When adding mulch to your garden, you’re probably thinking about the benefits for your plants rather than the potential harm it could bring to your pets. If you have a dog or cat that likes to dig in the yard, they may end up eating some of the mulch. The scent of mulch can be enticing, and they might ingest it while exploring the yard or looking for other tidbits.
However, mulch can contain microplastics, small pieces of trash, and bits of metal that can be harmful if ingested by pets. These materials can block the digestive system and cause internal injuries, posing a serious risk to your animals. Even small pieces of plastic or metal can be dangerous. This risk extends to public parks, neighborhood animals, and local wildlife as well. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this issue.
How to protect your pets when using mulch
One way to reduce the risk of your pet ingesting harmful materials is to make your own mulch. Buying mulch can introduce plastic in various ways, so making it yourself can help you control what goes into it. If you prefer to buy mulch, opt for wood chips collected from tree trimmings to minimize the risk of plastic contamination. Cedar chips can also repel pets due to their scent.
Consider using mulch alternatives like loose stones or pebbles for decorative purposes instead of organic mulch. If you still choose organic mulch, keep your pets indoors when unsupervised and prevent them from digging near the mulch. Avoid toxic mulch types like cocoa shell mulch as well.
