Is it bad if dogs eat mulch

If your dog continues to eat foreign objects like rocks or mulch even when being lured away by treats then it may be time for a vet visit for a full health assessment and lab tests. Ingesting too much of the mulch can cause a dog.

Death can sometimes occur if large quantities are ingested.

Is it bad if dogs eat mulch. However 98 of all dogs wont eat it While this may sound like a reassuring statistic it becomes 100 if your dog is one of the 2 that will eat bark mulch. It isnt just cocoa mulch that poses a danger to your pet its chocolate. 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. 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.

The aroma of the mulch is what dogs find appealing. 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. 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.

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. Cedar mulch is considered safe for dogs. It does not contain toxic chemicals but can still pose a risk if your dog swallows large chunks.

As we mentioned above cedar also has some insect repellant properties. This product has a pleasant aroma and an attractive natural red color that may appear in your garden. Many forms of mulch are filled with chunks of wood and sticks and can be just as damaging for a pet when its consumed.

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. Needless to say dogs love it.

Also somewhat needless to say dogs shouldnt eat it as it contains some of the same compounds in chocolate. Ingesting too much of the mulch can cause a dog. Death can sometimes occur if large quantities are ingested.

People like cocoa mulch because of its odor and color but there are much safer alternatives. Rocks can also be used as mulch but keep in mind that some dogs like to eat rocks which can sometimes cause gastrointestinal obstructions. 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.

Cocoa beans similar to chocolate contain the chemical theobromine that is highly toxic to dogs. If your dog were to swallow some of the mulch theobromine can enter their system causing cardiac irregularities vomiting diarrhea seizures and potentially death if enough was ingested. A common complaint among those living with puppies is that they eat everything they can when outside.

Grass dirt leaves sticks feces from geese rabbits deer and other animals and sometimes rocks garbage or anything else they find when on a walk or out in the back yard. Pine hemlock and cedar are some of the safer kinds of mulch you can buy. These do not have toxic chemicals or add-ins that would be harmful to your dog.

No mulch is fully safe though. Even these types can cause damage through chewing or can be choking hazards if swallowed. If your dog continues to eat foreign objects like rocks or mulch even when being lured away by treats then it may be time for a vet visit for a full health assessment and lab tests.

If your dog is bored then put some chew toys around the yard so he has something new to distract him when outdoors.