Cocoa mulch can be a dangerous substance. It is made out of crushed caco bean shells and can be harmful to cats and dogs. Many people buy cocoa mulch for its attractive looks and smell, but do not no how bad it is for animals. Two of the substances found in chocolate that make chocolate bad for animals is also found in cocoa mulch- caffeine and theobromine. Theobromine is especially toxic to horses, dogs, parrots, voles, and cats because they are unable to metabolize the chemical effectively. But dogs are the animals that eat this mulch the most.
Depending on the size of the dog and how much is consumed, symptoms may vary. According to the ASPCA warning in 2003, "If eaten by a 50 pound dog, about 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death." Studies show that 50% of dogs who consume cocoa mulch suffer physical harm (depending on the dog), but 98% of dogs won't even eat it. Also, puppies are more curious than other dogs, and are more at risk of digesting the mulch. Plus, because dogs metabolize slowly, it can take hours to days before they start showing symptoms.
Theobromine affects the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system, causing vomiting, diarreah, restlessness, urinating more frequently, and muscle tremors. In worse cases, cardiac arrhythmia and seizures can occur. Other than forced vomiting, there is no way to cure theobromine poisoning. Deaths can occur in between 12-24 hours after being ingested.
Recently, some brands of cocoa mulch are saying that their cocoa mulch is now, "theobromine free" and pet friendly. Here is my advice: if you are going to by cocoa mulch, either make sure to watch your dog at all times while outside, or just don't buy the cocoa mulch. It is much safer just to not buy it at all. COMMON SENSE!!! If you think that your dog might have eaten cocoa mulch, contact you vet immediately.
I know this because my cousins dog, K.C., ran away. Before she came home, she ate some cocoa mulch somewhere. She nearly died. It was very scary. The vet gave us a packet that explained everything.
