When your dog doesn't seem interested in eating his food, do you know what to do? When your dog vomits often, could there be something serious wrong with him? If he struggles to get up the stairs, does he need to see a vet? Having never owned an older dog, I knew nothing about the things that can begin to go wrong when dogs age. I adopted this guy when my neighbor moved into a nursing home and had to learn a lot about how to care for an older dog. My blog is filled with the many things that I have learned over the last year through the help of my vet.
caring for an elderly dog
Keeping Dogs Safe at an Outdoor Barbecue
Lucy Grant
Backyard barbecues are great for relaxing with friends and family, but they can be filled with unseen dangers for your dog. With a little bit of planning, you can have a fun time while keeping your furry friend safe. Here are a few ways to avoid barbecue dangers for your pet.
Talk to Your Guests about Table Scraps
Wherever there is food, there is bound to be a dog hoping for a few scraps. Many of the foods served at barbecues can be poisonous for dogs, so be sure to talk to your guests about not giving food to your dog. Have a container of small dog treats available so people can pamper your pooch safely, and make sure that your friends and family don't leave plates of food within reach of your pets. Some common barbecue foods that can be harmful to dogs include these:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Avocados
- Grapes
- Beer and alcohol
- Any fruit with seeds
If you suspect that your dog has ingested any of these foods, contact your nearest emergency animal hospital right away.
Restrict Access to Your Grill
Whether you have a gas, charcoal, propane, or electric grill, you'll want to keep your dog safely away from the food prep station. Your pet may be tempted to grab a steak or hamburger while you aren't looking, which can lead to serious injury from the hot food or the grill's flames. Consider investing in an adjustable doggy gate that restricts your pet's access to the grill area. This is also an excellent idea if there will be small children at the barbecue, as it will keep them safe from the same hazards.
Keep the Backyard Gate Closed
With people coming and going, your dog might try to escape through an open gate when no one is looking. Encourage your guests to use the back door to your home to enter and exit, and put a note on the gate reminding everyone to keep it closed at all times. Be sure that your pet has a microchip tracking device in the event of an escape. The microchip provides your name, phone number, and address, and it can be read by a technician at most veterinarian's offices and emergency animal hospital locations. This allows a good Samaritan to return the dog to you.
Keep Your Dog Safe in the Heat
If your dog is going to be outside for the duration of your party, make sure that you keep an ample supply of water on hand. This will help to keep your furry friend cool on a warm or hot day. Consider investing in an outdoor pet bed that can be placed in the shade in your yard. The dog can take a break from the excitement and stay safely out of the sun during the party. If the weather becomes too hot, bring the dog indoors to cool off.
Your dog can have just as much fun as you and your guests at your next barbecue. Follow these pet safety steps to ensure that a good time is had by all. Remember to keep the contact information for a local veterinarian service on hand, such as Animal Emergency Clinic, in case your pet experiences a medical emergency at your barbecue.
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