Summer cookouts are the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family, spend time outside, and enjoy good food. And of course, no backyard barbecue feels complete without your dog hanging around, hoping for a bite of something tasty. While it’s great to include your pup in the fun, cookouts can come with a few hidden hazards. Here’s how to keep your dog safe, cool, and happy during your next barbecue.
Keep Food and Drinks Out of Reach
Your dog might be an expert at sneaking snacks, but many barbecue foods are actually harmful to pets. Things like bones, onions, chocolate desserts, and alcohol can cause serious health issues. Even seemingly harmless bites like greasy meat or salty chips can upset your dog’s stomach. Keep food platters on high surfaces and make sure drinks at paw level are never left unattended. If guests are around, let them know not to sneak your dog any samples, no matter how convincing the puppy eyes may be.
Set up a Safe Zone For Your Pup
Between sizzling grills, dropped food, and excited kids running around, barbecues can be a bit chaotic for dogs. To keep your dog from getting overwhelmed, set up a quiet, shady area where your pup can relax away from the crowd. You can create a calm space by using some favorite toys, a cooling pad, and a water bowl. If your dog is crate-trained, bringing their crate outside for a few hours can give them a safe retreat from the action.
Keep Dogs Away From Grilling Supplies
Lighter fluid, charcoal, matches, skewers, and aluminum foil might not seem tempting to us, but that’s often not the case for our furry friends. Curious dogs often love to lick or chew things they shouldn’t, which is why it’s essential to keep grill tools and supplies safely stored away when not in use. This includes meat thermometers, grill brushes, and wooden or metal skewers. After grilling, be sure to clean up any grease or food drippings left on grill tools or the ground. You’d be surprised what smells delicious to a dog, even if it’s just a greasy napkin!
Make Sure Fido Stays Hydrated and Cool
It’s easy to forget how quickly the summer heat can take a toll, especially on dogs. Always have fresh water available and refill it often, especially if your pup is spending time in the sun. Some dogs might get so caught up in the excitement that they forget to drink, so check in with them throughout the day. If you notice excessive panting, fatigue, weakness, loud and rapid breathing, or dry and sticky gums, take Fido inside immediately. These are early symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs, and may require medical care if untreated.
Keep Dogs Away From The Hot Grill
A hot grill is one of the biggest hazards to dogs when it comes to barbecuing. Whether it’s gas, charcoal, or electric, grills can cause serious burns if your dog gets too close. The best way to avoid accidents is to make the grill area off-limits while it’s in use and cooling down. Teach your dog to stay away, or use a pet gate or playpen to block off the area entirely. You can even assign one person to keep an eye on the dog during grilling time, just to be safe.
What Do I Do if Fido Gets Burned by a Grill?
If your dog does accidentally get burned during a barbecue, it’s essential to act quickly. First, move them away from the heat source and contact your veterinarian immediately. For first-degree burns, a vet will likely have you gently run cool (not cold) water over the burned area. Then, you’ll likely be instructed to clean the area and cover it with a light bandage to keep Fido from licking it. Don’t apply any ointments or creams unless directed by a vet. It’s essential to take your pup to an emergency vet right away, where a professional can evaluate the burn and offer treatment.
Avoid Feeding Your Pup Table Scraps
As tempting as it is to share a hot dog or piece of grilled chicken, sticking to dog-safe treats is the better choice. Many barbecue foods are seasoned with ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs, and fatty foods can lead to digestive problems or even pancreatitis. If you want your dog to feel included, you can prep a special plate ahead of time with plain, cooked veggies, dog-safe fruit, or other dog-friendly snacks. That way, they get a tasty reward without the risk.
Cookouts are all about enjoying the outdoors and making memories with loved ones, including our four-legged friends! With just a little planning, you can keep your dog safe and part of the fun.