Pet Safety “Dos” for Your BBQs

As we look forward to the warm months ahead and the return of the good ol' BBQ season, there's no better time than now to brush up on some essential tips for keeping your pet safe at summer BBQs. While these gatherings can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends, family, and of course, our curious copilots, they can also pose some unique risks for our pets.

1. Food Safety

If your pup is anything like mine, they're probably already sniffing out the BBQ from miles away. But remember, not all BBQ food is pet-friendly.

Common foods like corn on the cob and bones can pose a choking hazard, while others like onions, garlic, chocolate, and alcohol can be toxic to pets.

To keep your pet safe, ensure that all food and drink items are out of their reach, and kindly remind your guests not to sneak any treats under the table!

2. Noise Awareness

BBQs can get loud, especially when everyone's having a great time. But for our pets, this noise can be overwhelming.

If your pet tends to get anxious around loud noises, consider setting up a quiet, comfortable space indoors where they can retreat if the noise becomes too much.

For other pets like cats (who can be escape artists) you should keep them safely inside for the duration of your party. Better safe than sorry!

3. Heat Safety

We all know how brutal those summer temperatures can be. While we humans can manage by sipping on a cold drink, our pets might struggle with the heat.

Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water and shade, and keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.

You may even want to fill up a baby pool with cool water for your dog if they insist on being outside with the pack. Just make sure they don't drink up too much water from it, which could make them sick!

4. Fire Safety

Whether you're grilling up some burgers or roasting marshmallows around a fire pit, be sure to keep your pet at a safe distance from any open flames or hot surfaces.

5. Secure Your Space

Lastly, with guests coming in and out, there's a chance your pet could sneak out through an open gate or door. Ensure your yard is secure before the party starts, and consider keeping your pet on a leash if they're prone to wander.

BBQs are a blast, and there's no reason why our pets can't join in on the fun, too! By taking a few precautions, we can ensure they're safe and happy, allowing everyone to enjoy the summer BBQ season.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.