Is Cedar Mulch Safe for Pets?

Cedar mulch is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping, but is it safe for pets? The answer is a bit complicated. Some types of cedar mulch can be harmful to pets, while others are generally considered safe.

Can Cedar Mulch Be Bad for Pets?

The main concern with using cedar mulch around pets is that it can contain high levels of thujone, a chemical compound that can be toxic to dogs and cats. Thujone can cause a variety of health problems in pets, including seizures, liver damage, and even death. Symptoms of thujone poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and difficulty breathing.

The amount of thujone in cedar mulch can vary depending on the type of cedar tree used and how the mulch was processed. Some types of cedar mulch, such as red cedar, contain higher levels of thujone than others, such as white cedar. Mulch that is made from fresh cedar chips is also more likely to contain high levels of thujone than mulch that has been aged or composted.

Is All Cedar Mulch Bad for Pets?

Not all cedar mulch is unsafe for pets. In general, aged or composted cedar mulch is considered to be safe for use around pets. The aging or composting process helps to break down the thujone in the mulch, making it less toxic. However, it is important to note that even aged or composted cedar mulch can still contain some traces of thujone, so it is important to use it with caution around pets.

How to Use Cedar Mulch Safely Around Pets

If you want to use cedar mulch in your garden or landscaping, there are a few things you can do to make it safer for your pets:

• Choose a type of cedar mulch that is low in thujone, such as white cedar or aged or composted cedar mulch.
• Avoid using fresh cedar chips or mulch that has been treated with chemicals.
• Keep cedar mulch away from areas where your pets like to play or eat.
• If you are concerned about your pet's safety, you can always choose to use a different type of mulch, such as pine straw or straw.

Conclusion

Cedar mulch can be a safe and attractive addition to your garden or landscaping, but it is important to use it with caution around pets. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your pets safe and healthy.