What is Mulch Poisoning?
Mulch is a material that is spread over soil to cover it, usually to make the area more attractive. Mulch can reduce weed growth in gardens so is a favourite of many people with green fingers.
Cocoa bean mulch, for example, has an attractive smell that makes the ingestion of the mulch an interesting prospect to many dogs. The danger of ingestion lies in the compounds theobromine and caffeine, which are also found in chocolate. These substances will poison a dog, leading to symptoms like tremors and vomiting.
Other types of mulch may be less toxic but still present risk of obstruction of the bowel and irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Mold can also be found in mulch; the ingestion can mean that the tremorgenic mycotoxins contained in the mold may cause tremors and seizures. If your pet has access to your garden area and you suspect he has consumed mulch, bring him to the veterinarian to evaluate the toxic effects on the body.
Dog owners who have garden areas which are accessible to their pets should be made aware of the dangers of mulch. Cocoa bean mulch in particular causes toxicity in canines who ingest it; other types of mulch can present risks as well.
Mulch Poisoning Average Cost
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Symptoms of Mulch Poisoning in Dogs
The symptoms observed in a dog who has consumed mulch can vary.
Cocoa Mulch
- Rapid breathing
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Increased heart beat
- Restlessness
- Rise in body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Abdominal bloating
- Hyperactivity
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Thirst
- Seizures
Tremorgenic Mycotoxins
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Hyperactivity
- Depression
- Rapid heart rate
- Fluid accumulation in lungs
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Abdominal Obstruction
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Refusal to lie down
- Lethargy
- Inability to have a bowel movement or diarrhoea
- Food refusal
Types
Some types of mulch are considered safer than others; mulch made from cedar, for example is a common alternative, however, ingestion could still involve a risk of mold or obstruction. Untreated wood chips, leaves, and pine needles are all used in the garden but if you have a pet who may ingest large amounts of any of these alternatives, they may not be ideal either due to gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction.
Causes of Mulch Poisoning in Dogs
Those who develop Cocoa mulch poisoning may exhibit signs within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion
- Cocoa mulch contains caffeine and theobromine
- The methylxanthines in cocoa mulch are rapidly metabolized
- The central nervous system is affected
- Symptoms vary depending on the quantity ingested (20 mg/kg may produce mild signs of toxicity, 100 mg/kg can be lethal)
- Cedar mulch is known for repelling insects but may cause allergic reactions or obstruction
- All types of mulch may contain mold
Diagnosis of Mulch Poisoning in Dogs
If you suspect that your pet has eaten cocoa mulch, or if you have any other type of mulch in your garden and you know that your pet has been grazing on it, call your veterinarian for an appointment without delay. All risks associated with mulch toxicity can become serious. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If possible, bring a sample of the mulch to the veterinarian clinic. Product packaging is always very helpful if available.
Testing will depend on the clinical signs that your pet is displaying when he arrives at the clinic. Any information you can provide will be important such as recent illnesses, toileting habits, appetite, and activity level. Standard tests will include blood tests to verify the function of the organs (kidney, liver, pancreas), and to provide baseline markers for electrolytes and enzymes levels which will be monitored throughout treatment. Blood tests can also reveal the possibility of underlying disease processes that could complicate the poisoning.
If the physical examination reveals a tender abdomen or the presence of an intestinal blockage, imaging tools like x-rays and ultrasound may be recommended so the veterinarian can see if there is an obstruction.
Treatment of Mulch Poisoning in Dogs
Cocoa Mulch Poisoning
Stabilizing your dog will be key to the treatment. If he is having seizures, medication will be given to bring them under control. Gastric lavage will be done as opposed to inducing emesis if your pet is seizing. However, if he is not and the veterinary team feels that having your pet vomit is safe, this is the best option for eliminating cocoa mulch. Vomiting is most effective if it occurs within the first couple of hours post ingestion. Activated charcoal will also be given to bind the remaining toxins together.
Intravenous therapy will provide additional fluids to assist the body process and flush the toxins. Fluid therapy is also beneficial to balance electrolytes.
