Spring Gardening - Cocoa Mulch

Spring is in the air; temps rising this Easter weekend here to around 20C+ and our May long weekend when we get out and plant, dig and plant some more is not far away. In our efforts to provide our gardens with environmentally friendly ingredients, help water retention, prevent weeds we seek out products that will not only do the job but look (and smell) attractive.

One such product is Cocoa Mulch, sold at so many garden centers - BUT - yes there is a but ... it contains some of the lethal ingredient Theobromine & caffeine, that could potentially cause problems for our dogs.

Yes, it depends on the dog's size and how much they ingest causing gastric upset to start, increased heart rate and on to seizures.

Remember, you may decide not to use it, but DO consider your neighbour's gardens or backyards where your pet may visit.

You can read more here ... and be more informed ...

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jun06/060601b.asp

You should also check out what garden plants could be toxic to your pets ... here's one site to visit.

http://www.canadogs.com/Toxic_Plants.htm