Post by Sidney on Jun 28, 2008 0:19:32 GMT -5
WARNING: TOXIC MULCH (many dog deaths already)
Date:5/27/2008 7:22:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time
As stated in the message, SNOPES reports that this is true info.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and
wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving
friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased
Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled
and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden.
Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and
devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical
when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next
day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way
through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.
Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further
investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to
dogs and cats.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is
true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch
can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each
individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."
True information about the mulch can be found here –
www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
This site gives the following information:
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called
"Theobromine”. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die.
Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what
your gardeners are using in your gardens.
Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs.
Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, axanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A
dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis
of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
Please email the manufacturer at michellemessick@ ... and request that accurate information about this product be posted on the packaging to
avoid further tragedy.
PLEASE GIVE THIS THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION! !!
Thank You,
Lee Dooley
Adoption Manager
540-344-8707 ext. 105
snopes.com: Cocoa Mulch [New Window]
Can Theobromine, a chemical found in cocoa mulch, be harmful to pets? ... Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, ...
www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Cocoa Mulch Toxic to Dogs Warning Email [New Window]
Jun 2, 2006 ... Email forward warns that Cocoa Mulch can be harmful to dogs.
www.hoax-slayer.com/cocoa-mulch-warning.html
ConsumerReports.org - Cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs 6/06 [New Window]
Other natural alternatives to cocoa mulch, like cedar chips and pine straw, are typically less toxic but still may contain resins and oils that trigger ...
www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/cocoa-mulch-is-toxic-to-dogs-6-06/overview/0606_cocoa-mulch-toxic-to-dogs_ov.htm
Theobromine - Cocoa Mulch Warning [New Window]
According to some, therobromine is toxic to a dog when it ingests Cocoa Mulch. It looks and smells just like chocolate to your pets. Cocoa Mulch actually ...
www.sheltie-rescue.org/theobromine_-_cocoa_mulch_warning.htm
PET OWNERS - - COCOA MULCH WARNING!! [New Window]
May 14, 2008 ... Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other ... Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of ...
www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=124404
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