everything-has-to-go-in-my-mouth phase.”

Plants of concern: Wismer and Poppenga recommend that dog owners research specific plants before adding them to their yard; the ASPCA maintains a <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants" target=_blank>list of plants</a> and their toxicity to dogs. Common plants to avoid include the <a href="https://www.aspca.org/news/dangers-sago-palm" target=_blank>sago palm</a>, because it’s toxic to dogs. “Some dogs will chew on the frond, but it’s also very dangerous for them to eat the fruit, because it can cause liver failure,” Wismer said. Some flowering plants, such as <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/foxglove" target=_blank>foxglove</a>, <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/oleander" target=_blank>oleander</a>, <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lily-valley" target=_blank>lily of the valley</a> and rhododendrons (such as <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/azalea" target=_blank>azaleas</a>), can lead to cardiac failure or cause diarrhea and vomiting if dogs ingest them.

Ground cover: It’s normal for dogs to eat some grass, and this shouldn’t cause issues in small amounts. Follow instructions for fertilizers and treatments, and heed warning labels. Cocoa bean mulch, which contains caffeine and theobromine, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, among other issues. Fertilizers that have chicken manure or bone meal are particularly enticing to dogs, Poppenga said, so use them only in areas your dog can’t access. He also suggests keeping dogs inside after chemicals have been used in the yard, at least until the product has dried or been rinsed.

Other parts of the yard: Identify and remove <a href="https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/mushroom-poisoning-dogs" target="_blank">mushrooms</a>, because many of them can cause issues for dogs. The most life-threatening ones contain the toxin amanitin (common in compost that includes table scraps), which causes liver failure, Poppenga said. The smells of compost will tempt dogs, so he recommends using a covered bin. Regularly clean water features such as ponds and birdbaths to prevent the growth of algae, which can hurt dogs if ingested. Properly store yard tools, so they won’t fall on or poke your dog.

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Dogs are “pretty indiscriminate about what they put in their mouths,” Poppenga said, so owners should look out for things that could cause blockages in their stomach and intestines.

Foxtail grasses: These <a href="https://www.sfspca.org/blog/protect-your-pet-from-the-dangers-of-foxtails/" target=_blank>grasses</a> are extremely dangerous to dogs. The seeds, or awns, contain sharp barbs that can cause wounds and infections if inhaled or if they get caught in paws and fur. “If awns get in their nose, it can penetrate pretty much anywhere and can be difficult to resolve,” Poppenga said. Don’t let dogs sniff around these grasses; keep grass short and maintained, and look out for dry and long grasses on walks. Check and brush a dog’s coat after time outside.

Stone fruits: The pits of stone fruits, such as cherries or plums, can cause blockages. Dogs don’t grind their teeth to chew, so the small amount of cyanide in the pits and seeds isn’t much of a worry in terms of poisoning, Wismer said. Watch for when fruit drops from trees. Cherry or olive pits are small enough for dogs to pass, Wismer said, but larger pits, such as those from peaches or plums, could get stuck in a dog’s digestive tract. Dogs might then vomit or have an upset stomach; owners should monitor them and contact their vet, who might suggest additional treatment.

Less worrisome: Acorns and sticks might be hard to digest but aren’t cause for concern in small amounts. “One or two acorns probably isn’t a big deal,” Poppenga said.

Top yard concerns for dog owners include having grass that can withstand activity from active dogs and handling damage that dog urine can cause. For clients who need a soft area for dogs or children to play, Julie Orr, founder of <a href="https://julieorrdesign.com/" target=_blank>Julie Orr Landscape Design</a> in the Bay Area, generally uses a blend of 90 percent fescue grass and 10 percent bluegrass.

Bunchgrasses, a broad category that includes sedges and eyelash or mosquito grass, can also stand up to repeated wear. “They come in all sorts of different sizes and shapes, and they’re pretty forgiving,” Orr said.

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Dog urine strikes fear into the hearts of many lawn owners, because it contains ammonia, urea (which is high in nitrogen) and salts that “burn” grass and cause the telltale yellow spots. (Poppenga said dog poop generally isn’t an issue for lawns or plants.) To avoid this, Wismer suggests keeping dogs well-hydrated and rinsing areas where they urinate with a hose quickly after. “Dilution is the best solution,” she said. If being on alert with a hose isn’t feasible, Orr recommends timing sprinklers to run soon after a dog is let out: “If it’s 6 a.m., then you need to set the sprinklers to run for 15 minutes at 6:30 a.m.”

It’s possible to train a dog to not urinate on plants or the lawn, but this requires consistency and patience. Pick a spot, and build training to go there into the dog’s routine. “If you’re taking them to that spot in the morning and letting them pee there, usually they’re going to pick up that habit and learn,” said Scott Dancer, owner of <a href="https://thedogwizard.com/dc/" target=_blank>the Dog Wizard DC</a>, a dog-training and obedience company.

