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Firing up the grill in the backyard is quite possible the most
enjoyable and delicious summertime activities. While grilling up
the veggies and meat is a wonderful treat for all friends and
family members, it can be dangerous if you have a dog around.
That does not mean that you have to skip out on the barbeque
season if you are a pet parent. Just take the proper precautions
to make sure that you and your guests have the safest possible
experience this summer.
What are the risks?
As far as grilling around pets is concerned, there are multiple
risks including skin irritations, burns, choking, eye trauma,
ingesting sharp bones, harmful foods and dangerous objects like
grilling implements.
How can you ensure pet safety?
You need to make sure that the grill is at least three feet away
from your dog. The same goes for the charcoal fluid, which can be
poisonous if ingested. Never leave the grill unattended, as
curious dogs tend to work their way to the area and accidentally
burn themselves or others.If, inadvertently, your dog does manage
to find his way to the grill, you want to be prepared to protect
him against possible injuries. Grease and fat buildups must be
trapped under the grill, and removed regularly. If your dog
ingests the grill drippings, it can cause serious
gastrointestinal problems and even pancreatitis, which can be
quite deadly in dogs.It is also absolutely essential to keep the
grilling items and tools away from your pet, as it can cause
serious harm. If metal or wood skewers are ingested accidentally,
it could end up puncturing the gastrointestinal tract of your
dog, necessitating surgical intervention to fix it.Other grilling
items that need to be kept away from your dog include plastic
wraps and aluminum foils, which can cause serious intestinal
blockage if ingested. Aluminum foils are especially dangerous as
they do not show up on X-Rays.
What if your pet ingests something harmful?
The most harmful pet foods include raw bones, meats, onions and a
whole corn cob. If your pet chokes on food, try the Heimlich
maneuver (but make sure that the person who does it is properly
trained in it) and rush your pet to the vetโs office
afterwards.Non-grill items that can be harmful to pets include
grapes, avocado, chives, chocolate, raw eggs, garlic, and
alcohol. So make sure that you keep these food items away from
your dog at all times. When you discard them, make sure that you
place them in an air-tight container so that your dog cannot get
to it. If your dog gets burned by the grill, rinse the area with
cold water and cover it with a light bandage to keep him from
licking himself and take him to the emergency vet.
7 Ways to Puppy-Proof Your Summer BBQ
Summer parties are a blast, and what better way to introduce your
dog to your clan and friends than hosting a BBQ? To make
sure everyone stays safe and has fun, here are some tips to keep
in mind.
1. Create a Puppy-Only Lounge
Dogs need a lot of sleep, and itโs exhausting to get passed
around all day long. Make sure thereโs a VIP spot your pup can
retreat to when he needs a time out; create your set-up so that
your dog may be gated away from the festivities when he
needs to rest.
RELATED
STORY: Create a Special
Space for Your Dog
2. Keep a Dogโs Eye View When Setting Up
Imagine what this party is going to look like from your dogโs
point of view, and set up accordingly. Don't place hors d'oeuvres
on end tables, coffee tables, or anywhere else thatโs within
reach of the dog. Resist the urge to use candles, especially on
low tables where a tail-wag could knock a candle over, or on a
table with a tablecloth in case the dog ever decided to climb or
pull on it.
3. โDonโt Feed the Dog!โ
Spread the word far and wide: Do Not Feed the Dog. There are too
many people foods that are poisonous for dogs, and besides, many
pet parents donโt want their dog to learn obnoxious begging
behavior by being fed people food at every turn. Itโs a great
idea to place a sign on the food table telling guests not to feed
your pet so that you donโt have to nag.RELATED STORY: The Most Poisonous Foods for Dogs
4. Puppy-Gate the Grill
Avoid painful burns by keeping your dog away from the grill. All
that sizzling food smells delicious, but spare your dog from
splatters by making sure he canโt get near a hot grill, bon fire,
or other cooking surfaces.
5. Lifeguard Your Pup
Itโs a common mistake to think that all dogs are strong swimmers.
Drowning accidents are quite common amongst pets, so be sure to
supervise the pup around the pool.
RELATED
STORY: 5 Tips for Dog Safety
Around the Home
6. Watch the Dog Around Kids
Dogs and kids just seem to go together, except when they donโt.
Some kids can get a little too rough around pets. Likewise, many
dogs might bite when provoked by behavior that's perceived as
aggressive or unpredictable. Make sure an adult keeps an
eagle eye on the situation anytime kids and pets mix.
7. Bus the Tables
Parties are really fun for dogs, especially when food scraps are
left unattended! Make sure you have a crystal clear system for
bussing the tables and making sure leftover food isnโt left where
the dog can nab it. Clear scraps immediately, and also don't let
trash overflow.How do you plan on enjoying the warmer weather
with your pet? Leave a comment and let us know, and consider
signing up for PetPlus to save on your pet's
medications, supplies, vet visits, boarding, and more.
