A handsome fella looking for a home in Seattle

 Meet Rico, a young tuxedo kitten ready to steal your heat with his charms. He's described as an all around happy guy who loves to cuddle. Thanks to organizations like Seattle's FCAT: Feral Cat Assistance and Rescue, he is one of many kitties given a chance at a forever home away from the dangers feral cats face every day. Programs such as FCAT are not shelters; they specialize in TNR: Trap, Neuter and Return programs for feral cats in the area. Using traps such as the well known Havahart style, programs like this capture feral cats in order to spay/neuter them, then return them back into the wild usually with a tagged ear to distinguish those that have been altered. Doing this work sometimes brings about a litter of kittens. Unlike adult cats which have never had close human contact, kittens do have the ability to bond and socialize well into a human home.  If you'd like to meet him, visit All The Best Pet Care in Ballard at 1909 NW Market St.

Furry friends on the Fourth

     

Fireworks went on sale around here last weekend. That means Rolo, our shy little rescue dog, has already started to show signs of anxiety. We have no idea what her past included other than time on the streets of LA and some traumatic animal control situations thereafter. One firecracker went off mid-day and she ran from the sofa to my chair and burrowed into my shirt. Her shaking continued for close to a half hour. Nothing I could do seemed to console her. As you can see, this coming holiday is going to be a challenge for both of us.

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching. Although fireworks are beautiful to enjoy after a nice BBQ with your family and friends, animals may have a very different opinion of this day. If you have pets, now is the time to prepare in order to make it a safe and tolerable holiday for them. Dogs and cats come to mind first, but please take care of pets that may reside outdoors such as those in dog runs, rabbit hutches, or even chickens.

 Some of the best ways to make your pet feel more comfortable are easy and will cost you little to nothing. For example, dogs typically enjoy a den-like setting. Whether this be their crate, a blanket/chair fort you make, or a space under the bed where they like to hide - allow this. It's their own instinctual coping mechanism at work telling them to get safe and get out of the way. Cats may also hide under beds, sofas, or in some cases way back under the front porch. Some outdoor cats may run farther than usual and end up in unfamiliar territory during a "fight or flight" reaction. It's recommended to keep pets indoors on this day, even if a pet may be used to  roaming free or an above ground shelter in the back yard. Try to set up a contained indoor area, perhaps on linoleum, in the garage, or a make den space as mentioned above.  If you don't already have heavy curtains, a blanket can be added as a window covering to help block sound and keep the flashes to a minimum. Rabbits could be put in a cat carrier and kept indoors for the time being. Placing some hay from the hutch into the carrier will bring a familiar scent with them. For dogs and cats, socks or a t-shirt that's been worn by you (but not laundered yet) placed in the kennel/carrier/hiding spot is another comforting presence when their anxiety spikes.  Remember to provide all pets with water and snacks. Animals under stress tend to pant more and need additional hydration. Don't forget offering a longer walk or "potty break" followed by a special treat before placing them into a contained area. We don't want them to feel they are in trouble and being sent away.  A high-carb meal may also help them feel full and sleepy, such as how we feel after a big plate of mac & cheese! Horses are harder to prepare for Independence Day due to their size and potential to 'spook' at loud unannounced sounds. You might consider boarding them in a facility with an indoor arena or stalls if cost permits.

What if your pet is too fearful, aggressive or is known for nervous licking/digging behaviors? Medications can be used, but should be a last resort in my opinion. Introducing a sedative into a pet in these situations could lead them to feel more anxious. Temporary sedatives can make the pet groggy and feel heavy while unable to address their high anxiety. Imagine being too sleepy and unable move away from perceived danger; thus making you feel even more helpless and stressed. Of course, always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's issues and take their recommendations as needed. Feel free to combine any medication with the added comforts suggested earlier, too. If natural remedies are your thing: Bach's Rescue Remedy comes in a pet friendly formula, try using relaxing essential oils in a bath that day, or play rhythmic music to help drown out the cracks and pops. If you have a dog or cat that allows you to dress them, there is an amazing product called a Thunder Vest. It's made of tight spandex materials that hug your pet closely, applying some pressure to their core. It's like having a tight hug at all times. I've seen this approach used successfully in children with autism and other sensory development issues, as well as with a large fearful dog we met in Rolo's puppy skills class.

