That said there is still a small amount of theobromine the chemical that results in chocolate poisoning remaining in the mulch and when ingested in large amounts this can cause signs of chocolate poisoning. One dog may eat it and be fine but another might become seriously ill from the same type of mulch.
If your adult dog continues to eat things that are not food it is a behavior disorder called pica that you should ask your vet about.
Can my dog get sick from eating mulch. Herein can dogs get sick from mulch. Mulch made from cocoa shells is known as cocoa bean mulch and it is particularly toxic to dogs. Homeowners with dogs should stay clear of this type of mulch and seek a less toxic alternative.
While others types of mulch may not necessarily be toxic they can. Mulch can come with a wide variety of issues for your dog which is why it is so important for you to try and keep your dog from chewing and eating it as much as possible. One of the biggest threats that mulch poses is the fact that the wood chips are not something that dogs are supposed to be eating.
While many Internet sites discuss the dangers of cocoa mulch its relatively rare for dogs to be poisoned by it. That said there is still a small amount of theobromine the chemical that results in chocolate poisoning remaining in the mulch and when ingested in large amounts this can cause signs of chocolate poisoning. According to research by the ASPCA the risk to your dog depends on its size the amount of mulch ingested and also the level of theobromine in the mulch.
However this can vary widely depending upon the brand. Puppies and small-breed dogs would be at greater risk. Our recommendation is to avoid the use of Cocoa Bean Mulch completely and look.
Just a few ounces could cause stomach problems as well as seizures and death if enough is ingested. ASPCA poison control says that as little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog The mulch is sold at most garden supply stores and according to Hersheys 98 of dogs wont eat it. The first important thing to understand is why eating mulch is such a bad thing for your dog.
If your dog decides to eat mulch then its possible that it could get really sick. Mulch comes in many different sizes and styles but many people use wood chips. Wood chips look nice and they add a certain aesthetic appeal to your garden.
Dogs that eat mulch are at risk of ingesting chemicals that some mulch companies treat the mulch with even if the material the mulch is made of is dog-safe. Make sure any mulch you buy is labeled as dog safe. Pesticides which may be on or near the mulch can make a dog sick.
Justine Lee of the Pet Health Network notes that most mulches are safe for dogs not causing a toxic reaction. However a dog eating mulch still runs the risk of ingesting foreign bodies presenting choking hazards as well as esophageal inflammation scarring and perforation. If your adult dog continues to eat things that are not food it is a behavior disorder called pica that you should ask your vet about.
Just so can eating mulch hurt my dog. Gardening Know How explains many dogs like to chew on and even eat mulch. But that can be pretty dangerous.
The compound smells great to your dog but is toxic to him. However keep in mind that dogs can choke on mulch and must still be supervised. This is especially true with pine needle mulch as the pine needles can actually puncture the stomach lining if ingested.
Some dogs and cats may exhibit symptoms of allergic reaction to certain types of mulch. Mulch can even be more tempting to a dog due to its potent smell. Its safest to block off any parts of your yard where mulch is present in order to prevent your pup from being tempted.
Mulch poses as large of a threat as sticks and wood of other kinds. Mulch can be sharp and cause some irritation or small wounds in the mouth and more. If your dog happens to eat a large amount of black mulch then this could result in an intestinal blockage.
This condition is a medical emergency. Dont use Mulch your dog is likely to eat or mulches that can be toxic to dogs if ingested like cocoa Mulch. You can simply wash urine off artificial grass with a hose but dog poop can be harder to remove stains and odors with in the long term.
The best way to stop your dog from eating wood is to keep it away from him. Obviously this can be easier said than done especially if you have a lot of trees in your yard. However the more sticks and pieces of wood you can clean up and keep out of his way the better.
The overarching answer is no. Mulch can be made from many different materials from cedar shavings to newspaper to rubber. One dog may eat it and be fine but another might become seriously ill from the same type of mulch.
Its risky to allow a dog to eat mulch of any type but certain mulches are even more problematic and dangerous. Multiple dogs 15 in the Storke Ranch neighborhood have become ill after Kitson distributed mulch from the county supply. Dogs walking along newly mulch-lined sidewalks are experiencing extreme vomiting and loss of motor functions.
Are others experiencing similar issues with animals subjected to Santa Barbara County mulch. Login to add Comments. It can be hard to actually catch your pet in the act of consuming the mulch though the signs are consistent with chocolate toxicity and include pets that are hyperactive panting have.