Dog urine can also wreak havoc on hardscapes such as decks and garden paths, so, if possible, choose nonporous materials that won’t stain or absorb liquids and odors. Porcelain pavers are Orr’s top choice for durable but easy-to-clean hardscapes. She also likes nonporous stone or composite decks. Gravelly areas make for good elimination spots, because the waste can flow through the rocks and into the soil.

Dogs need shade and water to keep themselves cool. Any hardscape in full sun warms up, especially composite decking and pavers. A tree, umbrella or other shade structure will do. Access to clean water is essential, especially if your dog will be in the yard for an extended time.

Helen Carefoot is a writer and editorial aide for The Washington Post's Features section. Prior to joining The Post in 2019, Helen worked for Washingtonian, Chalkbeat Tennessee and Sunset. 

Helen Carefoot

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How to keep a yard safe for your dog and protect the yard, too

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How to keep a yard safe for your dog — and protect the yard, too

The Washington Post

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Travelers on the favorite products they bring back when they go abroad - The Washington Post

I’m reminded of Turkey early every day — when I shower, spray on perfume and brew my morning coffee. That’s because some of the staples of my daily life (olive oil shampoo, cotton socks, exfoliating kese mitts, <a href="https://www.est1923.us/" target=_blank>Eyup Sabri Tuncer</a> body sprays) traveled approximately 5,200 miles from Turkey to Washington. But instead of a cargo plane, they came in my suitcase.

It’s easier than ever to order digestive biscuits from Britain or skin-care products from South Korea online, but shipping costs and customs make it easier to tote objects home while traveling than to have them shipped across the world. And with the pandemic severely restricting travel the past couple of years — I’m still using products from 2019 — some travelers are nearing the end of their stashes and gearing up to get more.

For people who grew up elsewhere, using products from home evokes feelings of comfort. Yuki Sugiyama, 32, moved to D.C. from Kyoto in 2019 to work at the Japanese Embassy as a public affairs officer and hasn’t been able to go home since. Each morning, he sips dried green tea (ryokucha) out of tea cups with a cherry blossom pattern made in the <a href="https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/october/kiyomizuyaki-no-sato-matsuri/" target=_blank>Kyo-yaki pottery style</a>, something Kyoto is famous for. He also uses a set of wooden chopsticks finished with lacquer (urushi).

“There’s a beautiful crafting culture in my city, and it’s a common gift in Japan,” he said. “They make me feel at home and make the food taste better.” This summer, when he returns, he’ll buy suits, stationery and skin-care products. And he’ll bring his friend a gift, a special-edition <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/03/29/nationals-wizards-cherry-blossom-jerseys/" target=_blank>cherry blossom jersey</a> with the name and number of Rui Hachimura, the Washington Wizards player who was one of Japan’s flag bearers at the Tokyo Olympics.

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In defense of souvenirs: For travel-lovers stuck at home, even the unlikeliest tchotchkes can spark joy

For others, using products from abroad is a way to feel closer to relatives far away. Nithya Pathalam, a 25-year-old law student in Philadelphia, spent summers in India as a child visiting her grandparents in the city of Tirunelveli. Every time she and her mother visit there now, they stock up on 25 bottles of richly pigmented <a href="https://lakmeindia.com/collections/eyeliner" target=_blank>Lakmé</a> eyeliner. Pathalam, who “never leaves the house without eyeliner,” has recommended the brand to friends and loves that it works well with her skin tone. But it holds even more significance, because “it’s something from India that brings back all these memories of seeing people I care so deeply about.”

Quality is a separate consideration. Mimi Khawsam-ang, a 26-year-old graduate student who lives in New York, swears by skin-care products such as eye creams, serums and sunscreens from <a href="https://www.shiseido.com/us/en/" target=_blank>Shiseido</a> and <a href="https://www.sk-ii.com/" target=_blank>SK-II</a>. The last time her mother visited from Bangkok, she brought Thai iced-tea powder, tom yum instant noodles, skin-care products and cosmetics (in a checked bag, because they’re mostly liquids).

Although many of the products are available at department stores in the United States, her family gets discounts in Thailand. Also, she’s loath to order products online because of quality issues. “A huge reason behind buying the Asian sunscreen is it doesn’t leave a white cast,” she said. “I trust Asian skin care, and especially with cosmetics, I feel in general, brands with more of an Asia focus are good about matching skin tones, and you might not always have that option with brands that are geared toward more Western markets.”

When May Huang’s mother flies from Hong Kong to visit her in Berkeley, Calif., she brings packages of thin panty liners. Uncomfortable with the thicker options she has found in the United States, Huang, who is 25 and works in communications, has a drawer in her room set aside for the pads and says they’re the only product she asks people to bring when they visit. “I don’t know if it’s a nostalgia thing, but I grew up there, and because I think menstrual products are a daily necessity for people around the world, that’s something I want to keep with me here,” she said. “It makes me feel safe and more secure.”

