Amish Aromatic Red Cedar Wood Shavings, 4. If youd like rich color and natural insect protection in your garden, check out cedar mulch for a more pup-friendly solution. While other types of mulch are not necessarily toxic, they can also be dangerous. Featuring a cloyingly sweet smell and rich color, cocoa bean mulch is popular with gardeners, but this cocoa shell-derived product is toxic to dogs. If you have a well-behaved pooch who isnt prone to chewing on things, you may want to select a rug with a long/high pile (long individual fibers), as this will provide greater comfort and warmth. The best bedding for dogs should neither be too soft nor too firm. One of the favourite pastime activities for dogs is chewing. Mulch is a must-have in many peoples gardens, but it can be dangerous if you have a dog, as not every mulch is mutt-friendly. It is often assumed to be the case as the needles do release acid under the tree from which they fall. It is a superb really worth for the funds. Pine Oil is a common household cleaner and disinfectant that is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. While pine straw is often used as bedding for dogs there are a few things to consider before using it. There are many types of straw depending on the cereal crop its made from, and not every one of them is used for bedding. The use of wood to fetch with our dogs is a relatively harmless pastime, but there are some dangers associated with it. This will provide a tiny bit more cushioning and help keep your dog warmer. Cedar and pine chips have insect-repelling qualities, which will help prevent fleas and other bugs from setting up shop in your dogs house, and they provide great insulation and comfort for your dog too. This poison is dangerous to dogs, and your furry companion will likely want to chew on the sweet-smelling cocoa bean mulch. How often should I change my dog's bedding? Wed love to hear! Chubb, 202 Halls Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600. But, it will keep the wood chips from clinging to your pups fur. Salvaged wood mulches dont offer the best water penetration, either, potentially harming surrounding plants. Dogs, on the other hand, often chew on some types of mulch, which can be dangerous. First, the straw should be from a reputable source, since these are farm by-products they can contain parasites and bacteria if not handled properly. You can locate tiny pieces of wire in the mulch. The holidays are a time of merriment and relaxation for many, but its also a time of year when you should exercise plenty of care and caution when it comes to your pup. It will clump in your dogs moist cracks and crevices, and it will plug up her eyes, nose, and mouth too. Will pine straw hurt my dog? The type that chews the mulch when alone and/or bored; if so, avoid using mulch in the run. Is your old dog not eating and sleeping a lot? Natural woods that haven't been dyed or treated are also safe for dogs. The needles may not kill your pet, but they can make him really uncomfortable and ill. Is pine straw bad for puppies? True mulches can be composed of any organic matter that is placed on top of the soil to protect it from sun exposure and prevent moisture loss.. Organic materials like pine straw, shredded leaves, compost and newspaper clippings are all great mulching options. Generally, mulch poses little threat to cats, though it can become a haven for use as a litter box. Although straws are generally safe for dogs, they should be changed very often since they tend to break down very quickly. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Not only that, but the mulch is then (triple shielded to remove excess dust that can irritate your pet and their skin.) Cocoa mulch, as you may have already guessed, is made from cocoa beans. Comparable dog-safe mulches with pleasant aromas include cedar and pine bark. The hectic pace and traditions can sometimes interfere with householdpet safety. Yes it can be. So, if you can monitor your pet, use pine straw asa dogbedding. What kind of bedding are you thinking about using for your dogs house? We treat straw and hay similarly because in this context they are quite similar and present the same dangers. There are plenty of beautiful. Is it okay to let my dog sleep on my bed? UK. It forms a good barrier to prevent weeds. Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? NS8RW Redwood Rubber Mulch is a safe mulch that can be used for dogs of all sizes and may have some additional benefits for dogs with allergies; by minimizing dust build-up and mold growth moss. However, chewers should be given beds with short piles to discourage them from ripping the threads out. This site is supported by our readers. A few of the worst such choices include: Although hay and straw often make suitable beddings for livestock, they are poor choices for dogs. The answer depends on straw type because all the straw types for dog bedding are neither safe nor bad. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Unfortunately, this is also the major drawback to using cedar chips. The yield will increase as this is also an excellent mulch for your garden and plants when you need to keep bugs and flea infestations at bay. Avoid rodent-killing chemicals that can harm canines. If you suspect your dog has ingested pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, needles or straw, contact a veterinarian immediately. If you notice any of these signs it is best to consult with your veterinarian. Ideally, you want to look for the Mulch & Soil Council (MSC) certification seal on a product before purchase, ensuring the mulch contains no arsenic-containing wood. