Barbeque safety tips for pets and pet owners It’s summer, and the perfect time to enjoy the weather and have a barbeque with your friends, family, and pets. Tempting treats and hot equipment can easily be a dangerous concoction for pets. We’ve created a few tips to help keep you and your pets safe and avoid a trip to the vet: Barbeque Hot coals, ash, and equipment: always keep your pet a safe distance from the barbeque, otherwise their paws and noses may easily get burnt. Pets are curious, and with the smell and sight of food cooking the hot grill may attract them. Keep the barbeque on a flat surface to avoid any tipping accidents. Dispose of charcoal and ashes safely: if you’re using a charcoal grill always dispose of any used charcoal and ashes properly. These can be harmful to pets if ingested and can cause gastrointestinal issues or other severe heath issues. Watch out for skewers: if you’re using skewers for chicken and other food, keep them out of reach of your dog. Ingesting skewers or small parts of wood can cause severe internal injuries. Lighter fluid, insect repellents and other chemicals: if you’re using these chemicals to start a barbeque, make sure they are not left on the side and kept away from pets. These substances are toxic and can cause serious health conditions if ingested. Leftovers, food and drink Avoid feeding scraps: it’s tempting to share cooked meat with your pets. However, some human foods may contain spices, onions, garlic, chocolate, that can be toxic to pets. Some foods may also contain bones that can be a choking hazard for pets. Alcohol: drinks containing alcohol can be toxic to pets if ingested and even small amounts can cause health issues. Keep the drinks to yourself and out of reach from paws. Dispose of leftover food safely: leftover food can be tempting for pets and can pose a hazard if toxic food and bones are swallowed. Instead of leaving leftovers on the side, make sure you keep the bin out of paws way and tie the bag securely. Pet-free area Have a designated pet-free area: to avoid accidents and stop pets from accidentally knocking over the barbeque or getting burned always keep pets a safe distance from the grill by using physical barriers or instead keep them indoors occupied with their favourite toys. Pet-friendly area: if you’re having a barbeque in the summer, make sure you provide pets with access to shade and plenty of fresh water to help them stay hydrated. Alternatively, create your space away from the cooking area to reduce stress from loud music or crowds. Your pet’s behaviour Keep an eye on pets’ behaviour: watch your pets for signs of distress or discomfort. Signs may include panting excessively, drooling, whining, or trying to get to the food. Additionally, if you notice any unusual behaviour then move your pet to a safer location. Guests Educate guests before the event: to help avoid guests feeding your pets, let them know before they arrive not to feed your pets with leftover food from the barbeque. By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your pets have a safe and enjoyable time during barbecue gatherings. Always prioritise their health and wellbeing and make their safety a top priority. Pet care advice when you need it the most. If your pet is unwell our 24/7 advice service may help save you an unnecessary trip to the vet. Speak to a vet or vet nurse by phone, chat, and video. Our pet care service also offers behavioural and nutritional support, to help you take care of your pet. Learn more about our petconnect service Do you need pet insurance? We understand being a pet parent can be tough, especially if your pet becomes ill or gets injured. It’s important to consider pet insurance if you have a pet, as cover can help cover the cost of vet fees should your cat or dog need to visit the vet. Compare our insurance plans and get a quote through our website using the following link. Get a quote for your pet