Most lawn seed and mulch products are generally not associated with toxic problems in pets. This mulch is made from the hulls of cacao beans and, when fresh, has a rich, chocolate aroma associated with it. Some larger breed dogs have actually eaten several pounds of the mulch, more then enough to develop poisoning associated with the chocolate remnants. These over eager dogs should be kept away from the mulch until the aroma has dissipated. Generally a heavy rainfall or thorough watering is all that is required.
Many pets chew on plants in the yard and garden.
Fortunately for dogs, who for some unknown reason seem to enjoy eating grass and then vomiting, most grasses are non-toxic, Hovda says. However, pet owners should take care when placing ornamental plants such as poinsettias and Easter lilies outside for the summer. Ingestion of poinsettia stems and leaves may cause some mild gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting but is not deadly. Ingestion of all parts of the Easter lily causes depression, vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Left untreated, most cats can die of kidney failure.