The following information is from a 2003 posting from the Snopes.com site. Every Spring it makes the rounds. Here is a synopsis of the article. Go to the link below for the full Snopes article.

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Target, 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 have already occurred. 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 *

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.

Have a very Happy Spring and keep your pets safe!

Now that all the festivities are warm memories, we turn to getting order back in our lives which includes our pets whose schedules may have gone topsy-turvy with the holiday season.  Fortunately for us humans, dogs are pretty adaptable and generally “go with the flow”.  It is wonderful that they are so forgiving!  To make up for lost time, whether you were gone on vacation and couldn’t take your dog with you or your schedule didn’t allow for the usual “quality” time that you spend with him/her, be mindful of over-indulging with treats or permissive behavior.  Instead, play constructive games or go through the repetoire of tricks your dog enjoys doing with you then give your snuggles or treats as reinforcement.  Enroll in a fun class that builds on your relationship.  That hour of dedicated attention to your dog will pay great rewards to you both.  Most importantly, have fun!

Kathi

Provide your puppy a quiet safe zone away from crowds and noise where he can relax and sleep.  Like children pups need naps when tired.
Make sure your puppy is accustomed to this zone well ahead of time.
Lots of tasty treats (human & pet) can create chaos with dogs and their digestive system.  Teach a solid Leave It with food on tables or plates left laying around.  This is a hard one, but managing people is even harder!
Better to manage your dog, either with tie outs, crating, x-pen or other safe confinement.
Many foods we enjoy during the holidays are harmful to dogs - chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes and turkey including cooked turkey bones.  There are safe alternatives to share holiday foods with your dog.
Poinsettias are poisonous. 
Holly berries are poisonous.
Decorations, electrical cords and presents are tempting play things for the young pup still teething.  Puppy-proofing is important to prevent ingestion of dangerous items or electrical shock.
Put decorations beyond puppy’s reach, including climbing or jumping up.  Dangling items present fun playthings.
Secure electrical cords out of reach. Cover or safety plug exposed electrical outlets.
Leaving your dogs’ food treats wrapped under the tree can teach your dog to open all the packages!
Remember to pick up and properly dispose of ribbons.  Long threads or ribbons swallowed can cause binding and necrosis of the intestines, which results in costly surgery and a very ill dog.
Keep in mind, whatever you have allowed your pup to chew on or play with previously will continue to be fair game whether new or used, i.e socks, slippers, clothing, toys, pillows, blankets, etc.
About left-over turkey…as recommended for humans, use or freeze left-over turkey within three days.  Feeding ‘old’ turkey to your dog is NOT an alternative.  The waste from the bacteria that grows in cooked turkey is what is toxic and no amount of re-heating will eliminate it.
There are a multitude of wonderful and appropriate toys and goodies available for your pup to enjoy with you during the holidays.  Keep it a fun, memorable and safe holiday for all! 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Kathi Ogawa