Experts are urging dog owners to think about their pets’ safety when hosting BBQ parties this summer.
With temperatures heating up around the country, canine experts at Years.com have shared six tips to follow to ensure dogs stay safe, healthy and happy.
Unfortunately for dogs, many delicious BBQ favourites like burgers and sausages aren’t a suitable diet and can even cause serious health problems.
Items like leftover corn on the cob can be particularly dangerous, posing serious choking hazards and the risk of intestinal blockages.
Dogs can easily get hold of something they shouldn’t, so keeping the BBQ area clean and tidy is essential and feeding them scraps should be avoided completely.
It’s not just the BBQ and food that pose a risk, prolonged sun exposure can result in heatstroke, so finding a suitable space in the shade or indoors is important for your dog’s wellbeing.
Darren Beale, CEO of Years.com said: “BBQs are a summer highlight for many of us but it’s important to keep the safety of your dog in mind when you’ve fired up the grill.
“Dogs are curious creatures, and it can only take a second for them to go sniffing around and get hold of something they shouldn’t have if you don’t keep the area tidy.
“And keeping them well away from the BBQ and any hot equipment will help to prevent any nasty burns too.
“Not everyone is a dog person either and you might have guests who don’t realise the dangers that feeding BBQ food to a dog poses.
“There’s no harm in giving guests a gentle reminder not to feed your dog any scraps from their plate.
“It’s natural to want to include your dog in the fun, but it’s important they are given food that is designed for their digestion and health.”
BBQ safety for pet owners
Don’t feed them BBQ scraps
Many BBQ favourites are unfortunately dangerous for dogs. Fatty meats like burgers and sausages can cause stomach upsets and inflammation, meat on the bone and corn on the cob can be a choking hazard, and onions are toxic to dogs.
Keep away from the BBQ
Dogs should be kept well away from the BBQ at all times and never left unsupervised around hot equipment. Hot surfaces, flames, and hot food can all cause serious burns, while the smoke can irritate their lungs.
Make sure the BBQ area is tidy
Pets can easily get hold of something they shouldn’t so it’s vital that you keep the BBQ area tidy and use covered bins. Leftover skewers and corncobs are just two classic BBQ items that could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening problems.
Keep your dog cool and watch for heatstroke
It’s important that your dog avoids prolonged sun exposure, so you should make sure your dog has access to somewhere cool indoors or in the shade when you’re enjoying your summer BBQ party. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting and lethargy.
Treat them properly
Your dog might not be able to join in the fun of eating BBQ food, but that doesn’t mean they should be left out completely. Give them a tasty, nutritious meal of their own to enjoy and some pet-safe snacks as well.
Be cautious with guests
Not every guest at your BBQ will be a dog owner, and many might not understand what is and isn’t suitable for a dog to eat. Make sure to gently remind your guests not to feed the dog and to be mindful of food around them.
