Summer heat is usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of pet hazards and keeping our pets safe, and with good reason. Heatstroke is real, and may be deadly. Here are some summer hazards that aren't from heat, but dangers that lurk in the yard.
 

Lawn Care Products

Common lawn care products include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Kept out of reach and used as directed, they should be safe for pets (waiting appropriate times after application before allowing pets in the yard).

Bait Pesticides

Dogs are very good at chewing through containers, either out of curiosity, boredom, or trying to find something edible. Many rat and mice poison baits are 'tempting' - they are designed to attract pests, and sometimes pets, too. Products such as slug bait are highly concentrated and toxic. Dogs and cats may also dig in freshly tilled soil, unearthing pellets or granules placed below the surface.

Blood and Bone Meal

Blood and bone meal are 'organic' fertilizers that don't contain chemicals, but can also pose dangers. The organic animal content (blood and bone) may be tempting to dogs, causing problems. Blood meal may cause diarrhea and vomiting, and if fortified with iron, result in iron toxicity. Bone meal can clump up, like a cement ball in the stomach or intestines, resulting in blockage.

Cocoa Bean Mulch

Cocoa bean mulch is made from the hulls of cacao beans and has a chocolate aroma when fresh. Some dogs can't resist and eat the mulch, resulting in chocolate poisoning. If this mulch is used, a good watering or rainfall should reduce the tempting aroma.

Related: Cocoa Bean Mulch As A Cause Of Methylxanthine Toxicosis In Dogs (PDF)
from the ASPCA.

Plant Life

Dog and cats often eat grass and may vomit from it (grass is not digestible), but lawn grass isn't toxic. Other plants, shrubs and trees may be. Familiarize yourself with poisonous plants in your yard or garden that are toxic to pets. Monitor for signs of chewing and keep pets away.

Some mushrooms are toxic, and some dogs just love to eat them as soon as they appear. It is best to remove mushrooms from the yard as soon as you find them to prevent the possibility of mushroom poisoning.
Holiday ornamental plants such as Easter lilies, placed outside after the holiday is over may also pose ingestion risks, especially to cats.

Tips to reduce pet hazards in the yard:

• Carefully read and follow all directions for chemicals used on and around the lawn, checking especially for pet-specific warnings.
• Check with your local extension agent or garden center about possible toxicity of plants used in your yard or garden.
• Store all chemicals, baits, and possibly tempting fertilizers (blood meal) safely away from pets.

Please note: this article has been provided for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.