There has been some concern for reinforcing fearful behavior by comforting your dog during and directly after loud, scary sounds. For example, as noted in classical conditioning - when you pair a behavior with an event, it can become reinforced in the brain, making it difficult to redirect. These things can happen purposefully or unintentionally. Cuddling with your pet after she's shaking in a corner could precondition her to believe that any time something scares her you will be there. This can't always be the case and her natural coping skills could diminish over time in her over-reliance on you. But, there is the opposing theory that if you pair the loud sound with a treat or a favorite toy, she may learn to view the loud sounds as a precursor to something yummy. With my own pets I'll try to appear confident and unmoved by the noise; act "normal" and give affection as usual. Giving a scritch on the back or saying a hello to your pet if they come to sit by you if these are things you do on any other day. If you have or know others with dogs that are fine with firework noise, ask if they can be paired up with your dog that day. Pack instincts may spark and your dog could learn by example.

The Fourth of July can be a celebratory time for you and your family; one where your pet can socialize with everyone during a backyard picnic, but should be allowed his own safe space when evening falls. Preparing some personality related comforts specific to your pet in advance can make the night a success and help teach your pet trust in you as their human companion.

Bionic cat (feet)

photo via The Straights Times/AFP

I've seen this article and video all over today. I watched with happy tears when the cat gets up and starts walking, then climbing around - right after waking from the procedure! And who doesn't appreciate a doc that gives a big hug & a kiss to a cute special kitty like Oscar. A new technique they are experimenting with - having a coating on the metal pegs so that tissue cells then skin will attach without rejection - is a breakthrough in the future of amputee medicine. Intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics (Itaps) has already been tried on a woman who lost an arm. Thanks, Oscar, and to your humans, who were so willing to put the time, love and expense into giving you a pretty normal quality of life after such a tragic accident!



(I did not write the following, it was taken from the BBC News site where the video is available and highly recommended.

A cat that had its back feet severed by a combine harvester has been given two prosthetic limbs in a pioneering operation by a UK vet.

The new feet are custom-made implants that "peg" the ankle to the foot. They are bioengineered to mimic the way deer antler bone grows through the skin.

The operation - a world first - was carried out by Noel Fitzpatrick, a veterinary surgeon based in Surrey.

His work is explored in a BBC documentary called The Bionic Vet.

The cat, named Oscar, was referred to Mr Fitzpatrick by his local vet in Jersey, following the accident last October. Oscar was struck by the combine harvester whilst dozing in the sun.

The prosthetic pegs, called intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics (Itaps) were developed by a team from University College London led by Professor Gordon Blunn, who is head of UCL's Centre for Biomedical Engineering.

Professor Blunn and his team have worked in partnership with Mr Fitzpatrick to develop these weight-bearing implants, combining engineering mechanics with biology.

Mr Fitzpatrick explained: "The real revolution with Oscar is [that] we have put a piece of metal and a flange into which skin grows into an extremely tight bone."

"We have managed to get the bone and skin to grow into the implant and we have developed an 'exoprosthesis' that allows this implant to work as a see-saw on the bottom of an animal's limbs to give him effectively normal gait."

Professor Blunn told BBC News the idea was initially developed for patients with amputations who have a "stump socket".

"This means they fix their artifical limb with a sock, which fits over the stump. In a lot of cases this is sucessful, but you [often] get rubbing and pressure sores."

The Itap technology is being tested in humans and has already been used to create a prosthetic for a woman who lost her arm in the July 2005 London bombings.

"The intriguing thing with Oscar was that he had two implants - one in each back leg, and in quite an unusual site," Professor Blunn told BBC News.

He said that the success of this operation showed the potential of the technology.

"Noel has some brilliant ideas," he added. "And we're continuing to work closely with him to develop new technologies."

The Bionic Vet is on BBC 1 at 2245 BST on Wednesday

An additional story from NPR.org is available here and talks more about the surgical process, the engineers, and the cost estimates.

Martha Stewart and pets are a good thing

Finally! I'm not surprised, but I sure am excited. Being a big Martha fan since she first swayed me with her Halloween decorating brilliance, I couldn't wait to click on the link a friend just sent me. Petsmart is carrying a Martha Stewart line of pet products: beds, clothing, grooming supplies, how-to's and recipes!

