Vigoro Mulch Safe For Dogs (2024)

FAQs

What type of mulch is safe for dogs? ›

Natural pine mulch, cypress mulch, and cedar mulch are the safest types of wood mulch. Pine straw is a safe mulch as it is all-natural, plus animals and pets do not chew on it. In any situation, natural and untreated mulches are preferred over man-made materials.

Large pieces of mulch, or large volumes of ingested material, can also result in gastrointestinal obstruction, which may require surgery. Some types of mulch contain herbicides to prevent weed growth. While most are relatively benign, some are toxic and may result in gastrointestinal upset.

Mulch -- the material that is placed around shrubs and flowers -- can be a wood product, cocoa bean product or rock. Bark and shredded wood tend to get kicked out of beds more easily by dogs. Cocoa bean mulch lasts longer than wood mulch, but pet owners beware. This mulch has chocolate which is a toxin for dogs.

Finally, avoid large, bark type mulch or big wood chips. Since these big pieces take a long time to decompose, and they end up depriving the soil and plants of nutrients.

By choosing dog-friendly groundcovers like creeping thyme, creeping juniper, or stonecrop, you can create a lush and resilient landscape that can withstand the occasional yellow spot. With the right choices and a little care, your garden and your furry friend can coexist harmoniously.

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.

But its not deadly toxic to dogs and only some dogs have reactions to it. I would not floor a dog pen with cedar mulch due to the fumes and also the fact that mulch soaks up urine making it not so great for dogs to be walking on. Cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

Problems caused by toxic or sour mulch, also known as wood alcohol. Occasionally the leaves of shrubs, annuals, or perennials may become bleached, scorched, or chlorotic after a fresh application of wood mulch products. This problem is caused by wood alcohol syndrome, also called sour mulch.

Dogs eat mulch for various reasons, ranging from curiosity to behavioral issues. Some dogs are naturally drawn to the texture and smell of mulch, particularly if it contains organic materials like bark or compost. Others may chew on mulch out of boredom or anxiety.

Will dogs dig through mulch? ›

Dogs dig in dirt or other substrates, like mulch or sand, to bury items they want to save for later, like a favorite chew or toy, or to search for items that they have hidden in the past. They also dig to search for prey like rodents or other tasty treats such as insects.

Strong citrus scents are unpleasant for your dog and may deter them from digging up your plants or specific areas in the yard. You can also use this tactic for indoor plants that your dog is digging around in. Citrus scents are excellent for deterring your dog from areas you don't want them to get into.

Cedar Mulch

A popular choice for dog owners. Cedar mulch is pet-friendly because it is finely shredded. If your dog, for some reason, ingests the fibres, they can be easily digested. And cedar has natural bug repellent properties, perfect for your garden!

When using mulch, we recommend not using brown, since dog feces can easily get lost. Pea Gravel is a great selection for its smooth surface and drainage properties. It's comfortable enough for pets to walk on, and works well in high-traffic “potty” areas.

Rubber mulch is made from recycled material, so it's better for the environment than wood chips or other types of fillers. It also doesn't produce any dust or pollen, meaning there are fewer allergies for both dogs and humans alike!

Pea Gravel

The smooth stones will be gentle on your dog's paws. As a bonus, gravel is usually an inexpensive ground cover material. That said, if your yard does not have adequate shade, gravel can heat up in the sun and burn your dog's paws. For larger dogs, small gravel can get stuck between the pads of their paws.

Perennial rye grass is known for its quick germination and dense growth, making it durable for high-traffic areas. White clover is also used, either with or without the rye grass, in dog areas because it's tough, low-growing, and withstands dog traffic well. It's also soft on paws and resistant to urine burn.

Colored mulch, which typically comes in red and black, is made from wood chips that are dyed to be more attractive. Red mulch is colored with iron oxide and black mulch is colored with carbon black. This type of mulch is also deemed safe for pets, so long as it isn't made from recycled pieces of wood.