Jun 16 2008
Hidden Canine Danger: Cocoa Bean Mulch
According to the ASPCA, cocoa mulch is a no-no for gardeners who have dogs.
In “Cocoa Bean Mulch As A Cause Of Methylxanthine Toxicosis In Dogs”
by S. Hansen, H. Trammell, E. Dunayer, S. Gwaltney, D. Farbman, and
S. Khan, they point out the dangers of using cocoa bean shells, a by-product of chocolate production, as mulch for landscaping.
While homeowners may prefer cocoa mulch because it degrades into an organic fertilizer and provides an attractive color and odor, the unprocessed beans, derived from the Theobroma cacao plant, contain 1 to 4% theobromine/0.07-0.36% caffeine, whereas cocoa bean mulch contains 0.19%-2.98% theobromine.
Unfortunately, some dogs can’t resist and eat small to large quantities. Dogs consuming cocoa bean mulch may develop methylxanthine toxicosis. Retrospective case data suggests clinical signs following ingestion include vomiting and muscle tremors, and high doses can cause death.
The authors recommend avoiding use of cocoa bean shell mulch in landscaping around unsupervised dogs. If you think your dog has consumed cocoa bean shell mulch, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The American Mutt-i-grees Club, founded by Pet Savers Foundation, wants to spread the word that mutts are people dogs too!
The American Mutt-i-grees Club is all about change and choice:
Changing how mixed-breed dogs are regarded, by celebrating the unique
characteristics of each one of them, and helping people make the right
choice - the choice to adopt mixed-breed puppies and [...]
The pills you pop may make you feel better, but they could be fatal to your pet. Just last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 89,000 cases of pets exposed to human medications.
Here’s what to watch out for:
NSAIDs
According to the APCC, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most [...]
My distaste for puppy mills notwithstanding, I’m pleased to report that, stepping away from its reputation as “The Puppy Mill Capital of the East,” the Pennsylvania Legislature passed HB 2525 on October 8, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.
HB 2525 doubles the cage [...]
Two years ago today, my husband and I rescued Greta, and our lives have never been the same since. Sure, it was hard in the beginning–after all, she was a puppy with no experiences outside of living in a wire crate 23 hours a day.
Slowly, she learned how to relax and live in a home. [...]
October is Adopt-A-Dog month, a celebration established by the American Humane Association to promote dog adoptions from animal shelters and educate people about responsible pet care. Learn more about events in your area here.
And just in time for Adopt-A-Dog month, Disney’s new film, Beverly Hills Chihuahua hits theaters October 3. The film is about Chloe, [...]
[...] Mulch can be just as dangerous if it contains cocoa bean shells. [...]