Barbecue season is well and truly upon us -British weather permitting of course! They’re a great way to spend time in the garden with family, friends and our beloved canine companions. But they do involve some hazards and temptations for dogs, so we’ve written some top tips for barbecue safety.
Barbecue safety and your dog: people and surroundings
If you’re having a bit of a get together alongside your barbecue, watch out for large crowds or loud music around your dog. These can cause some anxiety. Make sure to allow your pup some refuge indoors, so they’re not stressed or forced into an uncomfortable situation.
Watch out for little ones. Children’s behaviour can be unpredictable and unfamiliar to dogs, which could lead to stress and fear or anxiety.
We all know barbecues are hot, so one of the key safety concerns is keeping your dog away from that hazard. The delicious smell of burgers, sausages and more cooking can be very tempting. So consider having a physical barrier between your dog and the barbecue, like a fence or dog playpen to avoid any injuries.
Don’t forget to supervise the barbecue after cooking too. It’ll still be hot and could become a fire hazard if your dog knocks it over. Preferably extinguish any coals or flames after use.
Keep hazardous items or chemicals such as firelighters, lighting fluid and insect repellent well out of reach of your dog as they could be toxic if ingested.
BBQ foods can be dangerous for dogs
Food scraps and bones are a real temptation for dogs at barbecues. Ensure you seal and dispose of leftovers so your dog can’t scavenge, and tell your guests not to feed them despite how much they plead.
Keep certain foods well out of reach – chocolate, onions, avocado, citrus, mushrooms and garlic, as well as alcohol and tobacco, are toxic to dogs. Corn on the cob and cooked chicken bones can cause an obstruction or perforate the intestine if swallowed whole.
Read more about dogs and BBQ food.
Ensure they can’t escape whilst you’re busy cooking
Finally, with guests coming and going throughout the day, be careful your dog doesn’t escape and get lost. Putting up a sign on doors and entrances letting people know there are dogs around is a good reminder to shut doors and gates. Make sure your dog is microchipped and has a tagged collar with contact details.
Despite all the possible hazards mentioned, BBQ’s and summer gatherings are a great way to socialise your dog and give them plenty of positive attention from strangers. At tails.com our dogs are very much part of the family and team, so they always get a invite too.