I'm not sure where Rolo would wear this, but I just might buy it! Besides, she would look lovely in baby blue. This doggy bathrobe retails for $16-20, sized XS - L. Other items included a small plastic bathtub, a grooming supply tote, leash bag holder, and can covers. And like other Martha Stewart collections (Macy's, KMart) they have the trademark light blue & red accent colors on most all products that seems to make them stand out from other brands and make me extra happy for some odd reason. 

Her How-To section contains brief tidbits that are a little more common sense than informative, but it did include important things like preventing canine bloat/gastric torsion which can be deadly to large breeds such as Great Danes. Her product line includes a specially designed food bowl with molded "bumps," for lack of a better word, inside the bowl. This is to help slow down your dogs eating, in turn preventing tummy upset by ingesting too much food to fast and too much air with it. Seems very clever, but I doubt my pug would've been able to utilize this with his lack of a muzzle. He had magical skills in making a pile of food disappear in seconds and could've benefitted from an invention like this if made adaptable. 

Recipes... anything Martha would be lacking without some cooking tips! How about homemade dog biscuits? How about those fancy hand cut biscuits in apple-cheddar or blueberry flavors? Petsmart's Martha Stewart pet collection Recipes & Projects section tells you how and even includes a link to a light blue cookie jar to keep them fresh. 

Dear T. Abby,

 My pet rabbit, Spud, lives outside in a nice custom rabbit hutch. He has plenty of space to be inside or out. Lately the temp is getting warmer and I'm starting to sweat.  Does my rabbit?
         -Simon


Dear Simon,

Interesting question. It's nice to get some mail about a pet other than a dog or cat, too. Rabbits can't sweat. And they won't pant like a dog either. Instead they have their own built in cooling system within their ears! Spud's ears are set out from the body's core and contain many tiny capillaries. When his ears are blowing in the wind his blood cools and thus does his body. However, if it's a mighty hot day, feel his ears. Are they hot? If so, it's a nice cool treat to apply a damp cloth or spray them lightly with a water mist. And while you're at it, I believe he's been asking you for a fresh bale of timothy hay.
      Happy hopping,
                T.

Welcome to flea season

Summer is on its way and so are the fleas! Some pet owners apply preventatives to their pets year-round. In our Seattle climate, I usually can get away with skipping the late fall through April, but am prepared for the potential need to apply an anti-flea remedy as early as May. This year it's been wet, cold, and soggy. We've had a few runs of warm weather, but luckily I have not noticed any signs of fleas hitching a ride on the dog or cat. But, alas, it's time to apply!

Flea collars and powders are a thing of the past. New topical solutions have taken over the flea product market. Some are even as broad as to kill ticks, mites, and various worms. Price varies dramatically. Some are prescription only, while others you can buy at pet stores or even on eBay. When choosing the right flea product it helps to have a little understanding of the flea's life cycle and your pet's play habits to know which is best.

Fleas have basically two purposes: eat and lay eggs. And they're smart about when to do so. A flea will lay dormant in a cocoon like formation until it senses a potential host is nearby.  This can be in the grass, blankets, or under furniture. It will pick up slight vibrations and carbon dioxide from a host, which in turn triggers is to emerge.  Adult fleas can be awakened falsely, in which case they usually die within a week or two.  Fleas can jump high into the air and land amongst the host's hair. If an animal isn't present, but instead we are, it will usually bite on the ankle just above the sock line. Although itchy and sometimes painful, fleas do not like to live on humans as we have a blood type that will not sustain them. They dislike light and heat. You may already have noticed that when you spread your cat's fur apart and see a flea, they quickly scurry into a new clump of fur to get away from the light you just introduced into their hiding place. As soon as the adult flea finds a tasty host, it begins to feed. Once satisfied it will begin to lay eggs - up to 50 per day! These eggs will hatch in a matter of days into a larvae state. Soon it will transform into a pupae - meaning it will form a cocoon to protect itself for a year if necessary. These cocoons are well designed. Insecticides have a difficult time penetrating them and they are resistant to heat and light.  Once mature, it begins it's life as an adult as mentioned above.

Some flea products only target adult fleas. Some will kill the pupae as well. Some are water resistant or waterproof. I have tried two products: Advantage and Revolution. Advantage seems to have a high success rate. I use it on both my cat and dog.  On one occasion I used Revolution on my dog because he was around children daily. It kills most common pet worms as well as fleas and ticks, making it a good preventative for small kiddos that would put things in their mouths that the dog may have been on. There is a very comprehensive flea product comparison here. Advantage and Frontline do not need a prescription nowadays. Advantage is said to kill fleas faster than Frontline, but it will wash-off in the bath or pool. I am about to apply Frontline Plus to both my cat and dog. I'll keep you posted on the results compared to the other two products I've used in the past.

