Now we’re well and truly into the summer months, the team here at Pawsome Vets are enjoying being out in the garden, enjoying the sun and firing up the BBQ. Whilst we don’t want you to be worried about hosting a BBQ this summer, we think that it is important to highlight hazards that can be super harmful to our furry friends!
So, let’s take a closer look at the hazards that we should be extra cautious of when we’re having a BBQ around our pets.
Burns
Whether you’re cooking your food on the hot rocks or you have a gas BBQ with a hot plate, cooking temperatures can get pretty high! Not only do you need to be careful not to burn yourself, but our pets’ delicate little toe beans are also at risk!
BBQs get super hot all over, meaning that even the sides of the BBQ, the top and bottom can get scorching hot. This means that it even poses a burn risk if our pets were to brush past the BBQ.
Due to the intense heat that is produced from the BBQ, this means that it can stay hot for hours afterwards, sometimes even until the next morning!
When you’re planning a BBQ, it is important to keep your pets out of the way throughout the cooking process, as well as the hours that follow. This can eliminate the risk of burns altogether.
Smoke inhalation
There’s no smoke without fire! If you’re using a coal BBQ, things can get pretty smoky out there. Even with some hot plate style BBQs, there can still be a large amount of smoke that is produced from cooking.
As we know, smoke can irritate our eyes and nose, but smoke inhalation can make us cough as it irritates our lungs.
When you’re using a BBQ, make sure that you keep pets out of the way, as well as cooking in a well ventilated area.
Foreign bodies
As we enjoy our tasty BBQ food, our pets can sometimes be on the prowl to see what they can eat as part of the event. Veterinary practices across the globe see foreign bodies that become lodged in the gastrointestinal tracts of cats and dogs. Some of the most common include:
Corn on the cob – Possibly one of the most seen foreign bodies after a BBQ are corn on the cobs. These are often swallowed whole and can sometimes sit in the stomach or move to the intestines. Due to their size, corn on the cobs often cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, making our pets very unwell.
Bones – Animal bones, no matter the size, can cause problems if ingested by our pets. Similar to corn on the cobs, these can cause a blockage in the digestive system, preventing it from functioning correctly. Cooked bones are especially dangerous, as these can snap, splinter and have the potential to tear the intestines.
Skewers – Leftover skewers can seem like a tasty snack for our furry friends, but similar to bones, these can cause the gastrointestinal tract to tear and rip. If left untreated, this can cause extreme health problems.
If you think that your pet may have eaten something that they shouldn’t, it is important to contact us as soon as possible on 01623 203529.
Toxic foods for Pets
Whilst we enjoy plenty of foods in the summer months, our animals will also happily eat them, blissfully unaware that they can cause illness and harm. Some popular foods that can be found at BBQs that are toxic to pets include:
Onions
Found in foods such as coleslaw and on burgers, onions can cause harm to our pets if ingested. Onions can cause damage to our pets’ red blood cells, destroying them faster than the body can produce more.
If left untreated, symptoms can develop such as vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse.
Garlic
Similar to onions, garlic can cause damage to red blood cells. Often found in marinades and other dishes, garlic can oxidise (cause damage) to red blood cells. It is especially more harmful to cats than dogs, so early intervention is key.
Common symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea and rapid breathing.
Grapes
Whether you’re having them as a sweet treat or in a salad, grapes are especially dangerous to our pets – mainly because there is no known toxic dose.
The main risk with grapes is that they can cause sudden kidney failure, even from ingesting a small amount. Symptoms can appear in as little as 6 hours and can include tremors, dehydration, lethargy and in severe cases, death.
Alcohol
When enjoying the summer weather, a cold beer or a glass of wine makes a perfect addition to BBQ food. However, our pets should avoid consuming alcohol as it can be detrimental to their health.
Not only does some alcohol contain grapes, it can cause damage to the liver, heart and nervous system. Animals metabolise alcohol a lot slower than we do, meaning that it has more time to cause damage to the body. In fact, as little as 1 teaspoon of pure alcohol can cause serious problems to our pets.
If you think that your pet has ingested foods that you think may be toxic, it is important to contact us as soon as possible! Give us a call on 01623 203529.
Final thoughts on BBQ hazards
Here at Pawsome Vets, we know that BBQs are a staple part of summer fun – there’s nothing better than relaxing with friends and family outside, including our pets!
From toxic foods, to smoke and hot surfaces, being aware of the risks can help to keep your pets safe.
If you ever suspect that your pet is hurt, unwell or ingested something that they shouldn’t, don’t wait! Give us a call on 01623 203529 – we’re here to keep your pets safe, happy and feeling totally Pawsome all summer long!
