Can you use mulch in a dog run?
Dog-safe mulch can be used in a DIY dog run, but it tends to “escape.” Also, you’ll have to be mindful of the safety issues discussed above.
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:
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:
Deploying one (or more) of these strategies can help keep your cats out of your garden and keep your mulch fresh and clean.
Four Winds Trading Natural Cedar Shavings
While this mulch is great for using in the yard or garden, it has a number of indoor uses as well: this means everything from being a non-toxic air freshener to providing bedding for dogs.
The shavings also have a fresh earthy smell, and they act as a natural repellent against insects. Simply spread them around your dog’s kennel for fleas and flies
As a bonus, they come in a handy re-sealable bag for added convenience!
Made from all-natural red eastern cedar, these shavings are pre-cleaned and filtered before being packaged, which cuts down on the dust a lot.
The mulch is naturally soft and has a long-lasting smell, and it also helps absorb liquids and control odors. This, of course, keeps your pet’s bed a lot more manageable.
Moreover, there are no chemicals used in any part of the bedding’s processing, so it’s 100% pet-safe.
This all-natural and biodegradable pine mulch is an excellent choice for keeping your dog’s bed cozy and fresh. Yet, it’s not as absorbent as cedar mulch.
As expected, it has a pleasing pine scent, and can be useful in repelling some insects, such as mosquitoes.
Guaranteed to be 99% dust-free, it also keeps the mess down and ensures that you or your dog won’t be bothered by allergens in the air.
This cedar is ideal for dog beds and houses. It helps keep pets bedding dry, cozy and free of odors, and it’s even kiln-dried to aid in absorption.
This process also helps to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria, and in addition, the aromatic cedar shavings are triple washed to cut down on the dust.
On top of that, you get a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can be confident in the quality of the product.
Although this mulch might look similar to red cedar, it’s actually made from recycled rubber, which makes it one of the eco-friendliest options on this list.
It doesn’t attract pesky insects and has a 12-year guarantee that its color will stay authentic, whether it’s used inside or outside.
The mulch also acts as a shock absorber, so it’s perfect for dogs with joint issues!
But keep in mind that it’s not quite as warm and snuggly in feeling as some of the other mulches, nor as absorbent.
These western red cedar chips are 100% natural and has a subtle scent. They’re proudly manufactured in the US, and make great bedding for pets, as they whisk away moisture while holding in warmth.
The mulch is also soft to the touch, so your dog can really snuggle in! Likewise, it absorbs any unpleasant odors, and even helps to keep away fleas, ticks and other bothersome pests.
The only drawback is that it tends to come in smaller sizes.
Bark Box…Does It Work?
If you’re into landscaping your home, there are many reasons why you might want to use mulch.
Besides giving your garden a neat, aesthetic appeal, it provides other advantages, such as controlling weeds and slowing down soil erosion.
It can also be used as pet bedding or an outdoor potty area, and even keep away bugs that can potentially harm your dog, such as ticks and fleas.
But if you’re going to use mulch, it’s very important that you select a product that’s designed with your dog’s safety in mind.
Particularly if he’s prone to digging or chewing, you need to be sure you are purchasing a completely pet-safe, non-toxic kind.