BBQ Safety For Pets

Summertime, especially holidays and weekends, are a great time to barbeque. While you’re enjoying the tastes of the season, following a few safety tips will help to keep your BBQ safe for your pets:

1. Remember that party food is not for pets. Be aware of which "human foods" are dangerous to your pets and make sure your guests know too. Alcohol, corn on the cob, and bones are particularly dangerous BBQ food for your pet. Greasy, spicy, and high fat foods in general can cause an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) which can be very serious and even sometimes fatal. It’s important to establish healthy dietary boundaries and stick to the foods designed for their nutrition and enjoyment.

2. Keep your pet away from toxic chemicals and trash. The chemicals used in insect-repellents, citronella candles, fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers and rodent bait, are dangerous to your pet. When you need to spray or treat your lawn or home, be sure to wait through directed dry times. Consider taking your dog for a walk to keep them off the lawn during this time.

Our pets are skilled when it comes to sniffing out tasty leftovers. Things covered in grease, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, matches, table scraps, and even kebab skewers can be tempting, yet very dangerous for your pet.

3. Make sure they don’t wander. Parties can be a busy time with friends, so make sure your pet doesn't make an escape in the commotion. Be sure your dog or cat is wearing an up-to-date ID tag or has a microchip if they accidentally get away. Guests unfamiliar with pets may not be careful going in and out of the house. If your pet appears anxious, take them to a quiet, unoccupied room for them to calm down and relax in.

4. Don’t light fireworks around your pets. The unfamiliar loud noise frightens pets and even small, quiet fireworks could burn your pet if they get too close. It’s also important to keep unlit fireworks away from your pets as they have dangerous chemicals you don’t want your dog to accidentally consume.

5. Lastly, make sure children are supervised by an adult. Young guests unfamiliar with pets, or pets unfamiliar with the unpredictable movements of young children can be a problem. Monitoring both can help everyone enjoy the BBQ.

These five tips can help everyone have a safe and enjoyable BBQ. Just remember your dog enjoys the tastes and smells of summer just like you. Unfortunately, their digestive system isn’t really equipped for them. Give them food they’ll enjoy that also supports their unique needs.