Mulch

[Jackie]

We have a new puppy (approx. 16 wks old) and she loves to eat the mulch in my gardens. Will this harm her in any way? Also, any tips to keep her out of the gardens? I have tried an organic cayenne based spray, but she seems to like the taste!

[Eric Dunayer]

Jackie,

Mulch can cause a stomach upset although usually mild. However, if it becomes moldy, the mold can product a toxin that causes tremors and seizures.

As far as discouraging him, there are other repellents on the market but many dogs will ignore them. Fencing the area off may be your only choice.

[Novamari]

I've heard that there are certain mulches that are dangerous for dogs and cats; it apparently has the same chemical that dark chocolate has in it. We'll see if the Doctor has any thoughts on this.

[Eric Dunayer]

Yes, I should have mentioned that cocoa bean mulch should be avoided -- it can cause the same signs as chocolate toxicity in dogs and dogs often like to eat it. Also, I would avoid mulches made from cotton seeds -- I have had at least one case in which two dogs developed heart failure from eating the mulch.

[Jackie]

This mulch is black shredded harwoood. What about the dyes they use to color the mulch? We haven't had a pup in many years (my Springer is nearly 13!) It's feels like childproofing all over again! I have already removed the Sago from the landscape and did a check on the list of other toxic plants thru the aspca website, but not much I can do about the mulch... My garden is my passion, so trying to find a way to be safe and keep the garden in tact as much as possible! What are your thoughts about "invisible" fencing?

[Eric Dunayer]

Jackie,

I don't think the mulch is dyed. The darkness is probably part of the process that converts the wood to mulch.

Invisible fencing may be useful but dogs can ignore it. You need to train the dog properly for it to work. And, watch the batteries on the collar -- when they wear out, the fence doesn't work anymore.