Cocoa mulch is one such mulch. There are a few different reasons why your dog might be eating or chewing bark.
One of the biggest threats that mulch poses is the fact that the wood chips are not something that dogs are supposed to be eating.
Are bark chippings safe for dogs. Is bark chippings safe for dogs. Bark more likely to be an obstruction or to splinter than to be poisonous but as Mirage has told you avoid using cocoa mulch as it contains theobromine the same ingredient that makes chocolate poisonous to dogs. Click to see full answer.
Also question is is it OK for my dog to eat bark. I think but may be wrong that some bark chippings are poisonous to dogs as it is treated with something. I only know because I used bark chippings once as a mulch on my border and a group on FB which I came off where up in arms about how I could poison my dogs.
From being potentially toxic to causing internal obstructions bark is generally not a safe option for a dog to chew. There are a few different reasons why your dog might be eating or chewing bark. Knowing why they are engaging in this behavior can help you avoid negative reinforcement and enable you to figure out how to solve the problem.
Mulch made from cocoa shells is known as cocoa bean mulch and it is particularly toxic to dogs. Homeowners with dogs should stay clear of this type of mulch and seek a less toxic alternative. While others types of mulch may not necessarily be toxic they can also be dangerous.
Why Dogs Eat Mulch. While most bark mulch is not poisonous to pets they can still cause a major headache for pet owners. Although as said bark mulch is not dangerous in any way to pets the small pieces can be a nightmare for pet owners especially dogs and puppies because of the small pieces dogs will usually pick these up and eat them as if they are treats.
Wood Chips or Bark. Wood chips and bark are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of dog-friendly landscaping. On the one hand they offer a low-maintenance durable option that can easily withstand heavy traffic and can simply be raked back into place once your dogs have created regular pathways where they patrol or chase each other.
You can put your mind at ease knowing that most mulch is non-toxic but there are a few that are quite hazardous to dogs and should be avoided. Cocoa mulch is one such mulch. Cocoa mulch as you may have already guessed is made from cocoa beans.
Cocoa beans similar to chocolate contain the chemical theobromine that is highly toxic to dogs. Much like bark mulch wood chip and sawdust mulch can be safe for pets depending on the tree from which it comes though sawdust rarely comes from one kind of tree. Sawdust mulch itself is safe.
The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus thrives in damp bark and wood chip. When ingested or inhaled this fungus can poison your dog and has the potential to cause serious liver damage. Some types of wood chip are treated with chemicals.
Chemically treated chips may prove hazardous if ingested. Cedar mulch is considered safe for dogs. It does not contain toxic chemicals but can still pose a risk if your dog swallows large chunks.
As we mentioned above cedar also has some insect repellant properties. This product has a pleasant aroma and an attractive natural red color that may appear in your garden. Bark more likely to be an obstruction or to splinter than to be poisonous but as Mirage has told you avoid using cocoa mulch as it contains theobromine the same ingredient that makes chocolate poisonous to dogs.
For information on poisons for dogs that is reliable and authoritative look here at the Veterinary Poisons Information Bureau. I dont think there is any chemicals in bark but its been known for smaller pieces to get stuck in the throat and cause choking or splinter and cause injury. Cocoa mulch is the one to avoid as it does or did contain chemicals that were poisonous to dogs.
I rang Hedges Direct who said that bark chippings can cause problems as the wood may have been treated with various chemicals which get absorbed by the plants. One caution with the bark is to ensure it is not from the cocoa plant as this can be fatal to dogs. Concrete is the easiest but I have known many dogs that would not go at all on concrete.
If you are having to hose concrete down anyway then you may as well be hosing down the grass or bark. Wood chips are potentially harmful in several ways. Splinters could cause damage to the mouth or gastrointestinal tract and if she eats enough a blockage could occur.
This would make her very ill stop eating and vomit continuously requiring a trip to the vet. Subsequently question is is bark bad for dogs. Prolonged contact with cedar bedding can cause contact allergies in dogs who are susceptible to them resulting in itching or rashes.
Cedar-filled beds are not toxic to dogs but should only be used for dogs who are healthy and free of allergies. Cedar in Your Dogs House Cedar is sometimes used to line the floor of outdoor doghouses. One of the biggest threats that mulch poses is the fact that the wood chips are not something that dogs are supposed to be eating.
Depending on the size of the wood chip you can run into quite a few problems. Smaller wood chips have the threat of causing an intestinal blockage perforations and other similar problems. Get a Bark Potty For Your Furry Best Friend.
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