Pet owners are told to keep pets away from BBQ food, as common ingredients like onion and garlic can be toxic
Temperatures are expected to climb this bank holiday weekend, and as Brits get their BBQs ready, experts have issued an important health alert. The Met Office forecasts temperatures could reach 30C across parts of the UK this weekend, beneath sunny skies, making it a perfect opportunity for a BBQ in many people’s view.
Yet vets are cautioning UK pet owners about the risks of grilling, including typical BBQ meats, which can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Specialists from Medivet and Partners are urging owners to stay alert and take measures to prevent poisoning and harm.
While it’s frequently tempting to share food or scraps with dogs, this can pose a range of dangers, from food poisoning to more serious complications. To help owners protect their pets this BBQ season, Dr Rhian Littlehales BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS, clinical governance director at Medivet and Partners, has outlined the main hazards to watch for, reports Chronicle Live.
Keep toxic foods out of reach
The vet has urged people to be mindful of seasonings that can be dangerous for pets, including onion and garlic. Owners may be better off avoiding such seasonings altogether if they’re likely to sneak their pet a cooked meat treat.
“Many favourite BBQ meats can pose risks to pets and whilst it can be tempting to sneak them a treat, cooked and uncooked fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis, an inflaming of the pancreas, a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention,” she said.
“Be mindful of the seasonings on many popular BBQ products too, as common ingredients like onion and garlic are toxic for dogs and cats, and many pre-prepared seasonings are high in salt, which can lead to salt toxicosis or hypernatremia.” The warning signs that your pet may be suffering from food-related poisoning include:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Lethargy.
- High temperature.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tremors and seizures.
The vet added: “Peckish pets will be looking for opportune moments to steal some scraps from the grill but remember that pets should never eat raw meat, and that it can pose a risk to humans too. If your dog does manage to get hold of raw meat, prevent them from licking you to avoid the spread of bacteria.
“If you suspect your pet has consumed any toxins, call your local vet immediately for advice. Knowing what they have eaten and how much has been consumed will help them give you the best advice.”
Clear away choking hazards
She went on to say: “It’s not just the food itself that can be harmful, but the utensils we eat them with. Skewers are popular at BBQs, but they can be fatal for dogs if ingested. Not only can they damage the inside of a dog’s mouth, but if ingested (whether whole or splintered), they can cause tears in the stomach lining or intestines, as well as internal bleeding.
“Whilst corn itself isn’t a danger to dogs, the cob can be a serious choking hazard and can trigger intestinal blocking. Bones can also splinter and become lodged in your pet’s mouth or leave them at risk of internal damage if ingested. Always dispose of choking hazards immediately to ensure they’re inaccessible to any curious pets.”
Avoiding burns
The vet urges pet owners to keep charcoal and gas canisters well out of reach of paws and tails, and to ensure their pet remains at a safe distance from the hot BBQ itself, as charcoal BBQs can spit unexpectedly and cause burns. She explained: “Even when you’ve finished cooking, a BBQ can stay hot for some time, so make sure your pet doesn’t choose to explore anywhere near the BBQ looking for scraps.”
Keeping pets cool in warm weather
If enjoying a BBQ during hot weather, ensure your pet has plenty of access to water by placing bowls throughout your home and garden, and encourage them to stay hydrated. Dr Rhian Littlehales said: “Apply a pet-friendly sun cream to sensitive areas of the body (nose, lips and tips of the ears) and keep pets out of the sun during the hottest part of the day to minimise their risk of sunburn and heatstroke too.”
