Earthgro Mulch Safe For Dogs

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Our pets are more than just animals, they are our family – and their safety is of the utmost concern.

Many pets love spending time outside and exploring their territory. Dogs, in particular, are curious and will probably try to sample your garden mulch. If you’re concerned about your home landscaping, there are a few things to know to keep your pets happy and healthy.

Is Scotts mulch safe for pets?

Yes, Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch is safe for pets.

Besides the potential dangers of colored mulch and pets, people, or young plants, dyed mulches are not beneficial for the soil. They will help retain soil moisture and help protect plants during winter, but they do not enrich the soil or add beneficial bacteria and nitrogen, like natural mulches do.

How do I stop my dog from eating mulch?

You can use a variety of training methods to keep your dog away from the mulch, including both positive and negative reinforcement (praising the dog for not going to the mulch and saying “no” to the dog and pulling it away when it chooses to walk toward the mulch), using anti-chew sprays for some smaller patches of …

So, should you remove old mulch? Expert green thumbs contend that getting rid of last year’s mulch is completely unnecessary. Mulch gradually breaks down, adding beneficial nutrients and other organic matter to the soil. Removing pre-existing mulch every year only ends up to be extra work and a needless expense.

One Type of Mulch Can Be Toxic to Dogs

One type of mulch is toxic to dogs, and it can be dangerous for them to digest, but it isn’t sold by Gaston.

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. Be aware of what’s in your gardens and look to replace your cocoa bean mulch with something like pine or cypress mulch – both safe options for your dogs.

Dogs love to chew on things and they are curious by nature. They like to explore and try new things, which probably means that they will chew on the mulch in your garden at some point.

Any wood-based mulch is safe for your dog. Pine, cedar, and cypress are probably the three of the most popular mulch options and they should all be dog-friendly. To be completely safe consider these additional concerns:

  • Larger mulch may present a choking hazard – If your mulch is primarily large pieces and your dog tries to swallow one, they may choke. Think about mulching your gardens with chips or fines if you’re concerned about choking.
  • Natural is always best – If your mulch is treated with chemicals it may not hurt your dog, but natural options are always best.
  • Be aware of pesticides – If you spray your gardens to deal with weeds or other pests, those chemicals can linger on mulch. Try opting for more natural options to keep your dog happy and healthy.

    • Some pets can be allergic to mulch, so keep an eye out for allergic reactions in your dogs (and cats). Symptoms like a rash, excessive scratching, irritability, or pus-filled bumps can be signs of an allergic reaction. Try to take note of what your pet has digested or chewed on in case you start seeing the symptoms of allergies.

    While cats may not try to eat or chew on your garden mulch, they may treat your newly mulched garden beds as a fresh litter box. Newly laid mulch is the right depth, smells fresh and clean, and is easy to move around – in other words, it’s the perfect environment for a cat litter box.

    Keeping cats out of your mulch can be a challenge, but here are a few tricks and tips:

  • Add elements to your garden so that they can’t get comfortable. If space out rocks and plants so that your cat doesn’t have room, they’ll likely stay out of your mulch.
  • Spread pepper of cayenne pepper on your mulch. Adding spice to your gardens won’t hurt your cats (or your plants) but it will keep them from laying down in the mulch. Just be careful not to get too much cayenne on yourself.
  • Buy a sprayer (or other devices) to keep pets out of your garden. There are sprayers that work with a sensor that will spray your pets when they try to get in your garden.
  • Provide an alternative to your mulched gardens. Some homeowners prefer to provide an actual outdoor litter box for their cats.

    • Deploying one (or more) of these strategies can help keep your cats out of your garden and keep your mulch fresh and clean.

    FAQ

    Is Scotts earthgro brown mulch safe for dogs?

    A: Terri, when used as directed the Scotts NatureScapes Deep Forest Brown Color Enhanced Mulch is safe for pets.

    Which mulch is safe for dogs?

    Any wood-based mulch is safe for your dog. Pine, cedar, and cypress are probably the three of the most popular mulch options and they should all be dog-friendly.

    Is Scotts earthgro mulch safe for vegetable gardens?

    Q:Is this mulch safe to put in vegetable gardens? A: Thank you for your interest in Earthgro Black Mulch. This product can be used around fruits and vegetables to help suppress weeds and help soil retain moisture. However, we recommend not tilling it into the soil as it can rob the soil of nitrogen.

    Is the dye in mulch toxic to dogs?

    A native grass lawn helps, too. The dyes used to color your mulch those vibrant hues of red or cocoa brown can potentially be very hazardous for your dog. For instance, that chocolate-colored mulch actually contains cocoa bean, which has a compound that can be toxic to animals.