Alert on FB from a local animal hospital: "Cocoa Mulch"

[G_j]

Last edited Mon May 27, 2013, 10:01 PM - Edit history (5)

It has been pointed out that the initial story
is old, and has been circulating. They include a snopes link. However, there appears to be a reality to the potential danger.
http://www.aspcapro.org/mydocuments/download.php?f=cocoa-mulch.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151486979938049&set=a.396981043048.166047.113690333048&type=1

Rutherford Animal Hospital (NC) posted,

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.
Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided 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. Halfway 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 web site,

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."

*Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp .asp>

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.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine 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.

[rhett o rick]

1. k&r thanks for posting.

[G_j]

2. as this is the time of year people buy garden supplies,

even if someone doesn't own a dog, a neighbor's dog might also get into it.

[rhett o rick]

5. Yesterday my wife was telling me about the cocoa mulch alternative to peat moss.

Robbing bogs of peat moss is not healthy for the planet therefore I was interested. We have two cats, one of which is young and tries to eat everything, including bees, spiders and worms.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. It's normal for cats to eat bugs and worms, which are meat.

And cats are less likely to eat cocoa mulch (which is not meat) than dogs, who will eat damn near anything. Still, you might want to avoid cocoa mulch in case the neighbors' dogs get into it. Cypress mulch works fine.

[rhett o rick]

8. Hadnt heard of cypress mulch. Thanks for the tip. nm

[broiles]

35. I like pine bark mulch.

As it degrades it improves the soil. Especially if you soil is alkali. It's a lot cheaper than cypress.

[rhett o rick]

37. Thanks, I'll look for that. nm

[HiPointDem]

46. Leaves. Chop them in your mower, collect them in the bag, mulch. They work great

and return the nutrients to the soil.

[rhett o rick]

53. I make some great compost. I have two plastic bins and a wire bin.

The wire bin is for holding leaves and other brown items until I can use them in one of the compost bins. In the compost bins I mix one part brown with two parts green. I use produce waste and grass clippings for the green. THe second bin is not tight enough to keep the rats out so I dont use produce waste because the rats love it. I just use grass clippings for the green. I chop it and turn it often and keep it moist.

[Trillo]

51. peat moss is anerobic compost.

usually compost is aerobic. You can make anerobic compost in plastic bags.

[BrotherIvan]

3. Thanks for posting!

I will let all my friends know. That product should be recalled immediately, but sadly it won't. (I see the chicken jerky that was the cause of so many deaths sneaking back on the shelves.) I worry not just about my yard but when I'm taking my dog for a walk.

[In_The_Wind]

4. Kick ~ No Cocoa Mulch! Animals are everywhere.

[DirkGently]

7. Snopes actually rates this as "partly true."

It's a very old story -- 10 years or so. Dogs don't generally eat the mulch, and manufacturers have apparently taken steps to clean it up. I've never even seen it for sale.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=SF_GC_PD_Mulch&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053

Is the cocoa mulch sold at The Home Depot harmful to pets?
The Home Depot does not and will not sell mulch harmful to pets. The mulch sold by The Home Depot containing cocoa shells goes through several cleaning processes, including a high heat system in order to strip the cocoa fat from the shells without the use of any chemicals. The Home Depot has very strict policies and procedures in place to ensure the integrity of the mulch products sold in our stores. All The Home Depot mulch suppliers are required to be certified by the Mulch and Soil Council (MSC) which created the industry standards and criteria for mulch and soil certification and inspection.

Good to know, but also good to know it's not really a problem currently.

[G_j]

9. yet, the hospital reports,

"Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden"

[DirkGently]

11. That's glurge from 2006.

It's inbox sludge, not a real story.

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/cocoa-mulch-warning.html

While the claim that coca mulch can cause canine illness is factual, the particular incident described in the message is unsubstantiated. It seems that the authors of these types of warning messages often have an unfortunate tendency to embellish the core information with anecdotal stories of questionable veracity, perhaps in a misguided attempt to add a human element to their claims. The message does not provide any method of verifying if Calypso did actually die as a result of consuming cocoa mulch or even if she was a real dog. The previously mentioned AVMA article questions the truth of the claims in the message:
The story being circulated about a young dog named Calypso ingesting cocoa bean shell mulch may be true, Dr. Hansen said, but the cause of the dog's death is "highly suspect." The statement that she vomited a few times is consistent with such poisoning, but not the absence of other clinical signs until the next day, when the dog is said to have had a single seizure during her morning walk and died instantly.

"A big problem from the perspective of a toxicologist and a veterinary clinician is that if you have poisoning from methylxanthines, you get a progression of signs — vomiting, diarrhea, more vomiting, trembling, the heart rate kicks up, then it may progress to seizures if the dose is exceptionally high, with death being uncommon," Dr. Hansen said. "A necropsy would have likely shown that Calypso had an underlying condition that caused her death."

[G_j]

34. noted

thank you, that was not obvious to me. Still, it would seem best to avoid this mulch.

