Tips for Keeping Fido Safe at the Summer BBQ

Planning a summer BBQ? Read below to learn tips for keeping Fido safe at the gathering!

Safe And Secure

Whether your companion stays inside or in the backyard, ensure they can’t escape. It just takes one guest to leave a gate open or a door cracked before your canine is on the loose. If you are concerned about your pal’s safety, leave them in a secured room or crate with their favorite toys. This is especially true if your pal is uncomfortable around crowds. Or, you can just let your guests know to ensure they are looking out for your furry friend. Wherever your pal spends the evening, ensure they are safe and secure.

Additionally, an open flame is dangerous to anyone. So, keep your furry friend away from the grill. This includes while it is in use and after you are done because grills stay hot for a long time! The smoke from the grill can be irritating to our pets too. And keep other hazards such as matches, lighters, skewers, and other grill tools out of your companion’s reach. Hopefully, your dog is trained to stay away from the grill or in an area that is out of reach to your companion.

Furthermore, if you have a pool or are attending a BBQ with a pool, be aware of water dangers to your four-legged friend. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t ingest pool water. Also, don’t let them swim unsupervised, even if they are experienced swimmers.

Food Dangers

Also, be careful about what you serve at your BBQ, and make sure scraps stay away from your four-legged friend. Some dangerous foods that should be kept away from your canine include:

• cooked ribs
• bones
• uncooked meats
• onions
• garlic
• avocado
• grapes
• raisins
• corn on the cob
• seasonings
• rubs
• BBQ sauce
• mayo
• salty snacks
• fatty and fried foods
• alcohol

So, tell your guests not to feed your pal food scrapes to ensure their safety. However, you can make a dog-friendly plate for your companion. This includes:

• plain meats
• corn off the cob
• cucumber
• carrots
• celery
• green beans
• banana
• strawberries
• other summer treats!

Also, you can provide any of your pal’s favorite snacks and treats!

Stay Cool

If your pal spends time with you outside, ensure they can access plenty of water and shade. Additionally, watch for signs of heat stroke if temperatures are exceptionally high. Also, you can provide swimming and water games to keep your canine cool. Lastly, be sure to take breaks inside to keep Fido cool. Look out for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, loud breathing, lethargy, and weakness. Though your companion may want to spend time outdoors with you and your friends, their safety is important too!