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Be sure to check out our article about the best grass for dogs. A dog house is a small shed commonly built in the shape of a house that is intended to provide dogs with a sense of security and protection from the elements. If your dog has ingested pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, needles, or straw, you should consult a veterinarian right away. Cedar mulch is also effective, but it's a good idea to initially test your dog for allergic reactions. Hay is grass that is cut and dried. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. But, remember that dead plant materials have the potential to effectively harbour microorganisms including harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause serious infectious diseases in dogs. Some dogs cant help but eat things they shouldnt, leading to a digestive obstruction. Our top-rated pet insurance plan can help cover up to 90% of the cost. Is Pine Straw Toxic to Dogs? Many pet owners find it challenging to keep their outdoor dogs warm, especially during winter. It assists deal with insects in the backyard. 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. Lets find the answer. Although its the dustiest straw, it also tends to be really warm and doesnt flatten very quickly. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The nice thing is that unlike straw mulch, it doesn't usually come with weed seeds inside it. Instead, try to find a durable dog-friendly blanket which you wont mind throwing out after its been used for several months (or years). She graduated with honors from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has worked as an Associate Veterinarian and Chief of Staff in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. Note, too, that Christmas tree needles are also problematic for cats. Have any dog-safe gardening tips for other pup parents? Mulch made from cocoa husks is known as cocoa bean mulch and is particularly toxic to dogs. You could shred the newspaper into long strips if you like, but it is probably safer to leave the sheets whole. There are 1.55 cubic feet in a 40-pound bag. You have successfully joined our pup pack. Pine needles from Christmas trees can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Although it looks like wood, rubber mulch is made from old tires, so unlike wood mulch, it is more durable and lasts longer, requiring almost no maintenance. Pine straw is safe and comfortable for dogs, but its a very poor absorbent therefore it has to be changed quite often. As we mentioned above, cedar also has some insect repellant properties. Your dog may suffer a digestive obstruction as well if he eats mulch. Wheat Straw is best used as bedding for livestock.who would eat they hay if used. Intestinal blockage signs include vomiting almost immediately after eating or drinking, lethargy, no bowel movements, and a sore stomach. Your dog will certainly appreciate it, and it will help keep her warmer and more comfortable than if she is forced to sleep on the bare ground or cement. The best place to put your dogs bed is in a location that is quiet and out of the way. Straw is basically the dry stalk of cereal plants such as barley, wheat, rye, rice, oat, sorghum, etc. These softwood shavings also smell nice due to the volatile compounds (e.g. In this review, we will explore why dogs eat mulch, the benefits of mulch and the types of safe mulch for dogs, and the types that are dangerous or toxic. Like, cedar, pine shaving acts as a natural deodorizer, keeping bad smell and insect pests at bay. When used for bedding in an outdoor dog kennel, straw will keep your dog warm and comfortable. The Amish make this red cedar wood product: so produced in the United States, and it is 100% natural and environmentally friendly. Cocoa mulch is one such mulch. Is straw for dog bedding safe? They are wrong. Various types of mulch are often dyed and chemically treated to achieve rich color, prevent weed growth, and repel insects. You might locate steel shavings in the item. Keep reading more about mulch and pet safety so you can avoid any problems later down the road. Stands and covers are available that can limit a pets ability to drink Christmas tree water, but never use potentially toxic water additives for Christmas trees, including aspirin, if you have pets in your home. Jennifer is also a prolific writer about all things related to veterinary medicine and the well-being of our animal friends. Itll depend on the circumstances, but wood chips are pretty affordable and usually work well. Dogs may eat mulch because of its smell since it often contains composted materials that can be a sensory smorgasbord to canines. You dont want your dog to be wet outside when the temperatures are below freezing, no matter what kind of bedding youre providing. Just as people have discovered a few great beddings over time, theyve also discovered a few that dont work well. Well, you should know that straw has been used as bedding for animals for centuries now, and its still used today. This post may contain affiliate links. Natural wood that hasnt been painted or treated is also safe for dogs. Another mulch that is non-toxic and safe for dogs is pine. I have pointing labs that I hunt upland birds with, I was told not to use cedar chips because it could ruin there smell. Rubber mulch, usually made from recycled tires, is safe for dogs. Pine Straw's Needles are visually appealing due to the light color of it, whereas Mulch is darker and won't look as great in your yard. Although dyes used today to color mulch are non-toxic, the chemicals can leach into the soil. You may also want to invest in a water-proof cover to protect the fabric. In addition, its also known as the dustiest straw. Hay is a good choice for outdoor dog bedding, it provides a warm and cosy bed for your dog. Puppies are particularly bad about chowing down on lots of mulch. There are certain straw types that are safe for dogs and work great as dog bedding. Many dog owners use wheat straw with the assumption that it is the best doghouse bedding material. These dogs have a lot of energy to expend and will do almost anything for fun.