Warmer weather means it’s time for more time spent outdoors, hiking, going to parks, and of course, summer BBQs! But sometimes, barbecues can pose dangers to your furry friend. If you’re planning to take your dog to a barbecue or host one of your own, there are some things to keep in mind. Here are a few summer BBQ safety tips for dog owners:

1. Keep Food Out of Your Dog’s Reach

Barbecues mean delicious meats and other foods that are enticing to your dog. Barbecues are fun and it’s easy to become distracted. Your dog might be able to snatch something off the food table if you’re not careful. Make sure the food is covered or at least out of easy reach for your dog to snatch off of the table.

Also, remind guests not to feed your dog anything that isn’t their regular dog food or treats. Barbecued food can be difficult on your dog’s stomach because of the extra grease that they are not used to. If your guests want to give your dog treats, have some barbecued flavored treats on hand so they can join in on the fun.

Make sure certain foods like onions, grapes, and chocolate are also well out of reach for your dog. These are toxic foods for dogs and can be harmful if they are ingested.

2. Keep Them Cool and Hydrated

Summers can be hard on dogs if they’re out in the heat for too long. Dogs can overheat pretty easily so make sure they have access to plenty of water – this is an essential part of summer dog safety. Be sure your dog also can hang out in a shaded area or spend some time indoors if possible. This will help keep them cool so that they don’t overheat.

You can also help keep your dog cool by playing some water games with them. Be sure to keep an eye on them while they play in or near water. This is a great way for them to cool down while also enjoying the outdoors and the party with you.

3. Make Sure They Can’t Escape

Barbecues can be busy, with people coming and going. Make sure any guests know there is a dog around and to keep all gates and doors shut. Securing gates is one of the easiest ways to keep your dog from escaping the yard.

If people are frequently coming and going, consider keeping your dog on a leash with you, or keeping them inside. This will keep them safe and secure, prevent your dog from getting lost, and keep your mind at ease.

If your dog seems like they are getting overwhelmed with all of the people, consider keeping them inside for a little bit to let them have some space. Let them play with some of their favorite toys, and when they seem ready, they can come to rejoin the party later.

4. Watch the Flame

If you’re doing a lot of cooking on the grill, make sure your dog is safe. Keep them away from the grill while cooking, and for a while afterward. The grill can still be very hot, which can be dangerous if your dog gets too close.

Either work on training your dog to stay away from the grill, or keep them inside or on a leash while you are grilling. Another option is to keep the grill in an area that is inaccessible to your dog. This is one of the tips for tailgating with your dog that is also useful for a home barbecue and will keep both you and your dog safe and happy.

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party for your dog or get-together with friends, these are just a few summer BBQ safety tips for dog owners. Barbecues can be a good time for anyone, so it’s important to keep your dog safe so that they can enjoy some fun, too!