If you are looking for a natural way to prevent fleas or kill existing ones, there are a few methods safe for your pets. Diatomaceous Earth, which is made up of the tiny shells of small sea creatures called diatoms, that basically dehydrate the flea. Dirt Works has a great descriptions of this product. It is safe for your pet, yard, and house. It's a very fine powder that can be dusted lightly into your pet's fur, spread around carpet and left for a few days, or squeezed into cracks in foundations. Not only will it kill fleas, but I have heard good results with ants and spiders, too. Be aware that this product is also sold for swimming pool filters. However the pool formula is harmful to pets as it has been chemically treated! Pyrethrins, derived from the chrysanthemum, will kill fleas fast, but may not be a long term preventative. It is an insecticide, but it is usually non-toxic to pets if used as directed. I've seen it mainly in powders.  A brief article about how they work and the products they are found in it here. Vacuuming frequently, keeping pet bedding washed often, and grooming your pet are good preventative measures that cost little and keep you and your pet healthy.

What did the cat bring in?

Keeping your cat contained may be the best way to prevent diseases - for them and for you. But this is often impractical.  For example, I have a male tabby that loves to be outdoors during the day, especially when it's warm, and he'll often ask to go out for a short time in the late evenings. When I see him in my yard he's creeping between bushes, stalking bugs, feeling cocky climbing three feet up a fruit tree, and chasing shadows. Basically, he's having a ton of cat fun and I would be doing him a disservice by keeping him indoors. Especially when I know exploring the yard makes his life that much happier and provides exercise he wouldn't otherwise get.

But what about when he's out mousing?

Cats are natural mousers. They may hunt birds, too, but the majority of their scouting is for mice/rats. I recently had an extermination company come and clean up a mess previous owners did not tend to. The attic had a large rodent infestation that led to damage, feces, and a bad smell when temperatures were warm. In addition - mice and rats were using my attic as a Bed & Breakfast. This was Heaven for the cat, but worrisome to me. What about the poisons they put down? What about diseases the mice/rat may have been hosting? Fleas? Worms? Or what if he chokes or is bitten?

Being bitten by any wild animal could be a cause for Rabies in your pet. Most companion animals receive this vaccination early on and vet clinics are usually good about sending reminder cards. And county animal control will usually have a registration and send you a pet tag that states the date. Vaccinating for rabies should be first on the list for outdoor cat owners. Be sure you're familiar with what the symptoms look like: anxiousness, hiding away from you, a fever, irritability to aggression, and in the late and fatal stages - paralysis.

Tapeworms can spread and infect you or other pets in the home. Mice/rats are known carries of tapeworms, which stem from fleas ingested at particular life stages in their cycle. The rodent then becomes a host. Eating the mouse/rat or a part of it that has tapeworm, or an infected flea, can lead to a tapeworm infestation in your pet. It may take a while for symptoms to show up, but be on the lookout for bloated belly, weight loss, and the telltale sign - small rice grain looking eggs on your cat's anus or on the bedding it usually sleeps on. Treatment is fairly easy - dewormers are given at the vet. There are also some over the counter medications you can use at home.

Leptospira is another concern for cat owners. It's a bacterial infection that enters through the skin and travels all over the system - kidneys, liver, eyes, brain, etc.  The degree of severity depends on how sturdy your cat's immune system is. Antibiotics and possible hospitalization are the usual treatment methods. But note, Leptospira is a zoonotic disease. Meaning, it can travel from cat to human, or to other pets in the home! Careful handling of the cat is important if you are fairly certain this is what's ailing him.  Your vet will probably recommend scanning the home and yard, sheds, and garages for rodent urine stains or feces to help determine if you have an infestation issue that needs to be addressed, too.

