http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cocoa-mulch-danger-alert-for-pets.html
Cocoa Mulch Danger Alert for Pets
By Annie B. Bond
I learned that chocolate was bad for pets when one Easter our two dogs ate all the chocolate Easter eggs that the Easter Bunny had hidden in the living room for my daughter, and I was told that could make the dogs very sick. I never made the connection that the ingredient in chocolate from cacao beans–theobromine–would also be present in cocoa mulch. Read more about this culprit of pet poisonings, here:
A Care2 engineer, Cathy, sent us an email noting that cocoa mulch can be deadly to both cats and dogs. She had checked the story out with the urban legend websites and it appeared to be true. Further research from poison control centers has confirmed that cocoa mulch can kill pets. Cocoa mulch contains more of the deadly theobromine than chocolate.
Unfortunately, many home owners are unaware of this danger to their pets, and as cocoa mulch becomes more popular as a great way to reduce weeds and pests, more pets are getting ill or dying after eating it. Many pets like the taste of cocoa mulch.
I bought cocoa mulch myself a few years ago because it is reportedly great to use when planting clematis. I am grateful my two dogs didn’t eat it. According to the humane society, 9 ounces can kill a 50-pound dog, while a little over 5 ounces can cause seizures.
If you are worried your pet may have eaten cocoa mulch, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for expert advice.
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8 comments
add your comment »Thanks for spreading awareness Annie.
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why is this inappropriate?
How are they even allowed to put this poision on the market? This is disgusting.
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Surely then, this should be banned from use in public places where dogs are exercised, could you be also be fined from injuring your neighbors dog or cat? What about rabbits? What about effects on wildlife? Actually, I think perhaps it should be banned from being sold or used at all.
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why is this inappropriate?
OMG! I WAS JUST ABOUT TO PURCHASE A
VAST QUANTITY FOR MY GARDEN. I NEVER KNEW
HOW TOXIC IT COULD BE ESPECIALLY FOR MY ONE
GOOFY DOG THAT I JUST LOVE TO DEATH! SHE'D
TRY ANYTHING TO MUNCH ON.
ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO THIS
TYPE THAT I CAN PURCHASE?
THANKS SO MUCH!
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I use cocoa mulch as bedding for my chickens. It works really good because it has natural anti -bacterial properties and takes a while to absorb moisture.
I do not however have any dogs. I knew about chocolate being dangerous to dogs. Apparently it does no harm to chickens and smells good too.
They should post a warning on the bags.
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Before we start to work in our yards...
Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.
Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden.20Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way.
The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.
Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
This Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient ca
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Great article - I wouldn't have put two and two together on this one. I knew chocolate was bad for pets but I don't think I would have connected it to Mulch.
Thanks :)
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Great advice..I will watch what kind of mulch I purchase so my babies are safe.
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