A summer barbecue or picnic is one of life's great pleasures, and for a dog it is heaven: food on low tables, dropped scraps, and everyone in a relaxed, generous mood. It is also where a surprising number of summer vet emergencies begin. The main risks are toxic foods, cooked bones and skewers, heat, and alcohol left within reach. The good news is that a little planning lets everyone enjoy the day, dog included.
Here is how to keep the fun going without a trip to the vet.
Foods to keep away from your dog
Plenty of BBQ and picnic staples are toxic or risky for dogs. Keep these off the menu:
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives: Toxic raw or cooked, they damage red blood cells. Watch for hidden sources in burgers, sausages, dips and marinades.
- Grapes, raisins and anything with them: Fruit salads, flapjacks and some cakes can cause kidney failure even in small amounts.
- Chocolate and sweet treats: Puddings, brownies and ice creams are all off limits.
- Xylitol: This sweetener hides in some sugar-free ketchups, peanut butters and desserts, and is highly toxic to dogs.
- Corn on the cob: Not toxic, but the cob is a classic cause of a serious gut blockage if swallowed.
- Fatty scraps and rich leftovers: Burnt sausages, buttery buns and fatty offcuts can trigger pancreatitis, which is painful and serious.
Groomer's tip: Give guests a friendly heads-up not to feed the dog. Most people slip a treat out of kindness, and one clear ask at the start saves a lot of worry later.
Cooked bones and skewers: the sharp dangers
Two BBQ hazards deserve their own mention because they cause some of the nastiest injuries:
- Cooked bones: Bones from chops, ribs, chicken and other grilled meats become brittle and can splinter, damaging the mouth, throat and gut. Bin them somewhere the dog cannot reach.
- Kebab and satay skewers: These smell strongly of meat and are irresistible. A swallowed wooden or metal skewer can pierce the digestive tract and is a genuine emergency.
- Foil, cling film and cocktail sticks: Often coated in fat or juices, these get gulped down with the food they held.
Keep a lidded bin or a sealed bag for waste, and clear plates promptly rather than leaving them at dog height.
Watch the heat
Summer gatherings often fall on the hottest days, and dogs cope with heat far worse than we do. Heat-related illness can come on fast and be fatal:
- Provide constant shade and fresh water, and never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a few minutes.
- Avoid the midday sun for walks, and go early morning or evening instead.
- Watch for heavy panting, drooling, lethargy or unsteadiness, and cool your dog and call the vet if you see them.
- Flat-faced breeds, older dogs and thick-coated dogs feel it most.
A well-groomed, properly deshedded coat helps a dog stay cooler in summer, though never shave a double coat, as it protects against sun as well as cold.
Alcohol and drinks
Dogs and alcohol do not mix. Even small amounts can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature, plus wobbliness and vomiting. At a party, drinks get left on the grass and low tables, so keep an eye on glasses and cans, and clear up spills. The same goes for anything sweet and fizzy left within reach.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your dog eats something toxic or swallows a bone or skewer, ring your vet or out-of-hours clinic straight away. Do not wait to see if symptoms appear, and do not try to make your dog sick unless told to. Take any packaging with you so the vet knows what they are dealing with.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat BBQ sausages and burgers?
A tiny plain piece is unlikely to harm most dogs, but shop-bought sausages and burgers are often high in fat, salt and onion, which is toxic. It is safer to bring your dog's own treats and skip the BBQ food.
Are cooked bones safe for dogs?
No. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injuries. Dispose of them where your dog cannot reach, and never offer them as a treat.
How do I stop guests feeding my dog at a BBQ?
Ask everyone at the start not to feed the dog, and give your dog somewhere calm to settle with their own chew or a stuffed toy away from the food.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and unsteadiness. Move your dog to shade, offer water, start gentle cooling and call your vet urgently, as heatstroke can be fatal.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A summer deshedding treatment helps your dog stay cooler and more comfortable through the warm months. Book your dog in with Fluffs.