Creating a dog friendly garden is not just about it looking good but also being safe and fun for your pets. As dog owners we love seeing our dogs run free in the yard, and it’s more so satisfying when your landscape design is top notch!
But choosing the right mulch can be tricky when naturally, dogs love to dig, chew and sometimes eat things they shouldn’t. Let’s dig in (no pun intended!) to the world of dog friendly mulch, the dos and don’ts to keep our pets safe and happy.
Overview
Imagine this: It’s a Saturday morning. You’ve just finished your latest landscaping project. Your garden and flower beds are looking fresh and new with mulch, the air is filled with that sweet smell of pine and cedar. Your landscaping efforts have finally come together. You see your dog chewing on a piece of garden mulch. Panic sets in. Is the mulch safe? Is it considered harmful?
Dizzy
I remember when Dizzy did this, the piece of wood chip he had in his mouth was nearly the size of his head! He was a curious dog who loved to get in around my mother’s various plants (and weeds despite her landscaping efforts at the time). As a pet owner it’s easy to imagine the worst. This guide will help you through the dog friendly mulch maze so your garden remains a safe zone for your pets.
Mulch and Its Risks
Mulch poses many benefits when it comes to gardening: it keeps your soil moist, stops weeds from growing and reduces soil erosion so your plants thrive.
Depending on the type of mulch you choose, it can also give a visual appeal to your garden. There are many different type of mulch, but you need to think carefully about which you choose. Some mulches are choking hazards, others contain toxic chemicals or ingredients that are not pet friendly.
Let’s take a look at some common types of mulch and their pet safety implications.
Cocoa Bean Mulch
Made from cocoa shells, cocoa mulch smells like chocolate. Whilst that sweet smell may sound tempting, it’s actually toxic to dogs. The theobromine in cocoa shells is the same compound that makes chocolate toxic to dogs, which, when ingested can lead to inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. This can cause serious vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.
This is also the same for cats. Cocoa mulch is a no go for pet owners, so let’s keep chocolate production away from them!
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch made from recycled tires is durable and effective at suppressing weed growth. It doesn’t break down so you don’t need to replace it often. But rubber mulch is harmful if ingested by dogs causing digestive blockages as it’s not easily digested. And the edges of rubber mulch can cut a dog’s paws or mouth.
Cypress Mulch and Cedar Mulch
Cypress mulch and cedar mulch are popular for their insect repellent properties and nice smell. Both mulches are a safe mulch for pets as they don’t contain toxic chemicals. But as always keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t chew or ingest large quantities which can cause digestive upset.
Pine Needle Mulch
Pine needle mulch looks nice but is risky. The needles are sharp and can cut a dog’s paws or mouth. And if ingested pine needles can puncture a dog’s stomach lining causing serious health issues. So it’s best to avoid pine needle mulch in dog friendly gardens or dog parks.
Untreated Wood Mulch
Untreated wood mulches like hardwood and softwood are safe mulch for dogs and indeed cats. They break down and enrich the soil. But some wood mulches like pine bark can contain chemicals or additives.
Make sure the mulch is untreated and free of toxins. When buying bags of mulch avoid large wood chips as this can be a choking hazard. Go for smaller, finer shredded wood mulch.
Creating A Dog Friendly Mulch Area
To create an area of mulch that is safe for dogs consider the following:
Choose Non-Toxic Mulch
Choose non toxic mulches like cypress, cedar and untreated wood mulches. These types of mulch are less likely to harm if ingested and don’t contain toxic chemicals. Always check the mulch packaging or consult with a landscaper to make sure the mulch is dog safe.
Watch Your Dog
Dogs are curious and may dig or chew on mulch. Watch your dog in the garden to prevent them from ingesting mulch. If your dog eats mulch consider creating a designated area with a different ground cover like natural grass or artificial turf which is safer for dogs.
Barriers to Digging
To keep your dog out of mulch beds consider using barriers like low fences or garden edging. These barriers will deter dogs from digging and keep them contained in designated play areas. Training your dog to stay out of garden beds will help reinforce this behaviour.
Alternative Activities
Dogs dig or chew out of boredom. Providing alternative activities like toys, chew bones and interactive games will keep your dog engaged and reduce their interest in mulch. Regular exercise and mental stimulation is also key to preventing destructive behaviour. Why not consider making some homemade dog toys as written by Josh!
Still have questions? FAQ.
My dog ate mulch what do I do?
If your dog eats mulch monitor them for signs of distress like vomiting, diarrhea or excessive scratching. If symptoms persist call your vet.
How do I stop my dog from digging in mulch?
Use barriers like low fences, provide alternative activities to keep them engaged and consider training them to stay out of garden beds.
Which mulch is dog safe?
Cypress, cedar and untreated wood mulch are the safest options for dogs. Avoid cocoa and rubber mulch as they are toxic and hazardous.
How do I keep a puppy out of mulch?
Keep a puppy out of mulch by using barriers, training them to stay in designated areas and providing plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.
Why does my puppy eat dirt and mulch?
Puppies eat dirt and mulch out of curiosity, boredom or nutritional deficiencies. Make sure they have a balanced diet and plenty of mental and physical stimulation to reduce this behaviour.
Can mulch harm dogs?
Yes, some mulches can harm dogs especially those with sharp edges like pine needles. Mulch treated with chemicals can also cause allergic reactions and skin irritations.
What mulch deters dogs?
Some dogs are deterred by mulches with strong scents like citrus or vinegar. But using safe and non toxic mulches and training and barriers is a more effective approach.
What is the cheapest ground cover for dogs?
Natural grass is one of the cheapest ground covers for dogs. It’s dog safe, non toxic and a comfortable surface for them to play on.
What surface is best for a dog’s poop and pee area?
Artificial turf or pea gravel is best for a dog’s waste area. Both are easy to clean and maintain and provide a sanitary surface for dogs.
The End
Creating a dog friendly garden is more than just about looks; it’s about our pet’s safety and well being. Choosing the right mulch can make a big difference in preventing health issues and injuries in dogs.
By using safe mulches like cypress, cedar and untreated wood and barriers and alternative activities you can create a beautiful and pet friendly garden space. Remember the key to a happy garden is balancing your landscaping desires with your four legged friends.
Happy gardening!
