By Natalie Lester, PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist
Natalie loves hosting and attending cookouts in the summer, but there is more to consider now that she is responsible for Emma.
If you’re like me, many of your favorite summer memories involve a fun activity in the hot summer sun and a yummy meal in the evening on a hot grill. There are few things better than getting your favorite friends together for a cookout in the backyard, and I’m not sure I ever really stopped to think about how I could best protect my pets.
What about you? Do you know all the dangers that come with cooking outside with your pets around? It turns out there are several things to keep in mind, because each year thousands of pets are taken to emergency rooms because of the dangers associated with grilling.
I’ve come up with a short list to make sure both of you can enjoy the barbecue.
1. Be smart about food. Some of the most dangerous foods include corn cobs and meat with bones. Though your dog would really love to chew on these tasty treats, the cob and bones can get lodged in the animal’s intestines causing serious problems. You also want to remember what foods are poisonous to your pets. I love to freeze grapes and eat them by the pool in the summer, and they make a great snack while waiting on a meal to finish. But I have to make sure they are out of Emma’s reach.
2. Watch out for the grilling accessories. You don’t want your furball getting a hold of any foil, plastic wrap, skewers or string. They can also cause blockage that may require surgery.
3. Don’t forget the grill itself! Just like you keep your pet out of the kitchen when you are cooking, you may want to practice the same with the grill even though you are outside. Your pets will likely try to lick and swallow the juice that drips off the grill and they can end up with a belly full of rocks, dirt, or mulch. Make sure you clean up any spills as soon as possible. Additionally, hot coals and ashes can be very dangerous. Burns can be just as painful for your pet’s paws as they can be for a human's hands.
What are your grilling plans this summer? How do you plan to protect your pet while also including them in the party?
ABOUT NATALIE As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. Natalie’s puppy, Emma, spends almost as much time in the office as she does.
