Chewing, digging, jumping
How do I stop my dog digging up bulbs and seedlings?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Cover newly planted areas with chicken wire pegged flat just under the surface, since bulbs and seedlings are most at risk in the first few weeks after planting while the soil is still loose and freshly disturbed. Some bulbs are also toxic if chewed, so keep dug up bulbs away from your dog.
Physical protection while plants establish
Chicken wire laid flat a few centimeters under the soil, pegged at the corners, lets shoots grow through while stopping a dog's paws from reaching bulbs underneath. Remove it once the plants are established and the ground is no longer loose.
Why newly planted areas draw attention
Fresh soil is easier to dig, and the smell of bulbs, bone meal, or fertilizer often attracts a dog's nose in the first place, so the highest risk window is right after planting rather than once a bed matures.
A safety note on bulbs
Certain bulbs, including daffodil, tulip, and hyacinth, are toxic if chewed or swallowed. If your dog eats part of a dug up bulb, call your vet the same day, especially if you notice vomiting, drooling, or stomach upset.
Key takeaways
- Newly planted beds are the highest risk period since the soil is loose and freshly turned.
- Flat buried wire mesh protects bulbs while still letting plants grow through.
- Some common bulbs are toxic, so call a vet the same day if your dog chews one.