But remember that termites cant survive on mulch for long. Originally Published: June 18, 2020 Straw mulch might not create the look you want for your landscaping project. Its always best to get a professional opinion before proceeding. The natural chemicals in cedarwood act as an insect repellent and can help reduce the number of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other pests. Generally, mulch poses little threat to cats, though it can become a haven for use as a litter box. Last update on 2023-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Choose the wrong mulch and youll have termites waiting right at your doorstep to invade your home. This way, your puppys bed stays fresh. Dog-safe mulch can be used in a DIY dog run, but it tends to escape. Also, youll have to be mindful of the safety issues discussed above. My one dog tends to chew a bit on large pine bark chunks. Ive been a professional blogger for over six years, and in that time, Ive written countless blogs that have helped millions of people worldwide. It doesnt look like you can easily break off a smaller portion of the block in case you only need a small quantity of mulch. If you use this product, you dont have to worry about fleas and ticks. If you use firewood or pine wood chips as mulch, they attract termites instead of repelling them. The fibers are thin enough and shouldnt represent an obstruction risk in case your dog eats them. I am currently a happy owner of two dogs, six cats, and two red-eared sliders. Its ability to absorb moisture is also adequate. Where can I get it? ). Companies that mulch trees, such as tree-trimming companies, might be able to provide bulk melaleuca mulch, although the fineness of the mulch may vary. Use these two mulches and its for certain that these mulches will attract termites, especially when theres termite infestation in your neighborhood. Make sure you choose a premium quality product that does not contain any toxins. Mulch is not only comfortable, smells good and safe. The chips are small and there is no added chemical to which your dog could be sensitive. Mulch is an important element of landscape design. Made from Melaleuca, commonly known as tea tree, this hardwood mulch is said to be termite resistant, yet friendly to earthworms. Sign up to receive only the most important updates straight to your inbox. Cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine, the same poisonous ingredient found in chocolate. It has a long-lasting scent and very good odor control. Image Credit: Jon Rehg, Shutterstock. It makes a good mulch because it does not float, it's long lasting, and it is not attractive to termites. Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? For The Home One tea tree mulch use is moisture control. It has an excellent deal of tiny pieces that can blow away. Cedar mulch also maintains a suitable temperature of the soil aiding plants growth. In short, it is a very good mulch against urine and the unpleasant odors it causes. Softwood mulches are high in cellulose that termites eat to survive. Keep reading more about mulch and pet safety so you can avoid any problems later down the road. But theres a smell that comes out from melaleuca mulch that you might not like. The natural cedar oils not only smell fresh but also repel those unwanted fleas and ticks thatit expands up to three times the volume and is 20 percent more absorbent than comparable products, making it an excellent value. Homeowners with dogs should stay clear of this type of mulch and seek a less toxic alternative. Made of rubber, so it is very likely your dog will not be interested in it. Larger chunks of much can cause gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. It does not contain any toxic substances, so it can be used safely. While dogs love the feel of mulch, its important to train them not to eat it, and if they get into the habit of eating it, it can have negative effects. If this happens, remove the mulch and replace it with another product. Youll given an open invitation to termites to invade your home and yard. This is probably because they like the taste of wood and not rubber. This type of mulch has the beneficial properties of pine, and even more. Some customers said there were seeds in the product. However, keep in mind that any mulch is not good for your dog to take, even if its completely safe. Pine needle mulch is another dangerous option if you have a dog. Like the pine straw mulch, pine bark mulch also attracts termites. Dog Poop Disposal Ideas! Savvy homeowners always use termite granules around their homes foundation. As expected, it has a pleasant pine scent and can be useful in repelling certain insects such as mosquitoes. Do you provide enough exercise for your pet? It assists deal with insects in the backyard. To make this process effective, youd need to spray the mixture of boric acid and hot water twice for three days in the mulch to kill the termites. Pine needle mulch is another dangerous option if you have a dog. Eucalyptus isnt as long-lasting as other mulch options, nor is it as readily available stateside, making it pricier. The company processes melaleuca into mulch and other products and helps replant native cypress. Fortunately, more and more people are aware that mulch is not just a thing used in the garden. There is a risk of obstruction if your dog swallows a nugget. About: Laying rock or stone down in your yard or garden can lead to years-long coverage, blocking out weed growth without the need for harmful chemicals. And when a termite with diatomaceous earth goes back to its nest, it spread to other