[DirkGently]

42. Certainly. (nt)

[spinbaby]

25. I've never seen Target sell mulch

And I'm sure that even if they did, they wouldn't sell cocoa mulch, which is a high-end item in the mulch world. I love the stuff because it looks really nice in the flower beds and lasts for years.

[sulphurdunn]

30. Is it somehow superior

to other mulches? If not, why make it?

[Chellee]

56. It looks better.

Cocoa mulch is small and dark brown, so viewed from the sidewalk it looks like really rich soil. As if you don't have mulch at all, perhaps you're just world's best weeder. Plus, it makes your whole yard smell like chocolate.

My dog has never eaten it, or dug in it, or rolled around in it, or shown any interest in it whatsoever. And judging by the fact that the only time its disturbed is when I push it aside to plant something, no loose neighborhood dog or wandering raccoon has been interested in it either.

[baldguy]

10. ASPCA Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/cocoa-bean-shell-mulch.aspx

and their flyer about Cocoa bean mulch:
http://www.aspcapro.org/mydocuments/cocoa-mulch.pdf

[Mr. Mojo Risen]

12. "Please pass this on to everyone you know"

Every time I see those words I automatically assume the story is complete BS. Hasn't served me wrong yet.

[DirkGently]

14. Yep. (Nt)

[G_j]

15. I agree, except

this really was posted by an animal hospital.

[niyad]

20. does it indicate where this hospital is? as has been pointed out, this story is several years old.

[G_j]

22. The post was made last week, not several years ago

the snopes link included is older.

(The hospital is in a neighboring town, it really exists.)

[niyad]

26. but the information in the story is years old. again, does it indicate where this hospital is?

while the information is greatly appreciated, there is a difference whether this is something that just happened, or something that happened years ago.

I spend a lot of time in gardening sections, and have never seen cocoa mulch at any of the stores.

[G_j]

29. where does it say the initial story is older?

I don't see it.

[niyad]

31. snopes says the initial story is from several years ago. yes, I know the hospital is real, but

they are closed today. the story was posted on the 20th. (by the way, some of the facebook comments are absolutely vile)

[G_j]

33. ok, now I see it, noting the dog's name,

I guess a well meaning person at the hospital was trying to help. Still, it sounds best to avoid this product.

[proud2BlibKansan]

44. +1

[Scootaloo]

47. The danger is potentially real; the cited example is not

The mulch would be toxic to a dog that ate it (along with raccoons, cats, most members of Carnivora in fact), because it is indeed rich in theobromine. This isn't an "ingredient," it's something that is naturally found within the cocoa plant, particularly the seeds and seed pods (from which we get chocolate, also rich in the stuff). These animals can't metabolize the stuff, which acts like a strong stimulant on them; their heart rate increases, muscles tremble and shake, and severe nausea comes on.

The odds of such an animal actively eating the mulch though, are probably pretty slim. Eating enough to kill them is even more unlikely. Still, simple precaution would say to avoid using it if you have a dog, just in case (the cat's more likely to use it as a litter material, which kinda ruins the whole "I'm so rich I can buy chocolate for mulch!" aspect of the stuff...)

[niyad]

13. about theobromine (it isn't an ingredient that is "added" to chocolate)

Theobromine

Theobromine (theobromide[3]), also known as xantheose,[2] is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant, with the chemical formula C7H8N4O2. It is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, including the leaves of the tea plant, and the kola (or cola) nut. It is in the methylxanthine class of chemical compounds,[4] which also includes the similar compounds theophylline and caffeine.[2] (In caffeine, the only difference is that the NH group of theobromine is an N-CH3 group.) Despite its name, the compound contains no bromine—theobromine is derived from Theobroma, the name of the genus of the cacao tree, (which itself is made up of the Greek roots theo ("God&quot and broma ("food&quot , meaning "food of the gods&quot [5] with the suffix -ine given to alkaloids and other basic nitrogen-containing compounds.[6]

Theobromine is a slightly water-soluble (330 mg/L[7]), crystalline, bitter powder; the colour has been listed as either white or colourless.[8] It has a similar, but lesser, effect than caffeine in the human nervous system, making it a lesser homologue. Theobromine is an isomer of theophylline, as well as paraxanthine. Theobromine is categorized as a dimethyl xanthine.[9]

. . . .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobromine

[Duval]

16. Thanks so much! n/t

[Granny M]

17. K&R nt

[Historic NY]

18. The only sutff I see is made mostly with recycled construction debris materials....

Miracle Grow and a few other brands sold by Home Depot & Lowes alike...its has a horrible smell. I have a mulch processor near me many years ago they trucked in lots of stuff from Hersheys but it was so mixed with the local recycled stuff (huge) mountains after a few weeks we could no longer smell the cocoa smell. They sell this to the public but mostly it got out to large commercial vendors. I did find both HD & Lowes sell cedar mulch, I like it because it smells better.

We have one of the largest operations in the northeast when it comes to recycling debris...they were used after 911 to search for remains.

[Liberal_in_LA]

19. kick

[Buzz Clik]

21. I spend a good portion of my life in hardware stores of every variety -- chains and local

Never encountered Cocoa Mulch.

