Cocoa Mulch Risky for Pets

Cocoa mulch contains theobromine, a lethal ingredient for dogs and cats. Theobromine affects the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys, causing nausea and vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and increased urination. Other than induced vomiting, vets have no treatment or antidote for theobromine poisoning. Death can occur in 12 to 24 hours.

Cocoa mulch, a product sold in Home Depot, Foreman?EUR??,,????'???s Garden Supply, and other garden supply centers, has been found to be a potential health risk for pets.

Cocoa mulch contains theobromine, an ingredient that is used to make all chocolate, especially dark or baker?EUR??,,????'???s chocolate, and is toxic to dogs.

The mulch contains 300-1200 mg. of theobromine per ounce, making cocoa mulch one of the strongest concentrations of theobromine a pet is likely to encounter in any chocolate product. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch eaten by a 50-pound dog may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death.

Responsible pet owners should take care in their selection of cocoa mulch brands; some might prefer to choose another form of soil enhancement for their gardens, such as cedar-based products, rather than gamble that their dogs won?EUR??,,????'???t be attracted to or harmed by cocoa mulch.