As the summer arrives there is nothing better than getting together with friends and family to enjoy a good old bit of alfresco dining for a bbq. Although when it comes to our pets, they can become extremely dangerous scenarios.

There are a few simple steps to take to ensure you do everything to reduce the risk of any unwanted accidents or injuries.

Keep your pet cool

When we have hotter temperatures in the summer, it does not take much for our furry friends to overheat in the sunshine. Heatstroke is a condition that is much better to prevent than treat, so it is super important to ensure your pet has somewhere they can seek shade if they do need to cool down. Having access to plenty of clean and fresh water is always a must regardless of the temperature outside. Paddling pools also aren’t just for the kids, some dogs absolutely love splashing around in them, some may even just use it as a giant water bowl.

If a heatwave is forecast, maybe consider holding your bbq later in the day/evening when the temperatures start to cool, as this will ensure your pet is not too excited during the hottest parts of the day if you do have visitors arriving. We do also experience quite high humidity rates here in the UK, so it may sometimes be better for your pets to be kept inside where it can be cooler with a fan blowing or cold water supplied.

Treat them too!

Our pets may not be able to enjoy a juicy snack from the bbq, but you could always get some little treats together for them so that they do feel involved. Why not pack a kong with some of their favourite dog friendly peanut butter or add some treats to a snuffle mat/licki mat to keep them occupied too.

Be aware of hot equipment

It is very important that all pets always keep a safe distance away from the bbq, as any hot coals or food can cause serous burns. Some bbq’s need to be lite quite a bit of time prior to cooking for them to heat up, in those instances it can always be a good idea to make a cordon around the area to prevent your pet from getting too close if the area was to be left unattended. Even bbq tools such as tongs etc can be a hazard, so they are also worth being placed out of reach of any interested noses.

Secure the garden

Most homes that own a pet would have a secure garden, but when it comes to the summer months we do tend to spend more time outside than in the winter and it may be that there are some areas that have become unsecure that you may have not noticed. If you do have visitors coming and going it is always worth mentioning to them beforehand about keeping gates/doors closed. Checking fences etc prior to your visitors arriving will ensure you can relax knowing that everyone is safe and well.

Clean up leftovers

Those furry noses do have a super sense of smell and can easily sniff out anything that may be dropped on the floor or left around. Ensure that all leftovers are cleared up well, one of the biggest risks from bbq left overs can be kebab skewers. If they are chewed they can create splinters within the mouth or worse by causing a more serious life threatening problem, such as gut blockages.