Kick off BBQ season with these 10 safety tips for your dog

 dog food safety

With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the menu to kick off the summer fun! Celebrations with friends can be filled with all kinds of yummy dishes and fun activities. Curious dogs love to sample food and get in on the fun! In this article, we’ll explore the most common foods that lead to emergency visits, plus offer some party precautions.  

 

 

  1. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine. Ingestion of small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic, and even small doses of these can be fatal.
  2. Beer, wine and spirits. While it's no shocker that dogs can get tipsy after sipping alcohol, they don’t need much to turn them from playful pups into a stumbling mess. They can quickly begin vomiting and experience more severe signs like coma or worse with very small amounts of alcohol.
  3. Grapes and raisins. Even one grape or raisin can cause kidney failure in dogs. This includes baked goods containing raisins, like carrot cake or scones.  
  4. Onions and garlic. We all love these toppings on burgers, sausages and salads. Unfortunately, they can cause red blood cell damage in dogs. This is true for the raw vegetables as well as their powdered forms.
  5. Corn cobs. Summer cookouts often feature corn on the cob, but the cob can be dangerous if swallowed by your dog. Easily gobbled from unattended plates, corn cobs can cause intestinal blockages, leading to severe complications requiring immediate veterinary attention. Ditch the cobs to dodge an unplanned trip to the animal emergency hospital!
  6. Bones. Despite their reputation as chew toys, bones can splinter and cause choking, intestinal blockages, mouth injuries or can even puncture your dog’s intestines. Leftover bones from steaks or roasts shouldn’t be given to your dog—instead, make sure they make their way into a secured garbage can.
  7. Watermelon. While watermelon is a refreshing treat for pets, the seeds and rind can cause gastrointestinal blockages if ingested. Remove the seeds and rind before serving watermelon to guests, making it a safe, shareable treat.
  8. Macadamia nuts. While most nuts can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, macadamia nuts are especially concerning, leading to signs such as weakness, tremors and elevated body temperature. 
  9. Yeast dough. This presents a serious risk to dogs because once ingested, yeast dough continues to ferment in the stomach, causing bloating and ethanol production. Ethanol toxicity can result in signs similar to alcohol poisoning, posing a significant health threat to your dog.
  10. Pitted fruits. Cherries, peaches and other stone fruits may seem harmless, but their pits can pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Always remove the pits before offering these fruits to your dog.

Amidst the celebrations, it's essential to be mindful of these other hazards that can put your dog at risk: 

  • Citronella candles. Open flames can singe sensitive whiskers and noses when your dog takes a whiff. Fumes can also cause breathing difficulties, and eating the wax can lead to gastrointestinal upset. 
  • Open fires. Curious dogs investigating aromas wafting from grills or fire pits risk burns to their fur and skin. Sparks and ashes can cause eye irritation or injury if they land on your pet. Even after the fire dies down, hot ash and coals can burn your dog’s paws.
  • Balloons. A great way to mark the location of the party, balloons can spell double trouble for your dog. Deflated balloons pose a choking risk if ingested. Strings attached to balloons can cause intestinal issues if swallowed.


Don't let food hazards spoil your Memorial Day weekend fun with your dog! By keeping a watchful eye and removing potential dangers, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy while you both savor the joys of outdoor gatherings and bonding moments.

If you believe your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 right away! 

Have help whenever you need it with 24/7 Live Chat,* where our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions. Download the myVCA app. >>

*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

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