Many of us may be planning to take advantage of the UK's hot weather over the weekend and into early next week. Whether it's getting out in the sunshine or even organising a barbeque with family and friends.
Temperatures are currently set to reach 33C, if not higher, on Tuesday, July 19 in some areas of North East England, meaning it's forecast to be another glorious few days. So if like many Brits, you are planning to dust off that barbeque and you have a pet at home, did you know that some of those tasty barbeque staples you're cooking could actually be toxic to your furry friend?
Canine Cottages partnered with vet and animal nutritionist Dr Charley Webb to discover the five BBQ foods most harmful to our pets, The Mirror reports. Their research looked into the dangerous barbecue ingredients pet owners often feed their pooches and how our furry friends are affected by these toxic foods.
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So if your pet is prone to pinching leftovers, or any food lying around, here are five BBQ items you need to be aware if you're planning a gathering this summer:
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Garlic and onions
It is said that approximately seven in 10 dog owners don't realise garlic and onions can cause harm to their furry friend and yet many of us will use garlic and onions to add seasoning to our barbeque food. Both foods are also regularly used in our kitchens, so be careful to drop these on the floor if you have a greedy dog around.
Both of these ingredients are highly toxic to dogs and can trigger an stomach upset in our pets and many dogs will experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can lead to organ damage, which could be fatal, so if you think your pooch has consumed either of these it's best to get in touch with your vet.
Kebab sticks
Although wooden skewers are great to use if you're cooking a kebab on the BBQ, it's best to keep these well out of sight of your dog. These sharp sticks, which usually have a pointed end can damage their mouths and digestive systems.
Although in some cases, once they have been chewed they will digest, they are a chocking hazard as they can become lodged. If this happens it can be fatal for your dog, and if they start to vomit seek help straight away.
Corn on the cob
Another BBQ staple that unfortunately needs to be avoided by your pet pooch as it's a choking hazard. The corn itself isn't toxic, but due to the size of the cob it can be a choking hazard and cause intestinal blockage.
If you didn't realise this would be one of the items on the list, then you're not the only one. Nearly nine out of 10 pet owners don't realise that corn on the cob is dangerous to give to their dog.
Raw meats
It's best to keep raw or undercooked meat out of reach from your dog. It can contain bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria, both of which are harmful to dogs.
Alcohol
This may sound like an obvious item to keep away from your pooch but over half of pet owners don't realise that alcohol is toxic to dogs. Dogs can experience alcohol intoxication from the ingredients, Ethanol and hops in alcohol drinks.
This can cause symptoms such as vomiting, disorientation, muscle tremors and even seizures – so it's vital owners and any visitors keep their summer Pimm's and beers up high and out of the way from your pet.
What should you do if your dog does eat something toxic?
"If you think your pet has eaten something that might be dangerous to them," Dr Webb, from VetChef.com, says: "Stay calm and try not to panic. The best course of action is always to call the vet for advice right away, even if it's the middle of the night or on a weekend.
"Most pets recover fully if treated rapidly," Dr Webb explains: "So it's important to tell your vet as soon as you know that it has happened, as this can prevent them from causing serious harm and in some cases could save their lives."
You can find out more about toxic foods for your furry friends and how they affect you dog by visiting the Canine Cottages interactive tool.
What BBQ foods can my dog eat?
If you're wondering which foods are canine-friendly, items such as plain pork, beef, chicken, salmon which have all been properly cooked and have no seasonings are suitable. Grilled vegetables are also a tasty treat for your four-legged friend including fully cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes - avoid raw potatoes as these contain solanine, which is toxic.
Fresh fruits, given in moderation, can also be great to give your dogs especially items such as bananas, oranges, pineapple or mango. However it's best to avoid grapes, plums, peaches, raisins or apple seeds.
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