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BBQ season is upon us and an afternoon outdoors just isn’t complete without your four legged friend accompanying you. To make sure your dog is safe and that your BBQ is as stress free as possible for both you and your dog, follow our four handy hints.
4 tips for a safe & delicious BBQ with pets around:
1. Store dangerous food safely
Whilst some foods are safe to share with your pooch, some can can be dangerous and even toxic if eaten by dogs. Unfortunately, your dog does not know the difference so it’s up to you to keep your dog away either by either putting food out of reach or storing it in sealed containers.
Looking for a list of toxic foods for dogs? Visit our post about food your dog should never eat.
Also bear in mind that even though some foods may not be toxic, they can burn your dog if they are super hot and gobbled down straight off the grill. A great idea is to put out some dog-safe snacks for you and your guests to give to your dog, this way you can control what – and how much – he’s eating and relax knowing he’s safe.
2. Restrict access to the grill
Perhaps the greatest threat to your dog during a BBQ is the grill itself. Delicious smells may be too good to resist and could put your dog in danger without him even realising. If your dog is well trained, using an “Off” or “No” command can be effective in keeping him away from the hot surface. If not, keeping your dog on a leash away from the grill whilst it’s hot is also a great alternative.
3. Protect against the heat
As temperatures rise across Australia, it is incredibly important to keep your dogcool. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be fatal but, thankfully, are very easy to prevent. Keeping your dog’s coat short during the summer months is vital and can be easily done by booking one of our Mad Paws groomers.
During your BBQ, a constant supply of fresh water and an area of shade for your dog to relax in will ensure his body temperature stays at a safe level. As a refreshing treat for your pet, you could create some of our dog-friendly frozen tidbits.
4. Keep bug repellant away
Insect repellants can be dangerous if they are ingested by your four legged friend. If you are using a spray, apply it far away from your dog and when lighting insect repelling candles such as citronella candles, put them where your inquisitive pooch can’t reach them.
If you’re going away over the summer and need someone to care for your pet, Mad Paws can help. Browse the best pet sitters in your area and find the perfect match for your four legged friend.
