If you’re looking for a simple, joyful way to boost your dog’s wellbeing, a sensory garden filled with pet-safe herbs is a wonderful place to start. As The Dog Herbalist, I’ve spent decades watching dogs instinctively seek out certain plants.. sniffing, nibbling, and rolling with delight. Creating a herbal sensory garden isn’t just beautiful for you, it’s enriching and healthful for your dog too.
What is a Sensory Garden for Dogs?
A sensory garden is designed to stimulate your dog’s senses - smell, taste, and touch, using a variety of safe, dog-friendly plants. These gardens give dogs the chance to explore, self-select herbs for their needs, and even enjoy the natural benefits of gentle, home-grown remedies. It’s enrichment, relaxation, and holistic health all in one.
Pet-Safe Herbs to Grow in Your UK Garden
Here are some of my favourite herbs for a dog-friendly sensory garden. All are safe for dogs to sniff, nibble, or enjoy in small, appropriate amounts in their diet (always introduce new herbs gradually, and avoid any your dog may be allergic to):
1. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Benefits: Freshens breath, aids digestion.
- Tips: Let your dog nibble a little, or chop finely and sprinkle over meals. Avoid in pregnant dogs.
2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
- Tips: Dogs may enjoy sniffing or tasting the leaves. Add a leaf or two to food for a fresh flavour boost.
3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Benefits: Antioxidant, supports digestion.
- Tips: Use sparingly—its strong scent is stimulating, and a small pinch can be added to meals.
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Benefits: Antimicrobial, supports respiratory health.
- Tips: Safe for dogs to sniff and nibble. A tiny amount can be added to food for extra flavour and health support.
5. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
- Benefits: Aids digestion, freshens breath.
- Tips: Fresh dill is gentle and tasty. Chop and sprinkle a little over your dog’s dinner.
6. Mint (Mentha spp., especially spearmint and peppermint)
- Benefits: Freshens breath, soothes digestion.
- Tips: Dogs often love the scent. Offer leaves to sniff or add a small amount to food. Avoid pennyroyal, which is toxic.
7. Coriander/Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
- Benefits: Supports digestion, mild detoxifier.
- Tips: Safe to nibble, and a few leaves can be mixed into meals.
8. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Benefits: Calming, supports digestion.
- Tips: Dogs may lie near or nibble the flowers. You can also brew a weak tea and add a spoonful to your dog’s water.
9. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Benefits: Aids digestion, freshens breath.
- Tips: Feathery leaves are attractive to dogs. Add a pinch to food for digestive support.
10. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Benefits: Calming, digestive support.
- Tips: Dogs enjoy the scent and may nibble the leaves. Great for nervous or excitable pets.
11. Couch Grass (Elymus repens)
- Benefits: Dogs instinctively graze on this for digestive support and to help with mild tummy upsets.
- Tips: Let it grow in a patch for your dog to self-select as needed.
12. Cleavers (Galium aparine)
- Benefits: Gentle lymphatic cleanser, often enjoyed fresh in spring.
- Tips: Safe for dogs to nibble; let them find and enjoy it naturally.
How to Create Your Herbal Sensory Garden
- Choose a sunny spot with good soil and space for herbs to spread.
- Plant in clusters or pots so your dog can easily access and explore different scents and textures.
- Let your dog lead - watch which herbs they’re drawn to, and allow them to sniff or nibble as they please.
- Avoid chemicals - never use pesticides or fertilisers on plants your dog may eat.
Why Sensory Gardens Matter
Herbal sensory gardens offer dogs a safe space to relax, explore, and even self-medicate (a behaviour known as “zoopharmacognosy.”). With the right herbs, you’re not just making your garden beautiful.. you’re giving your dog a natural toolkit for health and happiness.
If you’d like a bespoke plan for your own dog-friendly garden or want to learn more about safe herbal remedies, join our Facebook group or get in touch. I love helping pet parents create natural havens for their dogs!
Paws & plants,
Elaine, The Dog Herbalist