Keep Your Pet Safe at Summertime Barbecues and Parties With These Tips From a Veterinarian
Keep these tips in your back pocket all summer long ☀️
The weather is warmer, the sun sets later, and we're looking for any excuse to catch a few extra rays. It's summertime and with that comes late-night barbecues, daytime canned cocktails by the pool and lots of activities, like Fourth of July. Backyard barbecues are a great place for family and friends to gather. Who doesn't love a cookout with a full spread of your summertime favorites, sparklers that light up the sky, and the thrill of fireworks? Your dog may raise his paw on the question.
No worries, because we've teamed up with veterinarian Dr. Tricia Earley to get the inside scoop on the top dos and don'ts when planning to have some fun under the summer sun with your four-legged friend. You can consider Dr. Earley Country Living's resident veterinarian who helps us separate fur facts from fiction. After all, we want to make sure our guests enjoy some delicious BBQ, not the pets. As cute as those puppy dog eyes are, you may be surprised to learn that some of our favorite grilling recipes and summertime snacks are toxic to our furry friends. Following these key safety tips for your pet will allow everyone to enjoy the warm weather festivities without incident.
Even Your Pet Needs an I.D.
Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with a clear I.D., and there are no escape routes in your yard. It just takes one guest leaving the gate open, and your beloved pooch is on the loose.
Dr. Earley even mentioned that having them embedded with a microchip is a plus, but a distinct identification works as well.
Avoid Those Puppy Dog Eyes and Giving Them Table Scraps
Those puppy dog eyes are powerful, but don't let it get the best of you. Just look away when you get those sad eyes while you eat your BBQ and ask guests not to give them scraps. Dr. Earley suggests avoiding giving dogs foods that are fatty or spicy, such as sausage, gristle, or hot dogs. These can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Even cooked bones can be hazardous if they splinter.
Here's a list of toxic foods to avoid giving your pet:
- chocolate
- macadamia nut
- onion
- grapes
- raisins
- xylitol, a certain type of artificial sweetener found in certain gum and candy
Keep Your Pup Away From the Grill
An open flame is dangerous, but remember that grills stay hot long after you finish cooking. A bit of smoke adds delicious flavor to your foods, but it can cause some irritation to the eyes and nasal passage for your pet, so it's best to keep the grill a dog-free zone.
Keep 'Em Cool and Hydrated
Believe it or not, many dogs do not self regulate when they are having fun. They keep playing and can overheat, especially short nosed dogs such as bulldogs and pugs. Make sure you have your dog take breaks in the shade and have water available at all times.
Related: This Dog Collar Can Protect Your Pooch From Heatstroke This Summer
Your Dog Might Need Swimming Lessons
Whether you're taking a dip in the pool or spending some time by the lake, make sure to keep an eye on your pets. Even though dogs can swim, it's important that they know how and where to exit the pool to prevent accidental drownings. If you're spending a lot of time on the water, consider a life vest for your pet.
Fireworks Are Fun, But Not For Your Pup
Fireworks are beautiful and a symbol of freedom for many, but there's a good chance your pet doesn't see it that way. They are loud and scary, causing many dogs to instinctively run. Dr. Earley recommends keeping your pets in a familiar room indoors and play calming music in the background to reduce the sound of fireworks, even if they're in the distance. If your pet is particularly noise sensitive, talk to your veterinarian about safe medication to help calm your pet for the evening.
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
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