Dogs and barbecues - all you need to know

Supervise the barbecue

When smells this delicious are wafting out from the barbecue, no wonder our dogs want to investigate. Even if you’re just popping inside to pick up some food or drinks, make sure pets are kept well away from the hot grill to avoid any burns to your pet’s tongue and paws. Dogs can be sneaking when they think no one is looking! After cooking up a storm, remove the grill and put it out of your pet’s way. 

Keep an eye on the food

Make sure any plates of hot food are placed up high, out of reach of any hungry hounds. If dogs wolf down food straight from the oven or barbecue, this could cause damage to their digestive tract

Clear up afterwards

After cooking, remove the grill and put it well out of your pet’s way. Switch off a gas barbecue and make sure a charcoal one is fully extinguished. Close any hood or lid to stop pets nosing around hot coals or jumping up there. Tidy up any used skewers, cooked bones, food packaging and leftovers. Even the most well-trained dog has their limits! 

Be on the lookout

Parks and beaches are popular places for barbecues, so when walking through anywhere that could be a barbecue hotspot, keep your dog on the lead and out of harm’s way.