An outdoor area for pets must be free of hazards that could cause illness. This includes cocoa bean mulch, which contains the chemical compounds theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Specific plants can also be poisonous to pets and can cause a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, vomiting, internal bleeding, respiratory distress, seizures, organ damage or failure, coma or death. 

Research any plants in the yard for safety, and be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants, as compiled by the Pet Poison Helpline, to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets:

• Autumn Crocus
• Azalea 
• Cyclamen 
• Daffodils 
• Dieffenbachia 
• Kalanchoe
• Lilies 
• Lily of the Valley 
• Oleander 
• Sago Palm

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