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)