Another recent story involving the death of a pet ingesting cocca bean mulch prompts us to send our clients this health alert.
The Doctors at Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital recommend that pet owners avoid use of cocoa bean shell mulch in landscaping accessible to dogs ingesting it should be examined by a veterinarian.Cocoa mulch use in landscaping is becoming a popular trend. The mulch is commonly available from most gardening supply shops. Cocoa bean shell mulch products have an attractive odor and smell, and some dogs will eagerly eat large amounts of the mulch. Manufacturers of cocoa mulch products are aware of its danger to pets and most include warning labels.
Dogs consuming cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer may become ill, exhibiting signs similar to those seen with chocolate poisonings
The cocoa mulch contains theobromine and caffeine which effect animals with the following symptoms:
Symptoms to watch for include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- hyperactivity or restlessness
- ataxia
- muscle tremors
- increased or decreased heart rate
- abdominal pain
Seizures, coma, or death may also occur.
Symptoms occur with the ingestion of 45 mg of theobromine per pound of body weight, and deaths have been reported after ingestion of 52 mg per pound of body weight.
Cocoa bean mulch contains 0.19%-2.98% theobromine (54 - 847 mg/oz)
As a related reminder, remember to keep your pet away from chocolate of any kind. The most toxic is unsweetened baking chocolate contains 390 mg/oz, making it especially dangerous to dogs.
If a dog has eaten cocoa bean mulch fertilizer it is important to immediately contact us at 503-579-3300. We are an urgent care facility avaliable from 7am-8pm, or contact an emergency clinic if after hours, Dove Lewis 503-228-7281 or Tualatin 503-691-7922. Treatment will depend on how much cocoa bean mulch a dog has eaten, when the mulch was eaten, and whether the dog is sick.
|
