Trupanion offers us some tips for BBQ safety with our pups as we head into the summer

With the summer in full swing, it is time for all the get togethers and barbecues and that also means keeping our dogs safe around the grill. And Trupanion wants to help.

Thanks to Dr. Caroline Wilde, a staff veterinarian for Trupanion, we have some tips for dog safety while enjoying your next BBQ. From making sure the food is safe to keeping them from causing harm to themselves and others, these tips are perfect for new dog owners, as well as those of us who have had pups for quite some time. Basically, these are the tips we can all keep in mind for the safety of our dogs when it comes to those summer barbecues.

Considering Trupanion is the leading insurance company for our pets, it makes perfect sense that they would want to help keep our pups safe this summer. And with these tips, hopefully our pups can enjoy the next barbecue at our side without any safety issues.

Trupanion gives us some safety tips for our dogs at the next family BBQ

• When planning your BBQ, pay attention to foods that are toxic to dogs. If you are going to have a dog with you, make sure that there are safe foods in case they get to it, and keep things they shouldn’t eat sealed and out of easy reach. Also remember that if food drops on the ground, it can take just a few seconds for a dog to get to it.
• If you have a rambunctious pup, and even if you don’t, make sure that the grill is secure and sturdy. A knocked over grill is a hazard to not just your dog, but small children and yourself.
• “Remember that fireworks at holiday celebrations can cause severe anxiety for some dogs. If your dog does have firework/thunderstorm phobia, talk to your vet about therapeutic options to help manage anxiety and fear.”
• Remember that barbecues are often places where dogs can pick up things like fleas and ticks. They can also get bitten by mosquitos, which is a trifecta of potential disease exchanging. So make sure your pup is up to date on their preventatives for ticks, fleas, and heartworm.

Remember that just because barbecues are meant to be fun and laid back, when your dog is joining you it is important to keep them safe and pay attention to what they need to have a good time too.