Source: Susan Nelson, snelson@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/nelsonbio.html
News release prepared by: Nellie Ryan, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009

K-STATE VETERINARIAN WARNS PET OWNERS TO WATCH WHAT TYPE OF 1xbet online games login THEY USE ON THEIR LAWNS; COCOA 1xbet online games login CAN BE TOXIC TO PETS

MANHATTAN -- Cocoa 1xbet online games login has become a popular option for landscaping, gardens and flower beds, but a Kansas State University veterinarian said the aromatic 1xbet online games login isn't a good idea to have in your yard if you have pets, especially a dog.

Cocoa 1xbet online games login , made from the roasted shell of cocoa beans and sold in most home and garden stores, smells delicious to pets, but can be deadly, according to Dr. Susan Nelson, a Kansas State University veterinarian.

"Cocoa 1xbet online games login poses the most threat to dogs because they are more indiscriminate eaters than cats and tend to ingest larger quantities at one time," Nelson said.

Cocoa 1xbet online games login contains the chemical theobromine, which is the same chemical that can make eating a chocolate bar toxic to dogs. Dogs are intrigued by the sweet smell of the cocoa 1xbet online games login , which is why it causes so much trouble.

Cocoa 1xbet online games login affects dogs in different ways, depending on the size of the dog, the amount of theobromine in the 1xbet online games login and how much the dog ingests, Nelson said.

"If you have a 20-pound dog, mild signs could be seen with the ingestion of a little less than an ounce of cocoa 1xbet online games login ," Nelson said. "More severe signs could be seen with the ingestion of around one to one and a half ounces, so it doesn't take very much."

Dogs that ingest larger amounts of cocoa 1xbet online games login can experience vomiting, diarrhea, an increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and possibly death. Even a very small amount of ingested cocoa 1xbet online games login can cause dogs to have gastrointestinal complications.

"If your dog has an encounter with cocoa 1xbet online games login , the best thing to do is call your veterinarian as soon as possible because the dog will most likely need medical attention," Nelson said.

The best way to prevent dogs from ingesting cocoa 1xbet online games login is to use safer alternatives such as shredded hardwood or compost, Nelson said.