Tremorgenic Mycotoxins
Mold poisoning is very serious and death is not uncommon. As with the mulch poisoning, medication for seizures, gastric lavage, emesis, and fluid therapy will be administered. Due to the severity of the effects of mold on the body, treatment may need to span over a few days.
Abdominal Obstruction
If the veterinarian has identified an abdominal obstruction in your pet, she may use medication, intravenous fluids, and an enema to see if the mass can be eliminated that way. However, this won't often work and surgery to remove the obstruction may be necessary which can mean a hospital stay of a few days.
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Recovery of Mulch Poisoning in Dogs
The possibility of recovery and the rate at which it happens will all depend on the amount of mulch ingested, the current health of your dog, and the length of time between the ingestion and the treatment protocol. Fortunately, most canines will fully recover from ingesting mulch. If mold is involved, the treatment may be more involved but records show that many cases have a positive resolution with prompt, aggressive veterinary treatment. Your veterinarian will want to see your pet within a week or two for a follow-up appointment.
Removing the mulch from your garden area may be wise unless you are able to prevent your dog from accessing this area. If you have a dog who loves to eat plants, soil, mulch or any other inappropriate items it is best to monitor him at all times when outdoors.
Mulch Poisoning Average Cost
From 353 quotes ranging from $500 - $200
Average Cost
$250
Top
Mulch Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Portuguese Water Dog
Four Months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Throwing Up
Ate landscaping bark
Dec. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
13 Recommendations
Hello, this can cause your dog to vomit. Some of these also contain chemicals. it would be best for your dog to see a vet. This can commonly cause an obstruction or your dog to be very sick.
Dec. 28, 2020
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Mixed
One Year
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Chewing On Feet After Being In Wood Chips
My dogs where in their kennel today and there is pine shavings, two of the 3 dogs are continuously chewing on their feet and can’t get comfortable
Aug. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
If three of your dogs are affected, it seems there was probably something in the area that affected their paws. It would be best to wash their feet well with a gentle shampoo, and keep a close eye on them. If their paws are red or irritated or they won't stop looking at them, then they may need to be seen by a veterinarian as they may need medication. I hope that all goes well for them.
Aug. 30, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Seven Months
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Vomiting, Drooling, Won’T Eat Or Drink
What can I do? My dog ate something in the yard. Threw up a small pine needle and a few pieces of mulch.
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If your dog is vomiting, lethargic, and won't eat, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, see what might be going on, and get treatment for him so that he feels better.
I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 4, 2020
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mini goldendoodle
2 months
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
i went outside with him for a potty break and i think he ingested a few pieces of colored mulch, should i be concerned?
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
19 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
While the mulch should not be toxic, it can cause some GI upset. It would be best to watch him over the next 24 hours for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If he shows any of those signs, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. I hope that all goes well for him!
July 26, 2020
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English Pointer
Spot
10 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Swelling
Lethargy
Vomiting
Mass
My dog has a huge edema like mass under his arm, near stomach and near his chest. He has had x rays for a mass like cancer but the radiologist has determined the mass is not cancer. His white blood cells are high. He is throwing up and has diarrhea. He is dehydrated and is at the vet on IV fluids. The don't know what the cause of the mass like/edema is. He is an outside dog and digs in the mulch constantly. He also hides his food in the mulch and then digs it up and eats it. We are wondering if this is a sign of mulch poisoning or mold in the mulch that he has ingested. The vet is unsure what is the cause and is just treating him to make him comfortable with IV and antibiotics. We aren't sure because cancer has been ruled out. The only thing we know for sure is that he has dug in the mulch, buried food in the mulch, and lays in the mulch. Any ideas? He is a 10 year old healthy male english pointer who normally weighs about 50 pounds, but has lost about 5-7 pounds from being sick.
July 1, 2018
2 Recommendations
Mulch may contain a variety of nasty things which may include various poisons (chocolate, coffee among other things), mould among other things; the symptoms you’re describing don’t fit with either type of mulch poisoning, so I’m not sure what the possible cause may be. Continue with treatment for the time being, but if there is no improvement it may be worth visiting an Internal Medicine Specialist. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 2, 2018
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Mulch Poisoning Average Cost
From 353 quotes ranging from $500 - $200
Average Cost
$250
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
