Keeping Your Dog Safe at Barbeques

As the dog days of summer approach, many of us will be enjoying fun summer activities while we can. Our canine pals also enjoy the warm weather, and enjoy doing things like camping, swimming, and, of course, barbeques. Grill-outs can be quite dangerous for pets, so you’ll want to take some basic precautions to keep your furry friend safe. Read on as a local Springdale, ON vet discusses barbeque safety for dogs.

Precautions

Before taking Fido to a barbeque, make sure that he is microchipped, and wearing his ID tags. It’s also important to keep up with your dog’s parasite control products. Fleas and ticks come out in droves in hot weather!

The Grill

Don’t let your canine companion get too close to the grill! Fido could get singed by sparks. He could also burn his mouth if he tries to snap up something hot that has fallen to the ground.

Food

Dogs love barbeques almost as much as we do! Just be careful with what you give Fido. Many foods found at barbeques are toxic to dogs! Some of the ones to be concerned with are avocados; meat on the bone; pitted fruits; chocolate; grapes, currants, and raisins; nuts; alcohol; garlic, onions, and chives; and anything containing xylitol. For a comprehensive list of household items that can be toxic to your dog, check out our article on “Toxins for Dogs That You Already Have in Your Home“. We know, you don’t want your cute pet to feel left out. Offer your furry buddy a plain burger, hot dog, or brat, or some cooked, plain boneless chicken. Also, make sure your four-legged pal always has plenty of fresh water.

Trash

When everyone has finished eating, dispose of leftovers right away. Use a trashcan with a secure lid. Fido has been known to go through the garbage in search of yummy snacks. However, the trash could contain can lids, plastic wrappers, bones, skewers, tin foil, and other hazards.

Chemicals

Sunscreen, lighter fluid, torch fuel, bug spray, and citronella are all toxic to our canine buddies. Keep these things well away from your four-legged pal!

Other Hazards

Keep a close eye on your pup, especially as people are coming and going. Some of our furry pals have a tendency to get underfoot. You don’t want your canine friend slipping out an open gate, or getting accidentally stepped on.

Enjoy your summer! Please reach out to us, your local Brampton, ON animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs, including our comprehensive veterinary diagnostics services. We are here to help!