Cocoa Mulch and Chocolate Toxicity

By: Lorelei Prichard DVM
About the author

Mulching your beds provides moisture retention and a beautiful backdrop for your flowering plants and trees. Because of its lovely aroma and attractive, dark color, many find cocoa mulch a desirable alternative to pine straw, cedar mulch or ordinary wood chips. Despite is allure, cocoa mulch should be used with care as it can be a hidden danger to your dogs.

Cocoa mulch is made from cocoa bean shells and is a byproduct of chocolate production. Accidental chocolate ingestion by dogs is among the twenty most common poisonings reported, and chocolate products contain variable amounts of theobromine and caffeine. These are potent cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulants. What most people don’t realize is that cocoa mulch can contain more toxin per ounce than their average chocolate bar.

Because of the origins of cocoa mulch, dogs who consume it can develop signs of chocolate toxicity; small dogs are at greater risk because of their slight body weight. The toxins contained in the mulch are rapidly absorbed and will remain in the system for 3-4 days. They are also known to cross the placenta and will be excreted in a nursing mother’s milk.

Vomiting and diarrhea are often the first signs of toxicity and are usually seen within 2-4 hours after ingestion. Affected dogs will often appear hyperactive or restless, progressing to seizures and muscle spasms. Advanced signs include weakness, cardiac failure, coma and death – often within 12-36 hours.

Cocoa bean mulch can contain up to 238 mg of theobromine per ounce of mulch, however the concentration of this toxic ingredient can vary with growing conditions before harvesting. Some manufacturers of cocoa bean mulch propose that their mulch processing protocol leads to decreased toxicity. There is no data available to confirm or refute this statement.

In comparison with cocoa mulch, 1 ounce of dark chocolate contains 130 mg of theobromine and 20 mg of caffeine. The average 1.55 oz milk chocolate bar contains 93 mg of theobromine and approximately 9 mg of caffeine.

One ounce of dark chocolate will (at the very least) cause a 10 lb dog to have vomiting and diarrhea, whereas two ounces of dark chocolate (260mg theobromine) can result in potential death. Remember that 1 oz of cocoa bean mulch can contain up to 238 mg of this toxic substance.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested cocoa mulch, contact your veterinarian immediately. Although there is no antidote for chocolate toxicity, symptomatic treatment can greatly improve your pet’s chance of survival. Successfully treated pets usually recover completely.

How will my veterinarian treat my pet if he has ingested a toxic amount of mulch? If your pet is not already displaying seizures, your vet will induce vomiting to expel the noxious contents. Once vomiting is controlled, multiple doses of activated charcoal (or similar product) will be given to absorb the remaining toxins in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Your pet’s prognosis is good if vomiting is induced and activated charcoal given within 2-4 hours of ingestion.

A catheter may be placed in your pet’s arm to provide intravenous fluids to counteract dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by protracted vomiting. Additional medications may be necessary to control hyperactivity, seizures and heart related issues associated with poisoning.

Dogs are known to have indiscriminate eating habits, and young dogs are more likely to ingest large amounts of uncommon foods. It’s not unusual to hear of a pet that has consumed a sock or child’s toy, and these same dogs may find the aroma and taste of your mulch especially pleasing to the palate. Families with less than finicky pets may find that their new landscape is more expensive that they originally believed!
 

Copyright © 2009 Lorelei Prichard DVM