Spending time outdoors can be fun for owners and pets.  However, there are some things owners should be on the lookout for in the yard, in the garden and in the chemicals you use outdoors.

Several flowers can cause a variety of disorders in pets:

• Bulbs, such as iris, daffodils, jonquils, hyacinth, and crocus can all cause gastrointestinal problems
• Foxglove, lily of the valley, and azaleas can affect the heart
• Lilies affect the kidney
• Lantana affects the liver

Plants that can be problematic include:

• Marijuana affects the central nervous system
• Castor beans and English ivy can cause gastrointestinal problems
• Elephant ear and caladium affect the kidney
• Cycad palm affects the liver

Shrubs to watch out for are:

• Elderberry leaves can contain cyanide
• Privet and holly cause gastrointestinal problems
• Yew, Nandina, oleander, laurel, and Japanese peris affect the heart

Acorn and mulberry trees can cause both kidney and gastrointestinal problems for your pets.

Mushrooms, if ingested, can cause problems in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, or in the liver.

Animals that pose a threat to pets include toads (affects the heart) and black widow spiders (affects the central nervous system).  Snakes are especially dangerous as they can affect your pet’s blood, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney and liver.

In the garden, these hazards lurk:

• Onions and garlic can cause anemia
• Tomato, potato and hot pepper plants can cause gastrointestinal problems
• Rhubarb leaves can be harmful to the kidney

There are several chemicals pet owners should avoid using or keep their pets away from areas chemically treated including:

• Weed killer (MSMA) affects the gastrointestinal system
• Insecticides such as pyrethrins, OP’s, carbamates and DEET may affect the nervous system
• Chlorine products for the pool causes vomiting and diarrhea
• Snail bait that contains metaldehyde which may cause vomiting and tremors
• Ant bait that contains boric acid causes lethargy and vomiting
• Rodenticides such as bromethalin, anticoagulant rodenticides, gopher bait with strychnine or zinc phosphide will cause clinical signs that vary with the type of rodenticide used
• Bordeau mixture containing copper can affect the gastrointestinal system
• Black Leaf 40 contains nicotine results in vomiting and diarrhea

This column is provided by the faculty of the OSU Veterinary Hospital.  The large volume of questions does not allow us to directly respond to specific email questions so please watch for your answer in the column.  Email your questions for the column to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and watch for your answer.