 A less concerning disease that may be passed from birds to cats, then onto other animals (even you) is the Bird Flu H5N1. It's rare, but there have been cases in some areas of the world. You would need to be aware of any outbreaks in your area. You can usually find this information on the CDC's web site. There's no guaranteed way to prevent this risk other than becoming an indoor-only cat. There are some precautions you can take. Know where your cat roams. Is it just the neighbors, or does she travel a block and mingle with multiple other cats along the way? Keep the sleeping area clean. Bleach things when laundered and be sure to wash the food & water bowls regularly. Symptoms mimic that of other common  feline respiratory infections: a runny nose, watery eyes, and wheezing when breathing. If you have a notion that H5N1 is prevalent in your area, and your cat shows these symptoms, it's best to consult a vet. If it's not H5N1, it could still be an infection that's easily treated sooner than later.

Human medications used for pets

In most cases, human drugs are for humans. If you recall, we discussed human drugs in the pet poisons post a few weeks back. However, like most things, there are exceptions to the rule. Their dosage can differ severely from what is safe, therapeutic, or deadly, so be sure you consult with a vet or vet tech prior to administering any human medication on your own.

Some common ailments that we seem to want to treat ourselves are diarrhea, pain, allergic reactions, or anxiety to name a few. For example, our little dog, Rolo, had a great time rolling around and sniffing in the grass clippings after a fresh mow. What seemed so cute in the moment has led to a very itchy and sneezy dog!  In these cases, there is a pet/drug ratio that can be given safely.

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) - for allergic reactions, separation anxiety, or anti-vertigo problems. From researching the web and my own vet's dosage: 1mg/lb is safe for both dogs and cats. This is higher than the human dose, but works well for pets. Its main side effect is drowsiness; making it helpful for anxious pets (like on 4th of July).

Kaopectate (Kaolin) - for diarrhea; please note that the new formula has an ingredient that is harmful to cats. If you have the original formula without salicylates, then .5mg/lb every 5 hours is ok for both dogs and cats. Main side effect is constipation. Remember, original formula only! If you're unsure of which you have, then it's best to not use in cats just to be safe.

Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) - for nausea & diarrhea, but again, not safe for cats due to salicylate. For dogs: 1ml/10lbs every 8 hours. This medication has been used for treating diarrhea in ferrets, too, but check with your veterinarian for the proper dosage.

Buffered Aspirin - for pain and inflamation. Dosage has to be so much less in cats that it's best to just not give this medication. For dogs, 5-10mg/lb. In cases of large breeds (60lbs+) a regular 325mg tablet can be given. Side effects are an upset stomach; sticking with buffered is helpful to prevent this. 
*Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not safe for pets. It can cause severe liver damage in dogs; change the hemoglobin in cats!

Water safety for dogs

It's getting close to summer and that means more trips to the dog park, beach, or wooded areas for picnics and camping. Many dogs love to splash around or swim in the water. Some even train that way, labs for example. But there are some concerns that you may not have thought about that time Sparky jumped in the local park's pond and cooled off.

Blue-green algae, from the family cyanobacteria, is the number one caution for still water swimming. Lakes, ponds - even manmade - can contain this algae that can be toxic to your pet. "Toxic Blooms" are common in some states, usually in late summer, but it can happen year round. It's common for your dog to ingest water as it swims/plays and you may not even see it happen. Blue-green algae has been known to cause death in some dogs, or serious gastrointestinal issues in others. Depending on the concentration, death can occur in as little as 20 minutes! Other dangers in manmade water sources are chemicals they may be using to prevent the algae from forming or run-off containing fertilizers/pesticides from the grass surrounding them. These can cause skin irritation, eye burn, and if ingested, gastrointestinal problems. In severe cases it can lead to liver problems or neurological damage. Image left is of a toxic bloom in a Missouri pond.

What about pools or at-the-beach fun?
Pools are a safer alternative in that the algae concern is less. However, chlorine and other disinfectants can cause some skin irritation if the dog it not rinsed with fresh water after the swim. The main concern with dogs and pools is tiring out. Imagine yourself swimming around and around unable to see the differentiation of the white pool sides and the white step to exit. Dogs can tire out and drown if left in the pool too long without supervision. This is especially important in older dogs. Be in the pool with your pet when possible, and invest in a dog life jacket.

Ocean currents can pull a dog under quickly. This can happen in rough surf that blocks your vision and leaves you unable to aid them. Be aware of sand fleas that could leave red itchy bumps on your dog's belly. Scan the area for jelly fish. And be sure to not let your dog ingest the water if possible. Salt water can cause stomach upset or more severe sickness. And again, rinse your pup after play. Leaving salt water on their skin or in their ears can cause irritation or bacterial growth.

