Summer BBQs mean good food, time outdoors and catching up with friends and family. But with hot grills, tempting food and guests coming and going, they can also bring some unexpected risks for our pets.
The good news is that most of these risks are easy to reduce with a little preparation. Dr Lauren Davis, Veterinary Advisor at Closer Pets, explains: “Barbecues can present a number of hidden hazards for pets, from hot equipment and toxic foods to bones, skewers and other items that can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.
“Most barbecues pass without incident, but it only takes a moment for an inquisitive pet to pick up a discarded skewer or bone or wander too close to a hot grill. The good news is that many of these accidents are entirely preventable with a little planning.”
With that in mind, here are six simple ways to help keep your cat or dog safe while everyone enjoys the BBQ.
Keep pets away from hot equipment
The smell of cooking can tempt pets towards the BBQ, but grills, hot coals, equipment, and ashes can all cause painful burns. Disposable trays and foil can also retain heat after use.
Create a secure barrier around the cooking area and remember that BBQs can remain dangerously hot for several hours after cooking.
Think twice before sharing leftovers
Many BBQ favourites aren't suitable for pets. Fatty meats and table scraps can cause stomach upsets, while rich foods such as burgers and sausages may trigger pancreatitis.
Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal blockages, while onions, chocolate and alcohol should always be kept safely out of reach.
Don't forget the clean-up
Leftover plates and rubbish bags can be irresistible to curious pets. Kebab skewers, cocktail sticks and corn cob cores can cause serious injuries if swallowed, while dropped scraps and fat can encourage scavenging.
Clear leftovers promptly and keep bins and rubbish bags securely out of reach.
Check your garden is secure
Guests arriving and leaving can mean gates and doors are opened more frequently. Before your gathering, check fences for gaps and make sure gates close securely.
If you have a pet access door, consider temporarily locking it while guests are arriving and leaving.
Give pets somewhere quiet to retreat
Not every pet enjoys a busy gathering. Unfamiliar faces, noise, and extra activity can be overwhelming, so make sure your pet has access to a calm, comfortable space away from guests if they need it.
Keep pets cool and hydrated
Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water and somewhere cool and shaded to rest. Water fountains can encourage some pets to drink more regularly, but shade alone should not be relied upon during prolonged periods outdoors in hot weather.
Keep an eye out for signs of heat-related illness, including excessive panting and lethargy. If your pet becomes unwell, swallows something potentially hazardous or shows signs of overheating, seek veterinary advice immediately.
A few simple precautions can help make sure your summer BBQ is memorable for all the right reasons – for both your guests and your four-legged family members.