The 3 barbecue foods never to feed your dog as weather hots up
Dogs don't need to miss out on the BBQ fun this summer but it is important to make the occasion pet-friendly
As the weather gets warmer, barbecue plans are in full swing. Scots will be dusting down the grill and heading outdoors to cook for all the family - and with dogs being a huge part of the household for many across the country, they won't be left out.
However, with many garden gatherings on the horizon, owners must make sure their furry friends can get safely involved in the family fun. We want our pets to be a part of all areas of our lives and summer BBQs are no exception.
However, Scots may not know that there are numerous barbecue foods we must never feed our canines. BBQs must also be pet-friendly to avoid health scares as dodgy snacks or leftovers can lead to internal damage.
"This year, when planning your al fresco dining experience, be sure to consider your furry friends with everything from the environment to the menu you're serving up," Simon Booth, Director and dog expert at Green Pantry, urged.
Luckily, Simon has stepped in to explain the things to keep in mind this summer when bringing your dog to a BBQ - and the foods your pooch should sidestep.
The top 3 BBQ foods to avoid feeding your dog
Ketchup
It's often not something we consider to be toxic to dogs, as tomatoes are a safe food for them in moderation.
Simon said: "Ketchup is the nation's favourite condiment, so it's no surprise it's a BBQ essential. However, due to the salt, sugar and often xylitol content, it can be dangerous to your pet."
Onions
"Onions can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts," Simon explained. "They can cause gastrointestinal issues and even lead to further damage to your dog's health."
Chicken legs
"Chicken on the bone, like legs or thighs, should be avoided," Simon went on.
"Though dogs can safely be given certain uncooked bones (like beef, lamb or venison) to chew on, giving them cooked bones, or any type of chicken bones, can be dangerous as they are more likely to break into smaller pieces and cause damage internally.
"Instead of these, involve your dog in the BBQ food by putting aside designated food for your dog that you know is safe for them to eat and hasn't been contaminated with anything they cannot eat."
How to plan a dog-friendly BBQ this summer, according to experts
Prepare your pet
"Your dog is used to your home environment, and will be familiar with the garden setting," Simon said. "However, when multiple new people enter this space, it can then become overwhelming for them.
"To ensure this isn't the case, try to introduce guests to your dog one by one, allowing them to get used to the new scents and having new people in their home and garden. Encourage guests not to overexcite the dog and remain calm as they approach them."
Introduce dogs to each other ahead of time
"If other guests are bringing their dog to the BBQ, try and get them to meet beforehand. If this isn't possible, consider letting them meet on neutral ground," Simon advised.
"A quick walk together can be a good way for them to meet and adjust before entering the house.
"Make sure each dog has their own space to relax away from each other, too. Consider setting up a space in the house for each dog to retreat to if needed."
Create a safe environment
"Your dog may not be used to avoiding certain areas such as the BBQ itself," Simon shared.
"If your BBQ isn't a permanent garden fixture, it may be in a space your pet is used to exploring and can be a risk to their safety when cooking hot food.
"Try to create a barrier between your pet and the hot BBQ. Setting up an out-of-bounds area for pets to restrict how close they can get to the barbeque grill itself is a must to ensure the safety of your dog."
Consider their diet
"Having multiple new people in their space can cause anxiety in dogs. Don't overlook the importance of diet when it comes to reducing your anxiety levels.
"If your dog gets stressed or anxious when having guests over, consider opting for an anxiety-reducing meal to help them... natural relaxants can aid canine calm. Alternatively, consider a natural calming supplement containing hemp and valerian properties to sprinkle over their regular food to help support relaxation and manage stress."
Set boundaries for feeding
"It can be tempting for guests to drop food for your furry friend, but not all BBQ foods are dog-friendly," Simon warned. "Ensure that when guests arrive that you let them know not to feed your dog.
"If this boundary isn't in place beforehand, it can lead to overfeeding and even cause your pet to be fed foods they shouldn't and lead to distress."
Don't forget the stealth steal
"Dogs are artists when it comes to quickly nabbing a sausage or burger when no one is looking, whilst this can be amusing at the time, this type of behaviour should be avoided," Simon added.
"In particular, be mindful of those larger dogs, whose noses can reach table height, and certain breeds like Lurchers and Greyhounds who are stealth artists when it comes to procuring a quick snack."
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