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Cocoa bean mulch warning

PLANNING TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN? READ THIS FIRST
As warmer weather approaches, you're probably getting ready to dig
into spring. And for many, that involves digging into flower beds and
gardens. If you're thinking of using cocoa bean mulch to fertilize
your lawn, please think twice. Made from spent cocoa beans used in
the production of chocolate, cocoa bean mulch may deter slugs and
snails, but it also attracts companion canines, who can be poisoned
by eating it.

Cocoa beans contain caffeine and theobromine, both chemicals that are
toxic to dogs. Depending on the amount ingested, symptoms range from
vomiting and diarrhea (that's if about two ounces were eaten by a 50-
pound dog) to tremors, seizures and death, if a canine of the same
size were to eat nine ounces of cocoa mulch.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten this organic fertilizer,
immediately contact your veterinarian or the APCC Animal Poison
Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for 24-hour emergency assistance.
For more information on cocoa bean mulch and other substances toxic
to pets, please visit APCC online.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Saturday, April 5, 2003