termites. Sawdust mulch itself is safe for animals, but gardeners commonly use it around blueberry and rhododendron bushes, the latter of which can poison dogs and humans. There can be some difference inconsistency between bags. Unlike the cedar product listed so far, it is not made up of chips, but rather granules. It's used in hand sanitizers, insect repellents, natural deodorants, and antiseptic products. Four Winds Trading Natural Cedar Shavings, 5. Lets take a deep dive in each of these mulches. But before you buy melaleuca mulch, make sure that it doesnt contain any seeds and its adequately composted. The chips are small, fine, and soft. If youre planning to lay the mulch around your homes foundation, ensure that its at least a foot away from the foundations perimeter. Termites bore through the wood, eating it from inside. Your pet can digest straw and will be less likely to chew on it doesnt have a chunky texture. and expands once you water it. This site is user-supported. However, if you notice that your dog is chewing more than usual, boredom may be one of the reasons. 5. The mulch is very comfortable and dogs love it. Knowing these mulches will help you avoid choosing the wrong mulch. Termite granules work by sinking into the soil and killing any termites underneath the soils layer. Nematodes are natural insect and termite killers, and they dont damage the quality of the soil. A very common type of mulch used in landscaping, cypress mulch is not toxic to dogs. Now that you know what mulches attract termites, its time to reveal the list of best mulches to avoid termites. Share with us in the comments. If you want to grow something that is not on this list, be sure to confirm the plant is non-toxic to dogs. I have loved animals since I was a kid. There are two broad categories of mulch: organic and inorganic. And on top of it, youll love the fragrance of cypress heartwood mulch. Kelsey is a lover of words and woofs. Supervise your dog if you recently added mulch to your garden. While mulch seems harmless, it actually has the potential to become a very big problem in terms of becoming impacted in your dogs intestine. While other types of mulch are not necessarily toxic, they can also be dangerous. Spray the mixture on the mulch with termites. Any wood-based mulch is safe for your dog. Not only good for dogs, but for any pet. I can't find anything in the literature that suggest tea tree (melaleuca) mulch is poisonous to dogs and cats. It has very good absorbency and odor control. If you have mulch in your yard, ensure your dog doesnt like to chew or snack on it. Thats why its also known as Florimulch. We strive to ensure that our readers get most reliable information on the topics we cover. Not all materials are ideal for pets, and you should be sure to buy a completely pet-safe, non-toxic species. She worked with dogs for several years at a boarding kennel as a shift runner and office manager before venturing into the world of writing. Dogs, on the other hand, often chew on some types of mulch, which can be dangerous. The shavings are small and can stick to puppy paws. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links. Try to get proper training and chew toys to keep your dog from chewing the mulch too many times. Some dogs cant help but eat things they shouldnt, leading to a digestive obstruction. Melaleuca, which is pronounced as MEL-ah-LUKE-ah, became a common landscape tree and was used as a soil stabilizer on levees and spoil . If you use a normal cypress mulch, itll attract termites. Some essential oils are poisonous to dogs. Made from all natural forest products plus Melaleuca material from Florida - Environmentally Sustainable Product Helps retain moisture Suppresses weeds Overview Made from all natural forest products plus Melaleuca material from Florida - Environmentally Sustainable Product Helps retain moisture Suppresses weeds 1.5 cu-ft bags Specifications So at least hes not going to chew on mulch, and there are plenty of other options these toys can offer (e.g. Your first choice should be Melaleuca mulch. Rubber mulch doesnt retain water. Best dog safe mulch can cause allergic reactions, such as wheezing or rashes. It heats in winter and cools in summer. Nevertheless, the goal should be to keep your dog from chewing them many times. The only softwood mulch making to the list of best mulch to avoid termites is the redwood mulch. Like other cedar mulch, it is natural, degradable, and smells good. This includes oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang. The last product on my list is also made of cedar. Cedar chips are warm and comfortable for dogs and easy for the owner to handle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); SmartDogOwners is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Why does your dog eat mulch and what can happen? It is a mulch made of cedar chips that can be used outdoors and indoors. Thanks to cedar oil, ticks and fleas will stay away from your dog. They can irritate or puncture the stomach if your friend eats them. Some customers said it was not sticky enough. They are all made of top quality active ingredients. I will write about these in a few words. It gives the same traditional look as mixed hardwood and cypress mulches. It makes a very small commission if you make purchases through the affiliate links on our site, at no extra cost to you. In fact, many pet owners choose to use mulch as a lining in their dogs bedor kennel. This is a pet-friendly mulch because it is finely shredded. Due to the drying process, the odor control and absorbency of this mulch are outstandingly high. To know more about it, read our post on signs of termites in yard. Is Melaleuca mulch safe? Some include dyes, dangerous chemicals, and toxic ingredients, while others have scents that entice your pooch to chow down, risking stomach issues. Thanks to that sweet smell we mentioned, its also tempting for pups to eat, making it quite dangerous. Is Cypress Mulch Safe To Use In Dog Runs? And both have high nitrogen and phosphorous that makes it appealing for termites. 