If this all sounds too fussy, or your unsure you can provide the necessary precautions for your dog at a lake or beach - then a safe, inexpensive alternative is a plastic kiddy pool! They come in various sizes, colors, and you control the depth. Sprinklers and hoses can add to the fun. These are great alternatives for older or smaller dogs.

And remember - some dogs are not swimmers! Research your dogs breed and note their size and strength in addition to their interest in water.

Dear T. Abby,

I want to figure out how old my beagle, Snotts, is. Dad said to multiply how old he is by 7. That just doesn't seem right. How do you calculate dog years into human years?
          Thanks, Rex


Dear Rex,
Thanks for your question - it's a common dilemma. Somewhere the classic formula of one dog year equals seven in human years came to be popular. However, it's really a poor estimate on your dog's "human" age. First imagine a 7 year old human. If 1 pet year is supposed to equal 7 human years, then that would mean a 7 year old kid would have already gone through puberty and be at full height already.  And if a typical average sized dog lives about 15 years, that would be equal to the average human living over a hundred years. The 1:7 formula also does not take into account that smaller dogs live longer.

Rather than use 7 as the standard, a more accurate way is to use 4 for small dogs, 5 for medium, and 6 for large. Use 15 years as the starting point for your dog's first year - that is a typical age a child has reached or finished puberty and already had their growth spurts. Then multiply the remaining years by the number best suited to its size (4, 5, or 6).
For example, if Snotty (a medium dog) is 8, then he would be 15 + (7x6) = 57.
     Yours truly, T

Livin' Large

Doghouses aren't confined to the traditional wood box or the plastic igloo anymore! DIY Network  featured the top Designer Doghouses. Here are a few; for more pictures and designer information, visit the DIY page.

Some are inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, Korean architecture, or to match the owner's home.

If these aren't posh enough for your four-star pooch, a Missouri company has raised the barre even higher. Doggy Dream Homes will custom build you a luxury dog home - complete with heat or a/c, furniture, drapes, and even a deck with a doggie pool! They offer many options in roofing, flooring, exterior look, skylights, and screened porches. 

Upcoming Seattle pet events

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat 2010 month! Visit the Seattle Animal Shelter for details on adoptions, licensing, microchipping and donations. Many cats & kittens available for adoption will be on display Saturday, June 12 from 12-3pm at Miller Community Center: 330 19th Ave E in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Sunday June 20th, 2010
2010 FURRY 5K FUN RUN
This is Seattle Animal Shelter's 11th annual Fun Run.
The race takes place at Seattle's Seward Park and helps raise money for the Help The Animals Fund. Run or walk the 5k and help raise needed funds to help injured or abused orphaned animals.

Some Thursday cute

Cocoa Mulch dangerous to dogs

Some of you may recall a gardening fad of using a cocoa based mulch in your flower beds. It does have benefits to the soil, keeps slugs away,  and when damp smells like chocolate. Concerns have been popping up about this since as early as May 2003. There was one report of a lab that did indeed die from eating the mulch. A necropsy showed cocoa shells in his stomach. Because one of the most commonly known foods poisonous to dogs is chocolate, there is an expected increase in pet safety concerns.

How much chocolate is in this mulch? Can it really harm dogs if they eat it?
Yes, and no. The concentration is the variable. The mulch contains two important ingredients for dog owners to be aware of: theobromine and caffeine. Both are methylxanthines that can cause stomach problems if eaten in small amounts, but lead to tremors, increased heart rate, seizures and possibly death if eaten in larger quantities. The ASPCA gives these examples: a 50lbs dog eating 2oz would likely cause stomach upset; 4.5oz tremors and increased heart rate; 5.3oz seizures; over 9oz potential death. This is not the same ratio as, for example, a milk chocolate bar that your dog gets into. Cocoa mulch has an unpredictable range of 300-1200mg of theobromine per ounce. However, this still makes it the most concentrated source of theobromine that a pet would encounter.

Newer versions of the cocoa mulch are now on the market. These brands claim that they are safe for pets - now theobromine free. The best advice is to do your research. Explore stores where "green" products are the focus. Look on product websites. And check with your veterinarian if you still aren't sure. If your dog is showing symptoms listed above and are worried that your dog did ingest this cocoa based mulch, see if you still have the product packaging and call your vet or an animal poison hotline.

Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680
ASPCA poison control 888-426-4435
(these services charge a fee)