*This page may include affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of the product links, we may receive a small commission. For full affiliate disclosure please see our disclaimer page.
Is rubber mulch safe to use in a dog run? As a veterinarian, I have a unique viewpoint on this common question. Here are 9 things you need to know before using rubber mulch for a dog run.
9 Things You Need To Know
Toxicity
1 – Rubber mulch is marketed as a 100% safe product to use in dog runs. This statement is false. Many properties of rubber mulch, such as those made from recycled car tires, make it a toxic substrate to use. Accordingly, I do not recommend using rubber mulch for a dog run.
Recycled Isn’t Always Best
2 – The majority of rubber mulch products are made from recycled tires. Tire dealers pay large fees to throw away whole or cut tires in landfills. This non-biodegradable “waste” product is a prime target for recycling and re-purposing into products such as rubber mulch.
Metal Not Necessarily Removed
3 – Companies say that they remove 99% of metals from rubber mulch products. However, this refers to free pieces of metal in the mulch, not the metals that are already within the rubber. Due to this, I do not advise using rubber mulch for a dog run.
Not For Noms
4 – Some dogs, especially puppies, will eat all kinds of weird things like toys, rocks, and mulch. They are naturally curious. Rubber mulch can easily be added to this list for an overly curious puppy or dog. While your dog may be the exception to this, it is a situation I recommend to avoid.
Heavy Metals
5 – More than 11 heavy metals have been found in tested products. These heavy metals, like lead, are toxic and leak into the environment.
Cancer Connection
6 – Carcinogens are substances that are known to cause cancer. Higher rates of cancer occur in people who work around these rubber and rubber mulch products.
Not For Us, Not For Them
7 – Concerns about these products have also been raised about rubber coatings on playgrounds and sports fields. Assuming rubber products are not safe for humans, I do not recommend using rubber mulch for a dog run.
Phthalates And Their Dangers
8 – Rubber mulch contains phthalates, which are chemicals linked to diseases such as asthma, ADHD, infertility, obesity, and breast cancer. If phthalates are linked to these occurrences in humans, it should not be used around our pets either.
Foreign Body Frustrations
9 – Some rubber objects do not show up on x-rays, which makes foreign bodies and obstructions more difficult to diagnose before surgery is required. One should consider this before using rubber mulch for a dog run.
Check out our full breakdown on why Rubber Mulch is NOT a good choice for your dog run and what we recommend instead.
Check out our other articles for even more knowledge to keep your dog healthy and happy!
7 Beneficial Herbs For Dogs That You Can Grow In Your Garden
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Are Blueberries Good For My Dog?
If you like our content before to LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE!