How To Keep Your Pets Safe During Backyard BBQs

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away and the weather warming up to our usual spring and summer temperatures, we wouldn't be surprised if most of you are breaking out the grill to get ready for what might be your first BBQ of the season. Not to mention, May is National Barbecue Month! Whether or not you have a cookout prepared for this weekend's holiday, if you'll be hosting a BBQ at some point this summer, we want to make sure your pets are kept safe and sound.

Below, take a look at our favorite tips for keeping your pets safe during backyard BBQs:

1. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar. With you and your guests entering and exiting your home, via both your doors and possibly a gate, there is a greater chance of your pet slipping underneath your feet and getting away from you. Should your pet accidentally get out, you'll want him or her to have the proper ID so that neighbors know where to return him or her to. Bonus tip: if your pet will be allowed outdoors during your barbecue, consider keeping it on a leash so that it doesn't roam too far.
2. Warn guests about people food. More people means more opportunities for your pets to get fed, but remember that your pets should not eat people food! Politely ask guests beforehand to keep their food to themselves (no matter how cute your pet may look), and have a bag of pet-friendly treats ready to give your pet instead.
3. Keep grilling tools out of reach. In addition to your cooking utensils, make sure that items such as plastic wrap and tin foil are also kept high and out of reach - if your pet makes any of these grilling accessories their new chew toy, they could wind up with tummy troubles that require serious medical attention.
4. Don't leave drinks unattended. If alcoholic beverages will be served, make sure that any open bottles or cans are always being watched while your pet is around. Although your pet isn't going to pick up the drink themselves, if something should get knocked over and spill, it can be super dangerous for your furry friend to start licking up the mess. 
5. Use the grill away from guests. If your pet loves attention, you can bet they're going to flock to all of your guests. So, to keep them away from your grill and the hot flames/dangerous materials, make sure that you aren't grilling near the seating you've set up - if your guests aren't hanging out around the grill, there's a better chance that your pet won't be either!

Summer events and parties are meant to be fun for everyone, including all of your fur babies, so we encourage you to follow these tips during every backyard BBQ you host this year. But, if despite your efforts your pet should still pick something up that they shouldn't have, the veterinarians here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital would be happy to provide the care they need - our relationship with Newton Veterinary Hospital makes our care available 24 hours a day.

For more information about the veterinary services we offer to pets in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Murray Hill, and Summit, New Jersey, please call (908) 464-0023 today.