Mulch! It's menacing!

Photo by calgrin from morguefile.com

Mulch is used as an insulator for plants in gardens and backyards everywhere. It helps keep weeds from forming and gives the area more texture. It can be very harmful for some dogs. The two most dangerous types for dogs are wood chip mulch and cocoa mulch.

Wood Chip Mulch

This is one of the most common type of mulch available. It's known for giving great insulation to plants and is reasonably priced. The main problem with this for dogs is that if you have a dog who will eat just about anything, there's a good chance they'll ingest this and get wood splinters in their system. This can slice a dog's esophagus or even worse cause an obstruction in their stomach that may require surgery.

Cocoa Mulch

Cocoa Mulch is getting popular because it gives the planted area a pretty look and smells just like chocolate. The smell will last for two to three weeks. It's also great for those who want an organic substance for their gardening.

Made from cacao bean shells, it contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Fifty percent of dogs who ingest this will suffer from vomiting. If it's not caught in time and depending how much your dog has ingested, death can occur.

What If My Dog Ingests It?

In most cases, activated charcoal will counteract the effects. However, it's always a good idea to contact your vet if you suspect your dog has ingested anything at all.

Summing It All Up.

The majority of dogs will just notice mulch as decor. Many of them will not ingest it. If your yard has mulch and your dog is always picking up something when he's out in the yard, it's a good idea to be aware. Of the two, cocoa mulch is the one that can be very toxic to your pet.

More Resources

Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
Dangers to Dogs from AVMA
Cedar Mulch and Dogs

Let's Discuss!

Has your dog or any dog you know had any mulch mishaps? What did you do in this situation? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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