Sunny days, garden gatherings and the smell of the BBQ are some of the best parts of summer but while we're enjoying burgers and sausages, there are a few hidden dangers every dog owner should know about.
Dogs are naturally curious around food, especially when irresistible smells are drifting through the garden. With a few simple precautions, you can make BBQ season enjoyable and safe for every member of the family, furry ones included.
Common BBQ dangers for dogs
Many of the foods and items we take for granted at a BBQ can pose a real risk to dogs. Here's what to watch out for:
If children are at the BBQ, check they're not wandering with food that could be harmful to dogs. Young children often enjoy raisins and chocolate both of which could be dropped without anyone noticing. Please be sure to share these tips with visitors who might not be aware of the risks
Five steps to a dog-safe BBQ
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Keep dangerous foods out of reach
Remind guests not to feed your dog scraps from the table — it only takes one well-meaning guest to undo training you've worked hard on. Keep bins lidded and plates elevated, and make sure any alcohol is out of reach too (even small amounts can be harmful to dogs).
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Create a safe space
Designate a shaded, comfortable spot away from the grill, their bed, a bowl of fresh water and a favourite toy will help them settle. This keeps dogs calm, secure, and well away from the action.
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Use enrichment toys to distract and entertain
Enrichment toys are one of the best tools for keeping dogs happily occupied during a BBQ.
Stuffable toys from the KONG or West Paw range work brilliantly fill with raw food and freeze half for a longer-lasting challenge.
Lick mats are ideal for spreadable treats and can also be frozen ahead.
If children unfamiliar with dogs are present, remind them not to approach the dog while it's eating or to take its toy.
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Prepare ahead
Before guests arrive, stuff and freeze enrichment toys so you have a steady supply ready to go. Store them safely in the fridge or freezer using the No Fuss Fill Ready Rak or Prep Rak well away from human food and easy to grab when you need them.
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Visiting someone else's BBQ?
If you're heading to a friend or family's house, prep your dog's toys ahead of time so they're good to go on arrival. Grate some pâté for a quick scatter game across the lawn. Pack a No Fuss Fill® for easy toy refills, and use Prep 'n' Go bags to carry frozen treats straight from your freezer as you leave — and to bring home those wonderfully slobbery toys afterwards.
Don't forget BBQ fire safety
Once the food is done, fire safety still matters. Disposable BBQs and charcoal can stay dangerously hot for hours after cooking has finished posing a burn risk to curious dogs (and children) long after the food has been cleared away.
Safe summer treats for your dog
While most BBQ food is off the menu for dogs, there are plenty of ways to include them in the fun safely. Frozen enrichment treats are a brilliant option in warmer weather helping dogs cool down while keeping them happily occupied.
Frozen stuffed toysFill a KONG with dog-safe ingredients and freeze. Top up with unfrozen food to extend the fun.
Lick matsSpread with pâté, banana or plain yoghurt and freeze for a soothing, long-lasting summer treat.
Scatter feedingGrate or chop pâté then scatter across the lawn for a quick enrichment game that taps into your dog's natural foraging instinct.
Frozen Pawsicle
Use your dog's food or visit our recipe page for dog-friendly frozen snack inspiration perfect for enrichment toys and hot summer days.
