There's nothing us Brits love more than firing up the barbecue when the weather is hot - but it's important to always be wary around pets.
One owner is warning fellow dog parents about a popular summertime seasoning after her beloved pooch wolfed it down and nearly died.
Tsuk the rebellious dog managed to get into a "Costco-sized container of onion powder" and was left needing a life-saving blood transfusion.
Sharron Champagne accidentally left the large onion powder container in the dog's reach at her family home in New Hampshire, US.
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Sharron told Pet Poison Helpline : "Tsuk is notorious for stealing things off the counter. She's extremely focused on food and is always hungry.
"Apparently, Tsuk pulled the onion powder container off the counter and ripped it open. The container was about three-quarters full, and what she didn't eat, she left on her mat."
Onions contain N-propyl disilfide, which is toxic to dogs as it can lead to the breakdown of red blood cells and anaemia.
Sharron was unaware of the serious dangers and wasn't "too concerned" at first.
"After a few days, she became lethargic, stopped eating, started drinking more water than usual, and her urine was dark in colour. She also started vomiting. That is when we realised something was seriously wrong," she said.
Sharron called Pet Poison Helpline for assistance and was advised to take Tsuk to a local veterinary hospital.
"The amount of onion powder potentially ingested by Tsuk posed a risk for red blood cell damage, anemia, and GI irritation," Dr Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist, said.
"Main clinical signs are often seen within three to five days after ingestion, so the timing of her clinical signs was consistent with onion exposure."
Tsuk was whisked to the VCA Capital Area Veterinary Emergency and Speciality, where the medical team developed a treatment plan.
The mischievous pooch received a life-saving blood transfusion after tests revealed she had a dangerously low red blood cell count.
"After three days in emergency care, and thousands of dollars in veterinary bills to save her life, Tsuk is now doing great. We are so happy we made the decision to treat her," Sharron said.
The family have swapped to a very small container of onion powder and will be downsizing their garlic powder too - as it contains the same toxics.
Do you have any heatwave warnings? Let fellow dog owners know in the comments.
