Dogs and barbeques | Keep your dog safe this National BBQ Day

National BBQ Day is finally here and with the sunshine making a welcome appearance many of us are hoping to fire up the barbeque and spend quality time outdoors with friends, family and of course our pets.

At the Natural Dog Food Company, we love a good garden gathering just as much as Purdy and Panther do. While the barbeque is sizzling and guests are arriving it is important to remember that they can come with hidden dangers for dogs.

To help you enjoy a stress-free celebration we have put together our top BBQ safety tips for pets so your dogs can stay safe, happy and healthy all weekend long.

Avoid feeding human food to pets

It might be tempting to slip your dog a sausage or let them nibble leftovers but many popular foods can be harmful to pets.

Foods such as onions, garlic, chocolate, corn on the cob, cooked bones, grapes and certain sauces or seasonings can cause serious health problems in dogs. Fatty foods can also upset sensitive stomachs and may even lead to pancreatitis.

Our simple rule is, human food is not dog food.

If guests are visiting it is always worth politely reminding everyone not to feed the dog, even those puppy eyes cant change the rules!

Safer alternatives:

• Keep a pack of Natural Dog Food Treats nearby for your guests to give out, or keep them at the dog to introduce nervous dogs to guests.
• Prepare some pet friendly snacks in advance, carrot sticks, cucumber sticks and strawberries go down a treat with Purdy and Panther
• Make sure fresh water is always available

Keep barbeque areas off limits

With plates of food, hot barbeques and dropped leftovers everywhere, cooking areas can quickly become hazardous for curious pets.

Dogs are experts at sneaking unattended food, so creating clear boundaries can help prevent accidents.

Easy ways to keep pets safe:

• Use a pet gate or barrier around the barbeque
• Keep buffets tables out of reach
• Never leave hot barbeques unattended
• Ask guests to avoid placing plates on the ground

Remember barbeque tools and skewers can also be dangerous if chewed or stepped on.

Be aware of toxic plants and flowers

Spring and summer gardens may look beautiful but some common plants can be toxic to dogs.

Flowers including:

• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Hyacinths
• Lillies

Can all cause illness if eaten.

Symptoms may include sickness, diarrhoea, drooling, tiredness or more serious reactions depending on the plant.

Before hosting a garden party check your outdoor space for anything potentially harmful and keep toxic plants well out of reach.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something dangerous contact your vet immediately.

Secure bins and food waste

The smell of leftover burgers and barbeque scraps can be irresistible to dogs especially once everyone has finished eating.

Unfortunately, food waste often contains dangerous items such as:

• Cooked bones
• Wrappers
• Corn on the cob
• Skewers
• Fat trimmings

To reduce the risk:

• Use secure bins with lids
• Avoid leaving bin bags outside overnight
• Clear plates promptly after eating
• Keep rubbish areas inaccessible to pets

A determined dog can empty a bin surprisingly quickly!

Supervise children around pets and food

Children and dogs often become best friends during family barbeques but accidents can happen when food is involved.

Young children may unknowingly feed dogs unsafe food or leave plates within easy reach.

To keep everyone safe:

• Encourage children to eat while seated at a table
• Supervise interactions between dogs and young guests
• Remind little ones not to share food with dogs

And yes, adults do need reminding too sometimes!

Create a quiet safe space for your dog

Barbeques can become loud, busy and overwhelming. Especially for nervous or older dogs.

Giving your pet a calm retreat away from the noise can help them feel secure throughout the day.

Set up a quiet area with:

• Fresh water
• Shade
• Their bed or blanket
• Favourite toys

Let guests know this space is your dogs safe zone and should be left undisturbed.

Enjoy a safe and happy National barbeque Day

With a little preparation barbeque can be enjoyable for the whole family, pets included.

By following theses simple barbeque safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and make sure your dog stays safe while everyone enjoys the sunshine.

Have a fantastic National BBQ Day filled with good food, great company and happy dogs.

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