[News] Cocoa Bean Mulch Can Be Fatal to Dogs
 

It's that time of year when many of us are busy making our gardens grow. But before you put down that fresh mulch you need to know what to choose because, if you choose one specific type of mulch it could have deadly results.

Sophie is pretty thirsty after a tail-wagging day playing in her yard. Her owners get a little frustrated, however, because their landscaping efforts are futile.

"This area used to be all mulch, but like most dogs Sophie likes to burrow in it and chew it which could be deadly," her owner said.

According to veterinarian Dr. Steven Giles, it could be deadly if it is cocoa bean mulch.

"It has the same active ingredient as chocolate in there, and that is toxic to the system," he said.

Eating the mulch can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even death. Nursery specialist Larry Broadhurst said its scent attracts dogs.

"Smells like cocoa puffs," he said. "It's like you just need to add milk."

Chocolate is a known danger for dogs. This mulch is chocolate in one of it's strongest forms.

"It's the cocoa husk, it's made from the cocoa bean," Broadhurst said.

That cocoa look and smell also attracts homeowners, but many don't know its danger to dogs.

"You have other alternatives out there," Giles said. "If you have a pet, pick something else and don't take the chance."

This is very lightweight mulch and can be blown easily, so even if you don't have a dog you need to be careful.

"You don't want to be liable for someone else's pet," Broadhurst said. "Or, the person needs to let the homeowner know they have cocoa mulch. That way, everybody's aware."

That leaves dogs such as Sophie to do what they love, risk free.

If you think your dog has ingested cocoa bean mulch, you should call your vet immediately.

http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=1882957