Much like bark mulch wood chip and sawdust mulch can be safe for pets depending on the tree from which it comes though sawdust rarely comes from one kind of tree. Is it safe for dogs to eat mulch.
Choking and obstructions are always a danger when your dog is chewing.
Is it bad for dogs to eat mulch. Ingestion of mulch poses a lot of severe health problems to a dog and that is the more reason you should take precautions to prevent your dog from eating mulch or better still you should totally avoid using mulch in certain areas of your yard where your dog can have access to it. 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.
Dog owners who have garden areas which are accessible to their pets should be made aware of the dangers of mulch. Cocoa bean mulch in particular causes toxicity in canines who ingest it. Other types of mulch can present risks as well.
Is it safe for dogs to eat mulch. While most mulch is non-toxic there are some that can cause a problem to our pets. Rocks can also be used as mulch but keep in mind that some dogs like to eat rocks which can sometimes cause gastrointestinal obstructions.
Is Mulch Toxic to Dogs. 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 also be dangerous. Why Dogs Eat Mulch. Dogs are chewers by nature especially young puppies.
Our recommendation is to avoid the use of Cocoa Bean Mulch completely and look for safer mulch products. As always supervise your pets when outdoors and pay attention to what they might chew or put into their mouth. Distract them with safe chew toys and keep them away from flower beds and mulched areas of your lawn.
Dont use mulch your dog is likely to eat or mulches that can be toxic to dogs if ingested like cocoa mulch. Dark mulch is also great for hiding urine and poop marks. When it rains the rain can bring out the urine smell or poop smell in the mulch.
Why do dogs eat mulch and dirt. While dogs love the feel of mulch its important to train them not to eat it and if they get into the habit of eating it it can have negative effects. Especially if your dog ingests that cocoa bean mulch can be toxic so as we discussed above this is not recommended.
It just isnt worth the risk. Much like bark mulch wood chip and sawdust mulch can be safe for pets depending on the tree from which it comes though sawdust rarely comes from one kind of tree. Sawdust mulch itself is safe.
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 dog is a mulch eater precautions should be taken as complications can result.
Dogs that chew on small pieces of mulch or sticks can develop gum irritation from splinters that embed in the oral cavity. Large pieces of mulch or large volumes of ingested material can also result in gastrointestinal obstruction which may require surgery. You can put your mind at ease knowing that most mulch is non-toxic but there are a few that are quite hazardous to dogs and should be avoided.
Cocoa mulch is one such mulch. Cocoa mulch as you may have already guessed is made from cocoa beans. Cocoa beans similar to chocolate contain the chemical theobromine that is highly toxic to dogs.
One type of mulch is toxic to dogs and it can be dangerous for them to digest but it isnt sold by Gaston. All Gaston mulch chips are pet-friendly and perfectly safe for your dog. Cocoa Bean Mulch is a byproduct of chocolate production and is popular for its color and sweet smell but because it contains some of the same chemicals as chocolate it can be toxic to your dogs.
Mulch is not dangerous if your dog just walks on it but if your dog tries to eat mulch you may want to avoid having it around. Consumption of any kind of mulch can lead to intestinal blockages. Choking and obstructions are always a danger when your dog is chewing.
The mulch is sold at most garden supply stores and according to Hersheys 98 of dogs wont eat it. Its unlikely that your pet will have a chance to eat the mulch but with such high risks its better to be safe than sorry. Why would a dog eat mulch.
To be fair mulch is just chopped up sticks-a dogs favorite toy. The severity of clinical signs from chocolate poisoning will depend on how much cocoa mulch is ingested. In general one or two licks or bites will not cause a problem.
Regardless make sure to keep the mulch out of reach of your dog for the first few weeks. Mulch can tidy up a garden bed prevent weeds and help retain moisture. But is it safe for your dog.
The post Is Mulch Safe for Dogs to Eat. Appeared first on Readers Digest.