Pet experts have warned dog owners of eight popular BBQ foods that could be dangerous for their four-legged friends during grilling season.
Tom Sadler, pet expert at Furvelo.com, has identified several common barbecue staples that pose serious health risks to dogs and should be kept well away from pets during outdoor events.
“With many families across America planning barbecues for grilling season, it’s crucial that pet owners know which foods could send their dog to the emergency vet. These eight barbecue favorites can cause serious harm to dogs even in small amounts,” Sadler said.
Hot dogs
Many Americans don’t realize hot dogs can be surprisingly risky for their furry friends. Packed with salt, preservatives and fatty processed meat, they can upset a dog’s stomach and, in some cases, even trigger pancreatitis. Hot dogs are usually served with toppings like onions, relish or mustard, which add further risks. Due to their shape, they are also a choking hazard if dogs swallow large pieces too quickly.
Corn on the cob
Plain corn kernels are fine for dogs in moderation, but corn on the cob can be very dangerous. Dogs can swallow chunks of cob whole and can’t digest them, leading to intestinal blockages that may require emergency surgery. Corn on the cob is one of the most common barbecue foods that sends dogs to the vet in the summer, so keep them out of reach.
Ribs
Both the meat and bones of ribs pose a danger to dogs. The meat is very rich and fatty, which often irritates dogs’ stomachs and increases the risk of pancreatitis, especially in smaller pooches. The bones can splinter when chewed, which can cause choking, mouth injuries, internal injuries and blockages. It’s best to keep the leftover bones away from dogs and instead give them store-bought bones or chews designed for dogs.
BBQ sauce
Sauces may seem harmless, but many BBQ sauces from the store contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including onion powder, garlic powder, high amounts of sugar and salt, and sometimes artificial sweeteners. Even in small amounts, it can cause digestive upset and ingredients like xylitol can be highly toxic. Sticky sauce left on plates, ribs or dropped food can easily tempt curious dogs this summer.
Ketchup
Most people don’t realize that ketchup contains harmful ingredients for dogs. While plain tomatoes can be safe in moderation, ketchup typically contains high levels of salt, sugar and sometimes xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Sadler advises pet owners to keep condiment bottles out of reach and clean up any spills immediately to prevent dogs from licking them.
Onions
Raw, cooked, powdered or even small amounts of onion can damage a dog’s red blood cells. This applies to the entire onion family too, including garlic, shallots and green onions. Dogs that eat onions may show symptoms like lethargy, weakness, and reduced appetite. Onions frequently appear on burgers and in salads, making BBQs especially risky for pets allowed to scavenge.
Chicken bones
Many BBQ hosts serve chicken legs, wings or thighs, which presents another danger for their furry friends. The expert advises never to give dogs cooked chicken bones of any kind. Unlike some larger raw bones from beef or lamb that can be safe for supervised chewing, cooked chicken bones splinter easily and can cause internal punctures or blockages. Make sure to dispose of bones safely and securely where dogs are unable to reach them.
Alcohol
Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Whether it’s spilled beer, unattended cocktails or leftover cups at a barbecue, alcohol can quickly cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties and dangerous drops in blood sugar or body temperature. Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, so even a few laps from a drink can lead to serious poisoning that requires urgent veterinary attention.
Sadler recommends creating a pet-safe zone away from the cooking and eating areas, preparing pet-friendly alternatives and informing guests about pet safety. He commented: “Set up a comfortable space for your dog with shade, water, and their own dog-friendly treats if you don’t want to leave them out of the festivities, but still keep them safe, especially in hot weather.
“Cooked meat without seasoning, some plain vegetables like carrots or cucumbers, or specially made dog treats are good options that let your pet join in the fun and treat them with human food, without risk.
“If your dog does consume something suspicious, contact your vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Time can be critical in treating food toxicity cases. Make sure all your guests know not to feed your dog scraps, no matter how pleadingly they look up with those eyes! It takes just one well-meaning guest to cause a severe problem.”
The advice comes as many pet owners may not realize that common BBQ foods can have such serious risks. By taking these precautions, dog owners can enjoy grilling season while keeping their pets safe from hidden dangers.