1. The fresh wood scent assists in keeping pet odor down. Rubber mulch is also similar to materials used in dog toys, sometimes enticing your dog to chew or ingest it, risking obstruction. "Depending on how much was consumed or inhaled, essential oils can lead to gastrointestinal upset or liver issues, as the chemicals in the essential oil are metabolized [in the liver]," Dr. Crow said. That sapwood contains cellulose, which, as you know, termites love. It dries quickly after rain and does not attract mold or pests. This solution may seem strange at first. Aside from its obvious benefits, this mulch . Through these nests, termites build tunnels. While most mulches are not toxic to our furbabies, they still formally pose a choking risk or obstructions. And you can deter your dog from chewing on mulch by spraying it with apple cider vinegar or garlic water. The best part of melaleuca mulch is that it lasts for 2-3 years before it decays. How Can You Choose The Right Pet-Friendly Mulch? It is typically made from recycled tire and will last for years. Here are the two steps that you can use right now to get rid of termites in mulch . The Best Mulches for Dogs (Quick Summary), The Best Mulch for Dogs (Top 10 Brand Reviewed) of 2023, 3. Since I wrote about safe mulches earlier, I think you suspect that there are also dangerous varieties. Allow your dog to roll around in softwood shavings or soft rubber mulch, knowing this will help him maintain an average body temperature all year round. A layer of melaleuca mulch can help save the environmentand discourage termites. Cypress trees are being cut down in FL wetlands faster than the can replenish. Its because cypress mulch contains sapwood. Yes, these products can be used in an outdoor dog run. It also prevents mold and bacterial growth. It is sturdy and will final much more than a yr. You dont have to fret about termites or other wood parasites. They catch fire quite fast and the fire can spread pretty quickly. They are located at Melaleuca, Inc. 4609 West 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 and their phone number is (800) 282-3000. If you need to know the answer right now: I pick 100% Natural Cedar Chips manufactured by Wood Smith USA as the best mulch for dogs. In the end, PlantBest Mega Mulch 8.8 lbs is your best option if you have a dog. In addition, it absorbs urine and the odors from it perfectly. An obstruction prevents solids and liquids from moving through the digestive tract, ultimately cutting off blood flow to the area, causing serious harm, including irreversible tissue death. Always be sure to keep any of these products out of reach of your dog, and if you do decide to use them, make sure [your dogs] not close enough [to a diffuser] to be affected, Dr. Crow said. After all, it has warm, comfortable, and other positive qualities and can be a useful accessory in your home and garden. If you think your dog has eaten mulch, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 855-764-7661. Mulches made with salvaged wood are among the cheapest options available, but they contain too many unknowns for pup parents to contend with. Dog owners must be careful when using mulch in their yards and gardens. And be careful, it could contain viable seeds if it has not been properly composted. The Amish make this red cedar wood product: so produced in the United States, and it is 100% natural and environmentally friendly. The antifungal property works wonders not only in keeping termites away but also many other bugs and insects. He can even ingest them if he licks himself. So if you want to use them, double-check that the ones youre using are safe for dogs, and talk to your vet about it first. However, if you are a pet owner, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best dog safe mulches. Both firewood and pine wood are rich in moisture and cellulose that termites feed on to survive. Cocoa mulch Tired of lugging around heavy bags of mulch? Because it is comfortable, it holds moisture and heat perfectly. Because it does not absorb moisture, it is easy to get rid of urine. Below are some types of mulch that are recommended for dogs. To use [them] safely, the safe oils should be diluted if used on the skin, Dr. Grewal said. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Perfect for both outdoor and indoor use. Store gardening products and tools out of your dogs reach. Straw will retain water and keep weeds away. The chips are a bit on the larger size, so they may not be suitable for tiny puppies, but for adult dogs who like to be outside, this should not fit. If you want to use a dog-safe essential oil on your pup for the health benefits, make sure you double-check with your vet first and dilute it before using it. Dogs are natural chewers. Itll strip the soil of its nutrients that your plants need to grow. What if youre using the wrong mulch and there are termites in the mulch? Watch out for these signs of poisoning in dogs: If you know what your dog ate, give the ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline a call along with your vet. My advice is to always try to choose products that contain natural ingredients.