The average American eats about 60 burgers every year. At Dan’s Pet Care, we think some of the best burgers can be found at backyard barbecues. Whether you’re grilling chicken, steak, hot dogs, or kabobs, a barbecue is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with people you love. It can also be a great way for your dog to make new friends and have fun playing.

The bad news is that backyard barbecues can be dangerous for your dog. But by understanding the risks involved, you’ll be better equipped to help keep your dog safe. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the most common hazards for dogs at summer barbecues. We’ll also discuss ways you can keep your dog safe during a family cookout, block party, or any other occasion when you break out the grill.

Hazard # 1: Eating The Wrong Foods

Your dog might love to eat “people food,” but many of these delicacies can be hazardous or lethal for them to ingest. Let’s look at a few of the most common ways dogs can be harmed by human food at backyard barbecues.

Inedible items in food

Your dog might be so excited to eat a special treat that they also ingest non-food items in the process. Watch out for items such as:

• Plastic holders for corn on the cob

• Packages that hold buns or meat

• Materials used to wrap or tie meat on the grill

• Kabob skewers

• Charcoal or hot coals around the grill

Make sure all hazardous non-food items are kept out of your dog’s reach. Place them in a well-sealed trash can after you’re done using them. To prevent fires, your dog should be kept several feet away from the grill at all times.

6 Types of BBQ Food that’s not safe for dogs

Your dog could choke, suffer from a bowel obstruction, or get violently sick if they ingest the wrong food at a barbecue. Here are just six of the common culprits:

1. Corn on the cob, which can obstruct your dog’s bowels

2. Meat bones, which can cause choking or intestinal perforation

3. Onions or garlic, which can make your dog seriously ill

4. Sugar free desserts that contain xylitol, which can be fatal to dogs

5. Alcohol, which can quickly cause alcohol poisoning in dogs

6. Chocolate, which can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to death

What’s the most surefire way to keep your pet safe from toxic food at a summer barbecue? Only offer them food and treats made specifically for dogs.

Hazard # 2: Trouble With Other Guests

Your dog may be sweet and friendly, but you should still be prepared for potential conflict with other guests (both human and canine). Don’t leave dogs together unsupervised, and be ready to intervene if a fight breaks out. Some recommended tips include:

• Place an object or barrier between the dogs

• Spray their faces with lemon juice or vinegar

• Give firm commands, but avoid shouting or screaming

Of course, prevention is best when it comes to dog fights. If possible, bring a portable crate along, or ask for a spot indoors where your dog can stay if necessary.

While many dogs love children, they can also be overstimulated or frightened by kids’ behavior. Supervise your dog carefully when they’re around kids they don’t know.

Hazard # 3: Environmental Dangers

When you take your dog to someone else’s backyard, you can’t control the environmental hazards. But if you quickly assess them as soon as you arrive, you can proactively protect your pet.

Keep an eye out for these 5 environmental dangers:

1. Swimming pools and ponds

2. Plants and mulch, which could be toxic or treated with toxic substances

3. Gaps in perimeter fences, which might let your dog escape unnoticed

4. Poisons intended for moles, rats or garden slugs

5. Excessive heat, which can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Although you probably won’t see them, backyards are often home to ticks and other parasites. These can easily spread from dog to dog. It’s best to avoid taking your dog to an outdoor social event unless they’ve had all the preventative medications (and vaccinations) that your vet recommends.

Meet Dan’s Pet Care!

At Dan’s Pet Care, we put your pet’s safety first. We use state-of-the-art GPS technology to keep your pet safe, and our specialists are fully licensed, insured and trained to protect your peace of mind. As Long Island’s favorite pet care service, Dan’s Pet Care is equipped to meet all your needs. Call us today at (516) 551-1613 or fill out our online contact form!