Warning to cat and dog owners - Cocoa kills
June 12th, 2009
While many dog owners may not know that onion and sultanas are bad for your dog (see previous blog on household items/food that can harm your dog), chocolate is the one food just about everyone knows can harm your precious pet. However cocoa, the harmful ingredient in chocolate, does exist in many other products, and it can hide in the most unlikely places. Cocoa Mulch is advertised as an effective way of keeping cats out of your garden, but it is also an extremely dangerous substance for cats and dogs, which is poisonous when consumed.
RSPCA Headquarters, Adelaide, has received several emails regarding a Labrador puppy that thought the mulch was delicious. The next day, the young dog followed his owner on their daily morning walk. Minutes into the stroll the little pooch seizured and died instantly.
While we believe this happened in America we have heard that the mulch is available here in Australia, whether it’s entirely cocoa mulch, or whether the beans are just one of several ingredients, you must read the label carefully. You must look for any variation of ‘cocoa’ ‘bean’ and or ‘shell’ (mulch) or ‘theobromine’. Theobromine is the lethal ingredient and it harms both cats and dogs although dogs, especially puppies, tend to be a lot more interested in consuming it. Theobromine is also the deadly ingredient in chocolate however within the mulch the shells are used which contain a lot more of the dangerous chemical.
So if you’re a pet owner and a green thumb then be aware and choose a cocoa free mulch and make sure your neighbours, family and friends do the same to truly reduce the risk.
Beauty products also use the nourishing cocoa bean to soothe and smooth skin. ‘Theobroma Cacoa Extract’ is actually used in lotions including a moisturiser many of us have ‘Palmers Cocoa Butter’. While it makes our skin glow and our bodies smell like a chocolate cake be careful that your dog doesn’t tuck in!
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2 Comments Add your own
1. http://k9dogacademy.wordpress.com | September 1st, 2009 at 3:59 am
Great blog, I enjoyed reading it. I hope more people become aware of everday things that we as humans find delicious, but can be toxic to our pets.
2. RSPCA LOVER. | September 1st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I already knew about this, a couple of years ago.
I’m 11 years young & I love animals. When I’m older I’d like to study Zoology & become a Vet too help sick animals.
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