Late spring kicks off the season of grilling, picnics and backyard gatherings. For pets, these events are a festival of smells, dropped food and well-meaning guests who want to share. A little planning keeps the party fun for everyone, including your dog or cat.
Foods that commonly cause trouble
Some foods found at cookouts are known to be dangerous for pets, and others can cause stomach upset or injury. Keep these out of reach:
- Onions and garlic, including in dips, burgers, marinades and side dishes. These can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats.
- Grapes and raisins, including in fruit salads and baked goods. These have been associated with kidney injury in dogs.
- Chocolate and desserts that contain it.
- Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and peanut butters. It can be very dangerous for dogs.
- Alcohol, including drinks left within reach.
- Cooked bones, such as rib and chicken bones, which can splinter or cause blockages.
- Corn cobs, which are a well-known cause of intestinal blockage in dogs.
- Fatty foods, like meat trimmings, drippings and buttery sides, which can cause digestive upset and, in some pets, pancreatitis.
- Skewers and toothpicks, which can be swallowed along with the food on them.
Do not forget the grill and the trash
The grill itself is a hazard. Hot surfaces can burn curious noses and paws, and grease traps and drip pans attract dogs. Keep pets away while grilling and until the grill cools, and empty drip trays where pets cannot reach them. Lighter fluid, matches and charcoal should be stored out of reach too.
Trash bags full of bones, cobs and food wrappers are a common source of trouble after gatherings. Use lidded cans, and take bags out promptly rather than leaving them on the ground.
Managing guests
Guests often mean well but may not know which foods are risky. A few strategies help:
- Let guests know politely that your pet should not be fed from the table.
- Keep a small container of your pet’s own treats available so people can offer something safe, if you are comfortable with that.
- Assign one adult to keep an eye on the pet during the busiest parts of the event.
- Consider keeping your pet indoors in a quiet room, especially if there will be lots of people, children or noise.
Gatherings also mean gates and doors opening often. Make sure your pet is wearing ID and that the yard is secure.
If your pet eats something it should not
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away if you think your pet has eaten something harmful. Have information ready about what was eaten, roughly how much and when. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Contact your vet promptly for vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen or painful belly, straining, drooling, weakness or unusual behavior after a gathering. Quick action gives your vet the most options.
