Cookout season brings grills, picnic tables and plenty of food within reach of a hopeful nose. Many barbecue staples are not good for dogs, and some can cause serious problems. Knowing which foods to keep away from your dog, and setting a few simple rules for guests, can prevent an emergency vet visit.
Foods That Can Be Toxic
Some common cookout ingredients are toxic to dogs. These include:
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks, whether raw, cooked or powdered in seasonings and marinades
- Grapes and raisins, sometimes found in salads and desserts
- Chocolate in desserts and baked goods
- Foods and drinks sweetened with xylitol, including some sugar-free desserts, candies and gums
- Alcohol, including beer and mixed drinks left within reach
- Macadamia nuts
Signs of toxicity vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors and more. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away.
Foods That Cause Other Problems
Some foods are not toxic but can still be dangerous.
- Corn cobs can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Cooked bones, including rib and chicken bones, can splinter and injure the mouth, throat or digestive tract.
- Skewers and toothpicks can be swallowed along with food scraps.
- Fatty foods, such as burgers, sausages, fatty trimmings and grease, can upset the stomach and may contribute to pancreatitis, a painful condition that needs veterinary care.
- Very salty snacks like chips can cause digestive upset.
Setting Up a Dog-Safe Cookout
The easiest way to protect your dog is to manage the environment.
- Keep food on tables away from edges and out of reach.
- Use lidded trash cans and take full bags out promptly.
- Assign someone to supervise the dog, or keep the dog in a quiet room during the meal.
- Ask guests not to feed your dog. A friendly sign or a quick mention helps.
- Watch for kids sharing food with the dog.
- Keep your dog away from the grill and hot coals.
Dog-Friendly Treats
Your dog can still enjoy the cookout with safe treats. Have their regular treats on hand, or a special chew they enjoy. If you want to share some plain foods, check with your veterinarian first about what is appropriate and how much. Plain, unseasoned options are generally safer than anything with sauces, marinades or seasoning blends.
Frozen treats made for dogs or dog-safe ice cubes can be a nice way to help your dog cool off on a warm afternoon.
Know Where to Get Help
Before a party, keep your veterinarian’s phone number and the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic handy, along with an animal poison control number. Holidays and weekends can mean limited hours at regular clinics.
A little planning lets your dog join the fun without the risk. Most dogs are perfectly happy with a cool spot in the shade, a safe chew and the company of their family.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something
Even with careful planning, a dog may grab something they should not have. Knowing the steps ahead of time helps you act quickly.
- Stay calm and remove your dog from the area so they cannot eat more.
- Figure out what was eaten. Look for wrappers, packaging, leftover pieces or the dish it came from. Note the ingredients if possible.
- Estimate how much and when. Even a rough idea helps your veterinarian assess the situation.
- Call for advice right away. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or an animal poison control service. Many poison control services charge a fee, but they can give guidance specific to what your dog ate.
- Follow the instructions you are given. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to. Some substances and situations make that dangerous.
- Bring the packaging. If you are asked to come in, bring any labels, wrappers or remaining food with you.
Reading the Party Table
Some risks are obvious, like a plate of ribs. Others are hidden in familiar dishes. A few to watch for:
- Potato and pasta salads, which often contain onion, chives or garlic
- Fruit salads, which may include grapes
- Baked beans and barbecue sauces, which may include onion, garlic and other seasonings
- Burger and hot dog toppings, such as onions and relishes
- Desserts, including brownies, cookies with raisins and sugar-free treats that may contain xylitol
- Drinks left on low tables, chairs or the ground
- Kebabs, where the skewer may be just as dangerous as the food
Common Mistakes
- Assuming guests know. Many people do not realize that common foods like grapes or onions can be harmful to dogs.
- Leaving the trash bag on the ground. A full bag of party trash is an irresistible target. Tie it and take it out right away.
- Forgetting about the lawn after the party. Dropped food and skewers can linger in the grass. Walk the yard before letting your dog roam the next morning.
- Waiting to see if symptoms appear. With some toxins and blockages, early care matters. Call for advice right away.
- Giving a big “treat” plate at the end. Even plain leftovers can upset a dog’s stomach if given in large amounts.
Cleaning Up After the Party
The risks do not end when the guests leave. Dogs are excellent at finding what everyone else missed. Before letting your dog roam freely, take a few minutes to clean up:
- Walk the yard and patio for dropped food, napkins, skewers, bottle caps and corn cobs.
- Check under tables and chairs, and look in planters and along fence lines.
- Tie up and remove trash and recycling bags right away, rather than leaving them by the door overnight.
- Let the grill cool completely and clean the grease trap, which can attract dogs.
- Empty and put away any drinks left on low tables or the ground.
Keep an eye on your dog the next morning, too, since the yard may hide something you missed in the dark.
Making Guests Part of the Plan
Most guests want to help. Make it easy for them:
- Mention at the start that the dog has their own treats and should not be fed from plates.
- Keep a small jar of dog treats in a visible spot so guests who want to give something can.
- Ask children to help by keeping the dog’s treats separate from party food.
- Thank guests who pick up a dropped item before the dog gets it.
With clear rules and a little teamwork, everyone, including your dog, can relax and enjoy the cookout.
