Planning a Fourth of July barbecue with friends and family?
You may want to make sure your dogs stay inside, as pet expert Tom Sadler warns many barbecue staples can be dangerous for your furry friends.
Sadler’s luxury pet stroller brand Furvelo released a list of eight such foods that grill masters should keep away from their dogs this Fourth of July season.
“With many families across America planning barbecues for grilling season, it’s crucial that pet owners know which foods could send their dog to the emergency vet,” Sadler said. “These eight barbecue favorites can cause serious harm to dogs even in small amounts.”
Hot dogs
Hot dogs can upset a dog’s stomach and even trigger pancreatitis with their high quantity of salt, preservatives and fatty processed meat, according to Sadler and experts like the American Kennel Club.
They also pose a choking hazard if dogs swallow large pieces too quickly, with toppings like onions, relish and mustard adding further risk.
Corn on the cob
While plain corn kernels are fine for dogs in moderation, chunks of cob cannot be digested and may lead to intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery.
Several vet groups and animal care centers also note that corn is a high-calorie food that can contribute to weight gain and health concerns in dogs.
Ribs
Sadlier said both the meat and bones of ribs pose risks to dogs.
The rich, fatty meat often irritates dogs’ stomachs, increasing the risk of pancreatitis, while the bones can splinter and cause choking, mouth injuries, internal injuries and blockages.
Store-bought bones or chews designed for dogs are good alternatives.
Barbecue sauce
Many store-bought barbecue sauces contain harmful ingredients for dogs, such as onion powder, garlic powder, high amounts of sugar and salt and sometimes artificial sweeteners.
Associate Veterinarian Dr. Laura Robinson told Chewy they can also include acidic ingredients, like vinegar and lemon juice, as well as spicy foods, like hot sauce and peppers.
Even small amounts of sauce can cause digestive upset, with ingredients like xylitol being highly toxic.
Ketchup
Similar to barbecue sauce, ketchup typically contains high levels of salt, sugar and sometimes xylitol.
Pet owners are advised to keep condiment bottles out of reach and clean any spills immediately.
Ripe tomatoes are generally considered non-toxic in moderation, but tomato plants contain harmful toxins, like solanine and tomatine, according to the American Kennel Club. Ingesting large amounts of tomatoes can even lead to tomatine poisoning in rare cases.
Onions
Raw, cooked, powdered or even small amounts of onions can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia and potential symptoms like lethargy, weakness and reduced appetite, according to Sadler.
This applies to other members of the onion family as well, such as garlic, shallots and green onions.
Chicken bones
Cooked chicken bones of any kind should never be given to dogs since they can easily splinter and cause internal punctures or blockages.
Pet owners should dispose of bones safely and securely where dogs can’t reach them.
Alcohol
Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts, quickly causing vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties and/or dangerous drops in blood sugar or body temperature.
Diet alcoholic beverages or other mixers may also contain the highly toxic xylitol, according to the American Kennel Club.
What to do if your dog swallows something toxic
Pet owners who suspect their dog of ingesting something toxic should immediately contact their veterinarian.
The Pet Poison Helpline is also available 24/7 at 800-252-7894 to provide guidance on next steps, according to the American Kennel Club.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Don’t let your dogs snack on these Fourth of July foods
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
