Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is around the corner and the holiday and barbecues seem to go hand-in-hand. If you plan on inviting your four-legged friend to the party, there are a few things to keep in mind before you fire up the grill. The American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers the following tips to ensure your dog’s safety at your next backyard barbecue.
Make sure your yard is secure. With guests coming and going from your yard, it’s easy for your dog to make an escape. Be sure to keep the gate to your yard closed. You may even want to designate a family member to stand by the gate when guests are arriving and leaving to make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally get out.
Don’t feed your dog from the barbecue. Remind your guests not to give your dog any people food. Barbecued food, especially, can be greasy and upset your dog’s stomach. Keep an eye on the food tables to make sure your dog does not grab anything. More importantly, certain foods such as onion, avocado, grapes, and raisins can be toxic.
Keep your dog away from the grill. Make sure your dog isn’t near the grill while you’re using it. It’s very hot and the open flame is dangerous. Your dog should be kept away from it even when you’re done using it, as it stays hot for a while.
Sunscreen. Dogs can get sunburned too! If your barbecue is during the day, don’t forget to put sun block on your pup’s nose to prevent a burn.
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!