The top 5 hidden dangers for dogs during BBQ season
We catch up with the eternal golden girl to chat health, beauty – and whether she will be ageing disgracefully.
You’re busy grilling away – and your dog’s looking at you like they’ve not eaten in weeks. But before you give in you may be doing them more harm than good, as the following advice reveals.
“When the sun is shining and you’re enjoying a BBQ in the garden, it’s all too easy to let your guard down when it comes to looking after your pet,” says Go.Compare expert Tamzin Metcalfe. “But while everyone is soaking up the sun and enjoying the food, curious pets are following their noses straight toward hot grills and dropped food. Here are just a few simple steps that can keep your pets safe and avoid any emergency vet bills.”
Say no to corn on the cob
Corn on the cob was responsible for 25% of BBQ-related pet injuries in 2022, making it a dangerous BBQ food which most dog owners might not know about. “Corn isn’t toxic, but because dogs can’t digest the cob, if they eat one that drops on the floor it could lead to a potential intestinal obstruction that could be fatal and require emergency surgery. Most owners assume corn will be fine as it’s a vegetable, making this an important hazard to raise awareness.”
Don’t give them cooked bones
Giving a dog a bone feels natural and harmless, and if they’re watching you intently eat a chicken drumstick you might think, ‘one won’t do any harm’. “Unfortunately, when those bones are cooked, they become brittle, and can splinter when eaten, causing internal injuries and blockages, which could lead to emergency surgery. In 2022, 18% of emergency vet cases for BBQ-related injuries were due to cooked bones. This could lead to a pet insurance claim that could run into hundreds or thousands of pounds.”
Consider hidden ingredients
A lot of favourite foods, such as burgers and chicken kebabs, will likely contain marinades, sauces and seasoning, which include onion, garlic and other allium ingredients, that are toxic for dogs. “The danger with these ingredients is that they damage red blood cells and symptoms often don’t appear for three to five days after ingestion, by which point the damage can be severe, leading to emergency procedures at the vets.”
Physical dangers
Many BBQs have open flames, hot coals, and grilling surfaces, that if not attended to properly could cause severe paw, face or body burns. “It’s important that any pets are kept a safe distance away when your BBQ is in use, and that they are in view when you are settling down to eat your BBQ food.”
Insurance gap owners don’t check
Many insurance policies come with standard emergency cover for your pet that can include accidental ingestion and injuries. That said, some exclude self-inflicted conditions, which might not cover emergency vet visits as soon as they sign up. “Most BBQ-related incidents are entirely preventable, but when you’re relaxing in the garden, it can be easy to get distracted. Simple steps, like keeping pets indoors while eating or giving them a long-lasting chew toy to keep them occupied, could go a long way. Ultimately, keeping BBQ food strictly on our plates and off theirs protects your pet’s health and could save you from a heavy vet bill.” www.gocompare.com
