Tulsa BBQs Can Be a Real Danger for Pets

Tips from Your Emergency Vet on Throwing a Pet-Friendly BBQ in Tulsa

Who doesn’t love a barbecue? There’s nothing better than sitting out on a sunny day with a cold drink and the smell of the grill wafting through your yard. You just need to be sure that if your pet is going to out mingling among your friends and family, that there will be little risk of them getting into anything they shouldn’t. Barbecues are a great time, but there are many known health hazards for pets.

dog too close to grill

Common Barbecue-Related Dangers for Pets

  • A hot grill is hazardous for anyone, but your pet is not aware of the risk. Make sure they keep their distance, or keep them indoors if they’re too curious.
  • Meat bones seem like a nice treat to give your pet, but these bones are very hard and can also be sharp. They can cause choking, intestinal blockage, organ damage, chipped or broken teeth, and other problems.
  • Corncobs can be very dangerous if swallowed, due to their sharp prongs. Keep these well out of your pet’s reach.
  • Beer, wine, soda, and other beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine can make pets sick if they’re ingested. Alcohol can damage the liver and kidneys and cause vomiting, collapse, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and a lower body temperature.
  • We don’t encourage giving your pet table scraps, as this can lead to weight gain and bad habits. However, these foods are especially off-limits due to the health dangers they pose:
    • Onions
    • Garlic
    • Grapes and raisins
    • Cherries
    • Avocadoes
    • Almonds and walnuts
    • Foods heavy in butter, grease, cream, and fat

Making Barbecues More Enjoyable for Your Pet

Barbecues can still be fun for your pet. Just make sure they have fresh water and their own food nearby, and play with them whenever you can—whether that involves a game of fetch or just running around the yard, they can still be included! And if the day is hot, limit their activity and make sure they have a cool, shady spot to rest.

Don’t forget—if a problem does occur and your pet needs to be seen immediately, don’t hesitate to contact the Animal Emergency Center of Tulsa. Our veterinarians are here 24/7 to help you and your pet!

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