Discovering and bringing the goods home can be an adventure, too. When I spoke with Marlena Spieler, a 73-year-old food writer and consultant based in Hampshire, England, she showed me a pantry chock-full of culinary delights collected and “schlepped” from around Europe. An American who has lived in England since the 1980s, Spieler has a pantry that’s a wonderland of culinary specialties. Some of her favorite food finds are breads and pastries from France and Greece (she freezes them), porcini cubes from Italy and Hungarian pickles.

Mementos from around the world remind this writer of what he loves most about travel: Food

When Spieler was on a trip to Poland, some local women gifted her raspberries preserved in syrups, jams and honey. To get them home, Spieler didn’t let a full suitcase stand in her way. “When I find something so great food-wise, I’ll get rid of my clothes and shoes,” she said. “I thought, ‘What do I need: these old shoes or this old coat?’ Right there at the check-in, I just got rid of all my clothes and put in the food.” She’s honed her technique since an incident on a hot day in Los Angeles when the pungent odor of a suitcase filled with cheeses filled the airport terminal.

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Useful products don’t sit on a shelf collecting dust like random trinkets. When Mike Wilkins, a 46-year-old marketing executive who lived in England for five years, traveled back there from his home in Ridgewood, N.J., in February, he went with a list: Cadbury <a href="https://www.cadbury.co.uk/products/cadbury-dairy-milk-11294" target=_blank>Dairy Milks</a> and <a href="https://www.nestle.com/brands/allbrands/aero" target=_blank>Aero</a> bars, because “you want to bring back the good chocolate”; <a href="https://uk.topps.com/match-attax" target=_blank>Match Attax</a> trading cards for him and his son to play with; and <a href="https://www.buyberocca.com/" target=_blank>Berocca</a>, “which is like a mix between Alka-Seltzer and Emergen-C, and the best hangover cure ever invented.” He also made room for a bag of spray deodorant for his 14-year-old son. “Getting a teenager to wear deodorant is a massive challenge as it is, and spray deodorant is dominant in Europe and much easier to get him to apply,” he said.

He recently started a new job that involves travel to London, and he’ll load up his suitcase next time with tea biscuits, “the superior alternative to graham crackers,” which didn’t make the cut last time, because he was afraid they would be crushed.

Then there are products that go the other direction. Sigridur Dogg Gudmundsdottir, head of Visit Iceland, spends much of her time on the road promoting tourism to her country. She marks her frequent trips abroad with a new tube of <a href="https://www.maccosmetics.com/" target=_blank>MAC</a> faux satin lipstick in a range of colors; her latest tube is a soft pink she bought in Toronto. She keeps the rest of her makeup more subdued, so the lipstick is “a luxury I like to indulge in when I’m abroad.”

Potential travelers should take local and national public health directives regarding the pandemic into consideration before planning any trips. Travel health notice information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s interactive map showing travel recommendations by <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html">destination</a> and the CDC’s <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/noticescovid19">travel health notice webpage</a>.

Travelers on the favorite products they bring back when they go abroad

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Tips for creating storage in small spaces - The Washington Post

Best solutions for storage in small spaces. Pubs online Thursday at 7.HANDOUT ART

Decorating and organizing a smaller room, apartment or house can be a challenge. It’s tough enough to balance practicality and style in a larger place, but in a space with a small footprint, cozy can quickly turn into clutter and chaos. With some smart tricks and creativity, though, you can create plenty of storage, even in the tiniest of homes. Here are some suggestions from designers and organizers to help you make the most of every inch.

Use vertical space. “You don’t want all your furniture to be happening on the ground level,” said Emily Sermons, a user experience designer and founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shoebox.designs/?hl=en" target=_blank>Shoebox Designs</a>. Drawing the eye upward gives a room dimension and takes advantage of otherwise unused space. Pick tall dressers, shelves, nightstands and buffets to get maximum storage.

Think outside the box. Don’t confine yourself to furniture designed specifically for small spaces. Those pieces are often too small or look as if they belong in a college dorm. Decide what function each area needs, then consider your options. “Don’t think of it as just the way the manufacturer tells you to use it. Think of it how you want to use it,” said Kyra Edwards, senior interior designer at <a href="https://bungalow.com/" target=_blank>Bungalow</a>. For example, she likes Ikea’s <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/trones-shoe-storage-cabinet-white-00397307/" target=_blank>Trones </a>($34.99 for two, ikea.com) and <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-shoe-cabinet-with-4-compartments-white-60156121/" target=_blank>Hemnes </a>($129.99) shoe cabinets as entryway catchalls for mail, pet leashes and more. Small dressers or chests can be nightstands, and curio cabinets can make handsome bars or vanities. Rolling carts, such as Ikea’s <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-utility-cart-gray-green-90443135/#content" target=_blank>Raskog utility cart</a> ($39.99), which Edwards recommends, can be used to hold spices or toiletries.

Helen Carefoot

Washington, D.C.

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