A layer of fresh mulch in your garden can suppress weeds, hold moisture, and keep the soil cool in summer. But if you have a pet dog at home, then you will be wondering is rubber mulch safe for dogs.
It is estimated that almost 20 million tires are thrown in landfills every year. However, some companies reuse rubber tires as mulch.
These rubber mulches can provide a long-lasting and less maintenance-intensive cover for your garden. It looks like wood and does not have a sweet smell. So your dog will most probably not eat it.
But if you have a very small dog and have a habit of eating almost every random thing, then you need to keep an eye on it.
Eating small amounts of rubber mulch will not cause any health issues. But if your furry friend ingests a lot of rubber mulch, he can upset his stomach or vomit. In worst cases, it can even cause blockages in the gastrointestinal tract.
Why Do Dogs Eat Mulch?
Dogs, especially young dogs, have the habit of chewing almost everything they find in their surroundings. Sometimes, the mulch smell is quite nice, and dogs get attracted to it.
Dogs can even chew mulch because of boredom or anxiety. Your pooch can even chew mulch when he is too hungry.
Is Rubber Mulch Safe For Dogs?
Mulch plays a vital role in your garden. It keeps your garden soil moist and thus enables the healthy growth of various plants. Simultaneously, it enhances the look of your garden.
But if you are a dog owner, you must choose the mulch wisely. Rubber mulch will not cause any harm to your four-legged friend when he plays or walks over it. It will create a smooth surface and prevent your dog from hurting badly when he accidentally falls on it.
But dogs habitually put everything inside their mouth and start chewing. So you may be wondering is rubber mulch safe for dogs? Ingesting a small amount of rubber mulch will not cause any damage to your dod. But if your dog consumes it in large amounts, it can be harmful.
Even after recycling, rubber mulch contains certain chemicals like benzene, naphthalene, and acetone. It can harm your pet dog badly. Your four-legged friend can have nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach. It can even block the gastrointestinal tract, which is quite dangerous.
If you observe such symptoms, you need to take your dog immediately to a veterinary doctor.
We recommend always supervising your furry friend while playing on rubber mulch.
Why Dog Owners Use Rubber Mulch?
Rubber mulch has various advantages for your pet dogs. We are listing some of them below.
1. Durability
Rubber mulch is durable, i.e., it will last for almost 10-12 years. It will not break with time in comparison to grass or wood mulch.
2. Does Not Allow The Growth Of Microorganisms
Rubber mulch does not retain liquid. It can release your dog’s urine quite easily compared to other mulch available. Hence, it will not be a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. Your pet dog can stay healthy while playing on the rubber mulch.
3. Smooth Texture
Rubber mulch has a smooth texture. It provides a cushioning surface on the ground. Hence, it will not injure your dog if he accidentally falls on it.
4. Ecofriendly
Rubber mulch consists of recycled materials. Hence, they are safe for the environment. It does not produce any dust. Hence, this mulch is less likely to cause any irritation to your dog.
5. Aesthetics
You will find rubber mulch of various colors available in the market. So you can purchase the rubber mulch according to the design of your garden.
6. Low Maintainance
Rubber mulch doesn’t require much maintenance. Hence, most dog owners prefer to use this type of mulch.
Types Of Mulch That Are Poisonous for Dogs
Some mulch can be toxic for your pet dog. We are listing below.
1. Cocoa Mulch
It is a type of mulch that comprises cocoa shells. It smells very sweet, and hence, most dogs find it tempting to chew it.
Unfortunately, the cocoa mulch comprises a compound called theobromine, which is quite harmful. If your dog ingests this mulch, it can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. It can even lead to death if your furry friend ingests a lot of cocoa mulch.
2. Pine Needle Mulch
The small texture of pine needle mulch can attract your dog. It resembles small grass, and your dog can ingest it because of boredom or hunger. But swallowing such mulch can badly affect the stomach lining of the dog.
3. Wood Mulch
Certain woods like oak and cherry contain a chemical compound known as Chromate copper Arsenate, which is harmful to your dog when ingested.
Conclusion
Rubber mulch provides a safe and cushioned surface for dogs. It will last for more than ten years and require less maintenance. So, most dog owners think of laying it in their garden so that their dog can enjoy playing outdoors for some time.
But you need to supervise your dog while playing on rubber mulch. Ingesting large amounts of rubber mulch can be fatal. It can choke his digestive tract and can lead to death.
