There is a reliable email alert going around about the perils of Cocoa landscape mulch. (If you haven’t already, here is the scoop from Snopes. (Hershey’s produces the fragrant mulch, which contains the caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate. If enough is consumed, even a few ounces could result in seizures and death in addition to stomach issues. (ASPCA Poison Control claims that feeding a 10-pound dog as little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate can result in serious health issues. ).
Most garden supply stores sell the mulch, and according to Hershey’s, 98% of dogs won’t eat it. Although it’s unlikely that your pet will get a chance to eat the mulch, it’s better to be safe than sorry given the high risks.
Mulch is just chopped-up sticks, which is a dog’s favorite toy, so it makes sense that a dog would eat it. However, Embrace recently handled claims where a pet ate regular mulch (non-toxic, basic mulch), and the splinters and debris caused a painful obstruction. The dog had two surgeries to try and remove the numerous tiny wood splinters from his bowel, but he was killed by infection and contamination. Â.
A tragic warning to all of us to watch over your pets while they play, especially if they have a tendency to chew on foreign objects
Top 5 Best Mulches for Dogs
Made of organically grown straw, this type of mulch is both dog and child-friendly.
It is small enough to pass through a puppy’s digestive system and free of dyes and pesticides. Top Pick.
This mulched processed hay is ideal for garden beds and promoting grass growth. It guards against birds eating your seeds, and the straw decomposes. We adore using it as a barrier to keep your dogs’ paws out of the mud as well!
How Dangerous Is Cocoa Bean Mulch for Your Dog?
Cocoa pods, cocoa beans, and cocoa shells.
A cocoa bean shell mulch is the riskiest kind of mulch. Even humans agree that it smells delicious, and dogs find it to be almost irresistible. A picky cat might even try a bean or two, but he or she rarely eats enough to become an issue.
Due to its advantageous nutrients and appealing appearance, cocoa bean mulch is advantageous for gardens. It includes nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, all of which promote root development, growth, and water uptake in plants.
Sadly, it also includes dangerous methylxanthines, particularly theobromine and caffeine.
Dogs cannot process either of these substances in the same way that humans can, and even a small amount can result in vomiting and trembling of the muscles.
According to one dog owner, cocoa bean mulch can even be fatal. Almost every year, a story circulates about a dog named Calypso who allegedly ate enough cocoa bean mulch that she later collapsed and died.
Dr. Maureen McMichael, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, warns that “Cocoa mulch is significantly more toxic than milk chocolate or even baker’s chocolate because it has quite a bit more theobromine in it.”
In addition, “many of the dogs that present with a history of consuming cocoa mulch do not survive if… not stopped promptly.” ”.
On the other hand, Dr. Steve Hansen, the director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center, believes that ingesting cocoa bean mulch is unlikely to kill a dog.
The organization receives numerous reports of dogs vomiting or shaking after consuming cocoa bean mulch each year, but none of the reports mention any animals dying from lethal toxicosis as a result.
Hansen and his associates investigated how cocoa bean mulch affected dogs in their study.
According to their research, “Dogs that consume cocoa bean shell mulch may exhibit symptoms of methylxanthine toxicosis… These signs are similar to those seen in chocolate poisonings”.
However, Hansen claims that few dogs find cocoa bean mulch to be appetizing enough to consume a lethal amount.
A dog will experience mild symptoms of chocolate toxicosis after consuming 20 mg/kg of theobromine and caffeine; more severe symptoms begin at 40–50 mg/kg, and seizures happen at 60 mg/kg or more.
As a result, puppies and smaller dog breeds are more at risk than larger adult dogs because they can become seriously ill or even die after consuming just a small amount of mulch.
#2 Natural Cedar Shavings
This mulch has a pleasant fragrance, but it won’t tantalize your dog’s tastebuds the way cocoa bean mulch does.
In addition to being risk-free for your dog, it also keeps insects away and nourishes the soil. Our Pick.
For gardening, crafting, and a variety of other artisan crafts, cedar shavings are ideal. Because it is absorbent and has odor-fighting properties, it may also be used as animal bedding. 100% natural.
FAQ
What color mulch is bad for dogs?
Gardeners love cocoa bean mulch for its cloyingly sweet aroma and vibrant color, but dogs cannot consume this product made from cocoa shells.
Is brown mulch toxic?
I sometimes encounter customers who ask, “Is colored mulch toxic?”. The majority of colored mulches are colored using safe dyes, such as iron oxide-based red dyes or carbon-based black and dark brown dyes. However, some inexpensive dyes may be tainted with hazardous or toxic chemicals.
How much mulch is toxic to dogs?
Toxic doses start at 100-250mg/kg. As a result, a 60-pound dog would only need to consume less than 3 ounces of typical cocoa mulch to receive a toxic dose. Vomiting, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, muscle tremors or spasms, seizures, and hyperthermia can all result from theobromine poisoning.
What if my dog eats mulch?
Call your veterinarian right away to schedule an appointment if you have any reason to believe your pet has consumed cocoa mulch or any other type of mulch in your garden. All risks associated with mulch toxicity can become serious. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.