Summer is the perfect time for gathering with friends and family, enjoying good food, and making memories at barbecues and outdoor events. However, while these social occasions are a highlight of the season, it’s important to remember that summer also brings its own set of risks, especially for our dogs.
Whether it’s the heat, the potential for harmful foods, or unexpected accidents, staying aware and taking precautions ensures everyone, including your furry friends, can enjoy the fun safely.
So if you’re hosting a garden party, or maybe attending someone else’s BBQ, here’s what you should know to keep your dog safe and happy.
Common barbecue foods to avoid to keep your dog safe:
Barbecues are often a buffet of danger for dogs, so what are some of the most common culprits? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions below.
Can dogs eat barbecue sauce?
Barbecue sauce often contains ingredients like onion powder, garlic, sugar, and sometimes xylitol, all of which can be toxic and poisonous to dogs. While a small lick may not cause immediate harm, consuming it regularly or in large amounts can lead to serious health issues like pancreatitis or poisoning.
To be safe, it’s best to keep barbecue sauce out of your dog’s reach.
Can dogs eat onions?
Onions, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, are harmful to dogs. They can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing them to break down faster than the body can replace them. This leads to a deficiency in red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When red blood cells are destroyed, organs may not get the oxygen they need to function properly.
Symptoms of onion toxicity typically appear a few days after ingestion and can include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, collapse.
If you suspect your dog has eaten onions, seek veterinary care immediately to avoid serious health complications.
Can dogs eat ketchup or mustard?
Ketchup may seem harmless, but it’s packed with high levels of salt, sugar, and often artificial sweeteners, all of which can be harmful to your dog’s health. Even small amounts can upset their stomach and lead to long-term issues.
Mustard, which contains mustard seeds, can cause vomiting in even small quantities. A larger amount could lead to more serious, long-term health problems. To be safe, it’s best to keep both ketchup and mustard out of your dog’s reach.
Is corn on the cob safe for dogs?
Plain corn kernels can be safe for dogs in moderation, but if left unsupervised, there’s a risk of choking. This could lead to internal blockages and cause your dog to become seriously ill. It’s important to keep an eye on them while they’re eating corn to avoid any potential issues.
What BBQ meat is safe for dogs?
There’s plenty of BBQ meat your dog can enjoy! Salmon is rich in healthy fats and amino acids, while chicken provides excellent protein. Just be sure to wait until after cooking to add salt and pepper so you don’t feed your dog the seasoned meat. Beef patties can also be a tasty treat, but be cautious not to serve those with seasoning or onions, as they can be harmful to dogs.
Can dogs eat cooked meat bones?
This is a definite no-go. Cooked bones may seem like a perfect treat for your dog, but they can easily splinter, leading to choking, internal injuries, or dangerous blockages in the digestive system, so caution is essential.
Kebab skewers can also be tempting for dogs. If your dog manages to grab one, it can cause serious internal damage. If this happens, don’t wait—reach out to our team immediately for help.
Non-food risks at the barbecue
We’ve listed some other things dog owners should be aware of at BBQs to help keep your dog safe.
Secure the garden
Dogs can be highly excitable, especially in new or unfamiliar environments. To ensure their safety, always make sure garden gates are securely closed to prevent them from running off or venturing onto busy roads. Additionally, inspect the area for any poisonous plants that may pose a risk.
When socialising with friends, it’s easy to get distracted, but prioritising your dog’s safety should always come first. If you decide to bring your dog along, be sure to stay vigilant and keep them protected from potential hazards.
Hot surfaces and burning paws
Barbecues are all about sunshine, sizzling grills, and good times—but for dogs, those sun-soaked patios and hot surfaces can spell trouble. Burnt paw pads are one of the most common warm-weather injuries for dogs, especially when they walk across hot pavement, decking, or stone patios.
A simple test: place the back of your hand on the surface for 5–7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Also, be cautious around the grill area—hot coals, open flames, and dropped food can pose serious risks. Keeping your dog nearby but out of high-traffic zones will help them stay part of the fun without the danger.
Burns and open flames
Burns and open flames are extremely harmful to dogs, just as they are to humans, but dogs often don’t recognise the danger until it’s too late. It’s important to prevent your dog from getting too close to open flames or smoldering coals that could fall off the BBQ.
Dogs with longer fur are especially vulnerable since their coats can easily catch fire. Always keep a close eye on your dog, especially around the grill or fire pit, to ensure they don’t get curious and put themselves at risk.
Toxic smoke
Smoke coming from the BBQ can contain harmful chemicals. Charcoal can be especially dangerous because it can release carbon monoxide.
While the smell of grilled meat might be tempting to your dog, grill smoke can irritate their sensitive lungs, especially if they have pre-existing respiratory conditions like a collapsed trachea or brachycephalic syndrome.
To avoid this, it’s best to keep pets away from the smoke during the barbecue.
Environmental hazards
If you’re heading to a BBQ in someone else’s garden, take a moment to scan the area before letting your dog explore. Common garden plants like daffodils, lilies, and azaleas may look beautiful, but they can be toxic if ingested by your pup.
Also, keep an eye out for scattered rubbish—things like skewers, plastic cutlery, leftover food, or napkins can be tempting for curious noses. Dogs are natural scavengers, and what seems like a harmless sniff could quickly lead to a dangerous situation—and an unexpected vet visit.
A quick check of the space can go a long way in keeping your dog safe while you enjoy the BBQ.
Make sure your dog doesn’t get stressed or overstimulated
Barbecues are often lively and fun, but the noise, crowds, and unfamiliar faces can be overwhelming, especially for more sensitive or anxious dogs. When overstimulated, dogs may show signs of stress, such as trying to hide, escape, or even displaying fearful or reactive behaviour.
To help your dog stay calm and comfortable, make sure they have a quiet, shaded retreat where they can relax away from the hustle and bustle. Depending on your dog’s temperament, it may be best to limit interactions with unfamiliar guests and let your pup observe from a safe distance.
While friends and family may be eager to spoil your dog with treats, they may not know what’s safe. A polite reminder not to feed your dog without checking first can go a long way—even small amounts of toxic food can lead to serious health issues.
Keep your dog protected from heatstroke
To help prevent heatstroke at BBQs, always make sure your dog has access to fresh water and a shaded, cool resting spot away from direct sun.
Avoid vigorous play during the hottest part of the day, and never leave your dog on hot surfaces like pavement or decking.
Keep an eye out for early signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, or weakness, and act quickly if they appear.
Staying vigilant
Barbecues are a much-loved summer tradition, but they can pose hidden dangers for our canine companions. With a bit of forward planning and awareness, you can keep your dog safe, comfortable, and included in the fun. If your pet shows signs of illness or may have eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t wait—get in touch with our team right away.
Keep your dog cool, calm, and protected this summer, and make the most of BBQ season—safely!
