Summer Barbecue Safety Tips from Lead Veterinarian Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
Hot temperatures, cold drinks, and the smell of amazing BBQ wafting through the air can only mean one thing: summer grilling season!
Our lead veterinarian, RuthAnn Lobos, DVM, has the following tips to make sure your four-legged family members enjoy the season safely:
Don’t Leave Grills Unattended
The National Fire Prevention Association states that grills should always be kept at least three feet away from both pets and children. Sticking close to your grill means your meat will be perfectly cooked and everyone will be out of harm’s way – a win-win!
Leave the Tools to the Grill Master
Keep grilling tools and accessories out of reach. This not only includes wood and metal skewers, but also, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and charcoal fluid, which can be toxic if ingested by your dog.
Keep it Cool
As the temperatures rise inside the grill and outside in the summer air, be sure your dog doesn’t get overheated. Make sure their water bowl is full and there is plenty of shade for them to relax.
Save the Human Food for You and Your Guests
It can be hard to resist your adorable dog begging for a snack, but some of the most harmful foods for dogs are common ones we find on our grills, including raw meats, bones, onions, and even corn on the cob. Other BBQ and picnic foods that are harmful for dogs include avocado, grapes, chocolate, chives, garlic, raw eggs, and alcohol. Remind your guests to not feed or sneak food to your pets at the party. As a safe alternative, our Slow-Cooked BBQ dog food recipes offer a delicious and healthy option for your furry pal to join in on the BBQ fun.
Put a Lid on It
While you’re busy at the grill, it can be easy to leave the trash can out and open. An open trash can is almost too much for any dog to resist, so making sure the lid is on securely ensures they are unable to dig in while you aren’t looking.
If you notice that your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t have or is acting sick, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
We want your whole family to have a safe and satisfying time at the summer BBQ this year. Check out our slow-cooked BBQ recipes in five authentic, flavorful styles: Texas Style With Braised Beef, Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork, Memphis Style With Glazed Chicken, and Kentucky Style With Chopped Lamb so your dog can get in on the fun too!