I guess if I happen to find a bag somewhere, I'll alert the manager.

[TheBlackAdder]

23. Hershey's Reply? 98% of dogs won't eat it, but 50% of those that do can suffer physical harm.

Question:

Is it true that Cocoa Mulch is harmful to dogs?

Answer:

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.

On the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) web site, several common household products are listed that have proven harmful to dogs. Common lawn insecticides and insect killers are mentioned as being potentially life-threatening when ingested, specifically snail or slug bait. A 2-inch application of cocoa mulch in your plant beds will actually prevent germination of weeds, resulting in less weeds, acting as a deterrant for insects, snails and slugs. Following is a link to the ASPCA web site on outdoor household products that can be harmful to your pets. http://www.napcc.aspca.org/smalanml.htm#outdoor

===

Gotta like how they compare cocoa-like products to insecticides that dogs aren't attracted to.

http://web.archive.org/web/20020127003124/http://www.hersheys.com/mulch/FAQ.htm

[TheBlackAdder]

27. Actually. it should be: 1% of dogs can suffer physical harm from it.

I doubt there are any other product on the market that can cause a possible 1 in 100 chance of physical harm to an animal.

[G_j]

28. thanks

wow, that's one jaw dropping response..

[snagglepuss]

24. k & r

[bettyellen]

32. Lowes still sells it, as do others- so it's good info for pet owners. My cats LOVE chocolate

ice cream and I have to keep it away all summer long. I read here years ago how dangerous it is for pets, so I am grateful.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_290302-1802-RWPR20P_4294780402_4294937087_?productId=3126401

[jeff47]

38. Before passing on any "alert", please check Snopes.

Because this is:
1) Old.
2) Not really true
3) Vastly overstates what little danger there was.

[G_j]

39. The Snopes take is right there in the OP

and this was posted in the thread,
http://www.aspcapro.org/mydocuments/download.php?f=cocoa-mulch.pdf

Better to be safe than sorry?

[jeff47]

40. "Check" would also mean "read".

Better to be safe than sorry?

No.

There's a trillion risks we take every day. The vast majority of them are trivial risks, so it doesn't even occur to us that walking down stairs can be deadly.

If you're gonna be worried about this particular product, then there's a million other products you should keep from your house. Including tap water.

[G_j]

43. I read it, just like anyone else can, because

it's right there! Exactly as posted from a legitimate animal hospital, who may, or may not have been aware of the age of the posted story. The dangers appear to be supported by the ASPCA. http://www.aspcapro.org/mydocuments/download.php?f=cocoa-mulch.pdf

So sue me..

[Jamastiene]

58. Snopes lists this as "partly true."

There are dogs out there who will eat the damnedest things. Better safe than sorry. It is worth warning people if it is at least partly true.

[Triana]

41. Makes sense since chocolate makes dogs and cats sick...you should never feed your pets chocolate...

...but this stuff should be banned for use as mulch. Period. Even if those with outdoor pets didn't use it, other people's dogs or cats - or just wandering animals around the neighborhood would no doubt eat it and die.

Hershey's should be sued to Hell and back for this and the crap should be banned for sale as mulch.

[bigtree]

45. my dog wouldn't stop eating it . . .you should have seen the guilty look on him when he did

. . . no noticeable effect.

[DRoseDARs]

48. Why would you buy mulch with chocolate in it? Why would you sell it? Why would you even make it?

Fail. Fail. Fail. Too bad it's the dogs that have to die for everyone else's stupidity.

[titaniumsalute]

49. Hoax Slayer

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/cocoa-mulch-warning.html

Take a read...not a big deal.

[Egalitarian Thug]

52. As long as it's somebody else's dog...

[G_j]

54. they don't make it sound safe either

"Vomiting and muscle tremors were the most common signs of toxicosis that occurred following ingestion. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the severity of clinical signs increased when larger amounts were ingested. Other signs were tachycardia, hyperactivity, and diarrhea.
One report, published in a 1984 Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, notes:
A dog, which 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."

[FarCenter]

50. Mrs FarCenter used to use it to mulch roses -- can't recall that the dog was interested in it.

[ColumbusLib]

55. I use cocoa mulch...

... It's like mulching with cocoa krispies! It's light, fluffy, easy to toss around, smells very chocolate-y. It's my favorite mulch to apply because it's so fast, easy, and pleasant to use. I only use it in a raised bed up against the front of the house, have never had any problems with dogs there. It's more expensive than other mulches, but easily attainable through Ohio Mulch.

[knitter4democracy]

59. Same here. It composts beautifully, too.

Worms love it! It's been the best soil building mulch I've ever used, and my dog doesn't seem interested at all. I only use it on my edibles gardens, not the landscaping stuff.

[frylock]

57. also, new gang members are being initiated by killing the drivers of cars who flash their headlights

[BillyRibs]

60. With all of the Dyed crap and now COCO mulch Why?

They wont eat Lickerish root or Tire Mulch. Why do they make this other crap!?