CoolWater Chesapeakes

Cocoa mulch, which is produced by Hershey's and sold by many garden supply stores, is known for its sweet chocolate like scent. Dogs will often eat the mulch because it smells good. However, the mulch contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these chemicals, called methylxanthines. 

In low doses, theobromine affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys, causing nausea and vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, muscle tremors and increased urination. Symptoms of more advanced poisoning are cardiac arrhythmia and seizures. Death can occur in 12 to 24 hours of ingestion. Other than induced vomiting, there is no treatment or antidote for theobromine poisoning.

Although some companies are now claiming to manufacture cocoa mulch products that are theobromine-free and pet safe, responsible pet owners should take care in their selection of cocoa mulch. Or, better yet, opt for cedar-based products which doesn't contain the toxic ingredient theobromine.