What happens if a dog eats mulch

If blood tests do not reveal any health changes, then correcting behavior will be necessary. Eating too much of anything is never a good thing.

Mulch, rocks, or any other kind of debris can block the gastrointestinal tract leading to digestive issues. Mulch, since it is made of wood, can splinter when chewed, thus causing irritation, abrasions, tears, perforations, or blockage. Too many rocks can block the gastrointestinal tract, which may need surgical intervention to resolve.

Supervision is key. If your dog continues to eat foreign objects, like rocks or mulch, even when being lured away by treats, then it may be time for a vet visit for a full health assessment and lab tests. If your dog is bored, then put some chew toys around the yard so he has something new to distract him when outdoors.

If bigger behavioral issues are to blame, then attending dog school or obedience class may be necessary to help your dog learn coping skills and proper behavior. Bottomline, dogs are going to get into things that are not for puppies or dogs. They are curious creatures by nature and get into things that are not intended for them. Always be vigilant, and watch your dog closely when outside.

Make sure to contact your vet immediately if you are not sure if your dog ingested a strange object or if there is a change in behavior. Lethargy, lack of eating, confusion, or noticing foreign objects in stool, are all cause for concern. Gastrointestinal disorders can become bigger issues, usually resulting in surgery, if left untreated.

Prevention is key to a happy and healthy pup. Stay up to date! Why would my dog want to eat rocks or mulch? Boredom - There are new scents and intriguing objects in the yard. However, this can vary widely depending upon the brand.

Puppies and small-breed dogs would be at greater risk. Our recommendation is to avoid the use of Cocoa Bean Mulch completely and look for safer mulch products; read labels carefully. As always, supervise your pets when outdoors and pay attention to what they might chew or put into their mouth.

Distract them with safe chew toys and keep them away from flower beds and mulched areas of your lawn. There are other dangers associated with pets consuming Cocoa Bean Mulch, however. The mulch also may contain pesticide residue and mycotoxin-producing mold, specifically penitrem A and roquefortine.

Ingestion of this mold can result in severe neurologic signs, tremors, and seizures. Our best advice is to prevent your dog from ingesting mulch of any kind. Some types of mulch contain herbicides to prevent weed growth. While most are relatively benign, some are toxic and may result in gastrointestinal upset. Cocoa bean mulch, unfortunately, is particularly toxic to dogs.

Large ingestion can result in severe signs, requiring hospital care.