Summer is here, so it is time for the Back Yard BBQ, right? And if you are like most pet owners, you want your pups to enjoy it with you. To ensure every summer BBQ moment you have is magical, make sure you know what the BBQ do’s & don’ts are when it comes to your pets.
DON’Ts
Don’t Let Your Pet Near the Grill – What’s a backyard BBQ without firing up the grill? Let’s be honest…food tastes better when it’s grilled; however, grills pose a danger for cats and dogs. Whether you’re cooking on a gas, propane, or charcoal grill, open flames are dangerous and it’s important to keep the grill monitored at all times.
A curious cat can easily burn a paw (or worse) trying to bat a hotdog off the burner. Meanwhile, pouncing pups have been known to become injured (and even to knock over the entire grill) leaping to pull off a nibble while the grill master’s back is turned. Pets and humans alike can sustain injuries when grills are left unattended.
Don’t Feed your Pets food from your plate- When the grilling is finished and it’s time to eat, it can be tempting to give your dog a nibble from your plate; however, many BBQ staples can do extreme harm to your pet.
- If you give a dog a bone, you run a serious risk of damaging your dog’s internal organs. Cooked bones break up easier; the shards can be very dangerous once ingested.
- Alliums (onions, garlics, chives, etc.) are known to be poisonous to dogs and will make your pet sick.
- Corn on the cob is a choking hazard for dogs or, if ingested, can cause bowel obstruction.
That said, there are some foods that are safe—just make sure they aren’t still hot when you serve them. Such foods include:
- Hotdogs cut into pieces
- Grilled sweet peppers, zucchini or sweet potato
- Lean chicken, fish, or steak (spare the spice rub, though)
- Chilled seedless watermelon
So, there are ways for your pet to enjoy the spoils of the BBQ without getting sick; however, it’s best to advise your guests in advance what your dog can and cannot eat as well as to train your pet not to beg or to jump on the table LEARN MORE: Can Dogs Eat? – An ultimate guide to 69 human foods that dogs can/cannot eat
Don’t forget the Treats and Toys – Bring treats and toys for dogs to entertain themselves with. A Kong stuffed with Frozen Banana and peanut butter can keep them entertained for a while.
Don’t Let them Wander Off- Remember that snakes, bees, ticks and other hazards may be present. Make sure to keep your pets close.
Don’t forget to Pick Up After them– Poo piles are no fun to step in, look at or smell! Additionally, they attract flies and other pests and can become disease ridden. Contrary to belief, dog poop does not break down and become fertilizer. So be a good host or guest and pick up!
Do’s
Do Provide Plenty of Shade– Make sure your pet has a cool comfortable place to lie down and cool off. If natural shade is not available bring an umbrella or pup tent for them.
Do Provide Plenty of Cool Water for Drinking– and make sure it is refreshed often. If you don’t provide water they will go off and look for something to drink that may not be good for them. You may even want to bring a few pupcicles. Check out our recipes below.
DO Keep your Trashcan Covered – The outdoor trashcan collects a lot of rubbish from lighter fluid to bamboo skewers to meat wrappers to matches and everything in between. The lure of an open trashcan is almost too much for any dog to resist; however, your dog can’t differentiate between a meat wrapper that has lighter fluid on it versus one that doesn’t. Choking and illness are very possible when the trashcan is left open.
Do Use Pet Sun Screen for your Pups and pet Friendly Sunscreen and Bug repellent on you.- Humans and pets alike need to avoid insect bites during the summer (especially dogs as heartworms are carried by mosquitoes); however, repellents containing DEET are harmful to dogs. Consult your vet for something that’s pet-friendly; for example, Avon’s Skin So Soft bath oil is a known insect repellent and is recommended by many veterinarians.
DO Consider a Splash Pool– an inexpensive plastic pool can be a fun way for your dog to cool off!
DO Have Fun! When you know how to have a safe time at a BBQ, you can easily have a fun time. By keeping the water bowl full, feeding your pet safe snacks, attending to grill safety, and keeping the trashcan closed, you and your pet can make nothing but happy, lasting summer BBQ memories.
KNOW the Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs!
- Heavy Panting
- Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
- Increased body temperature – above 103° F (39° C)
- Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body.
- Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine.
LEARN MORE! https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke
Pupcicle Recipes
CHICKEN PUPSICLES
- 1 Cup of chicken stock
- ½ Cup of water
- 1 ½ Ounces of finely chopped chicken meat
All dogs love chicken. This pupsicle is the perfect savory treat for your dog.
Prepare and cool down the chicken stock, then combine in a bowl with the chicken.
Pour into popsicle molds or ice cube trays. Freeze overnight.
EASY PEANUT BUTTER PUPSICLE
- ½ Cup plain yoghurt
- 1 Ripe banana
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
Yes, dogs really can eat peanut butter. Just take a look at the chart below for confirmation.
The peanut butter adds another flavor dimension to these tasty treats. I can guarantee your dog will love it.
To make this pupsicle add the yogurt, banana and peanut butter to a blender or food processor and puree until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Freeze overnight.
