06/20/2026
Barbecue season is upon us!
We know pets are part of the family and we want to include them in our activities as much as we can! However, sometimes our human activities can pose risks to our four legged buddies if we're not careful.
How many potential pet hazards can you see in this picture?
Answers below!
1. Foreign body or intestinal obstructions: Corn on the cob, cooked or raw bones, apple cores or fruit pits can all cause a blockage. Signs of a blockage include vomiting, gagging or retching, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain or diarrhea.
2. Pancreatitis: The summer barbecue foods we love are not pet-friendly. In addition to a potential foreign body if consumed with the packaging, hot dogs, grease, butter, steak or food scraps in the compost or garbage can cause pancreatitis. This can present as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis requires medical management and in severe cases, pets need to be hospitalized with IV treatments.
3. Children: Even if your dog lives with children, not all children live with dogs! It's up to the adults to manage interactions between kids and dogs to ensure everyone stays safe. It's estimated that around 500,000 dog bites occur each year and children unfortunately make up the majority of this statistic. Brush up on your dog body language and consider creating "safe zones" for your dog away from guests.
4. Secure your yard: Inspect fences to ensure your pet cannot sneak away for a solo neighborhood stroll while you're busy flipping burgers! Tethers and leashes can be helpful management tools if you have an exuberant dog and guests sitting down to eat their meals. Consider a Catio or outdoor enclosure for your feline friends.
5. Alcohol and cannabis products are toxic to your pet. If you suspect your pet has had a sip of your IPA or a nibble of your "special" brownies, please contact your vet team for assistance. There is zero judgement, we just want to help your pet.
Happy Barbecuing!
