Mary Allen
Summer heat and sun and barbecue – it belongs together. But grilling and dogs do not belong together at all. For as good as it is for us humans, it can be just as dangerous for dogs. Every year, dogs come to the animal hospitals because they have become ill after eating barbecue.
In our eagerness to get outside and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner, it is easy to forget that grilling can be dangerous for our dogs.
– The most common is that the dog has ingested a foreign body as it is called. It can be bones from different varieties of meat and fish, corn cobs, or wooden skewers that get stuck in the stomach, which means that the dog has to open its belly with both suffering for the animal and large costs as a result. Then it is generally useless with greasy grilled food that makes the stomach beat backward, with both vomiting and diarrhea, as a result, says Odd Einar Bruem, head of animal insurance at Svedea.
Many dog owners are aware that grilling can be dangerous, but guests at the barbecue rarely know the consequences. In the worst case, the dog can become so ill that it dies.
– All dog owners know that dogs can be lightning-fast when they smell something good. An unguarded moment is enough for the dog to have time to snag an enticing flint roast. It can also be difficult to resist the dog’s appealing gaze, but we want to dissuade all dog owners from letting it taste, says Odd Einar Bruem.
Barbecue Tips for Dog Owners
If you have guests who are not so used to dogs, ask them not to invite from the grill.
Do not give the dog barbecue leftovers. Leftover bones from poultry, pork, beef, lamb, and fish can cause blockages in the dog’s intestines. In addition, they can get stuck in the palate or esophagus or split into sharp pieces in the stomach and intestines. Corn cobs can also cause serious problems. In the worst case, surgery is required.
Fatty sauces and spices are not dog food. Too much fat can lead to the dog getting inflamed pancreas and spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Beware of disposable skewers. If the dog ingests a wooden skewer, it can puncture a hole in the stomach.
If you know that the dog has ingested something inappropriate from the grill, it is important to see how the dog is affected. If the dog’s general condition deteriorates or it seems constipated, you should contact a veterinarian.
