Poison Advisory - ASPCA warns about the potential health hazards of cocoa bean mulch
With spring comes yard work that includes tending to our gardens. Cocoa bean mulch has become a commonly used product in landscaping, principally in gardens to choke out weeds and retain ground moisture. However, cocoa bean mulch is a by-product of chocolate production, and like chocolate, contains methylxanthines, the same ingredient that can has been implicated in chocolate toxicity in dog. Common symptoms include vomiting and muscle tremors. Many dogs enjoy the taste and readily consume the cocoa bean mulch. Therefore, caution or avoidance should be used for dogs that are commonly left in the yard unsupervised or have indiscriminate eating habits.
Enjoy your spring!
About Dr. Walt Ingwersen
Dr. Walt Ingwersen is Chief Veterinary Officer at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd." target="_new">PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. He is a 1982 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. Board certified in Internal Medicine, he has the distinction of being the first Canadian editor of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, a position he currently holds.
Involved in many aspects of the national and international veterinary community, "Dr. Walt" is the recipient of the President's Award for outstanding contribution to the veterinary profession awarded by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). He is also Chief Veterinary Officer and Chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Board at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. -- Canada's leading provider of insurance for dogs and cats.
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