COCOA MULCH – LETHAL TO DOGS

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Now that winter is upon us, one of your tasks to do in the rose garden is to put mulch around your roses to protect them from the harsh winter that is about to set in.  A mulch that you should not use if you have pets is Cocoa Mulch.  Do you know that Cocoa Mulch is lethal to dogs?  

Cocoa mulch consists of cocoa bean shells. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. Cocoa Mulch, which is sold at garden supply stores for use in the garden contains naturally occurring theobromine and caffeine which are lethal to dogs and cats.  Animals like dogs are often sensitive to the theobromine.  Consumption of theobromine by animals can lead to seizures, convulsions, toxicity and even death in some animals.  

Cocoa mulch smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs and will devour a large helping with you not knowing it.  Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. They may love the taste of chocolate but don’t let them have any.  Chocolate can be dangerous for many animals, but especially dogs, because it contains theobromine, a stimulant naturally occurring in the cacao bean. While safe for humans, other species, such as dogs, lack a specific enzyme and can't metabolize theobromine. 

Dogs and other animals are often attracted by the pleasant aroma from cocoa shell mulch.  Because it can be harmful to animals if ingested, think carefully about where you choose to apply the cocoa mulch and supervise your pets. If you have a dog or a cat, please avoid using cocoa mulch in your garden.  Although the cocoa mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, cocoa mulch is highly toxic to dogs and cats.  Hershey Company does not manufacture or market cocoa mulch.  If your pet has eaten cocoa shell mulch, immediately contact your veterinarian.

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