Brits preparing for a weekend of barbecues have been warned that some of the nation’s favourite summer foods could prove dangerous for dogs.
Forecasters are predicting another spell of hot weather across parts of the UK, with many families expected to fire up the grill and spend more time outdoors with their pets.
But vets say the combination of sizzling food, garden gatherings and distracted owners can create a perfect storm for emergency trips to the animal hospital.
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According to GoCompare Pet Insurance, around 62% of dog owners admit feeding their pets barbecue leftovers.
The insurer says the average cost of treating pet food poisoning in the UK now exceeds £500.
Now, experienced vet Dr Charlotte Inness, founder of VetMedi.co.uk – Proper Care. Proper Value. , has revealed the five common barbecue foods she believes dog owners should never hand over from the dinner table.
She said: “As Brits dust off their grills for the summer, dog owners must keep a close eye on their four-legged friends around the barbecue.
“While it may be tempting to treat your canine companion to freshly cooked food from the grill, many owners are unaware of the serious risks this can pose.
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“It isn’t just the obvious dangers like hot coals or sharp skewers that we need to worry about; many staple barbecue foods contain ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs.
Burgers may be a barbecue staple, but Dr Inness warn they often contain hidden ingredients that can be harmful to pets, as reported by What’s The Jam.
She explained: “Many shop-bought or homemade burgers contain added salt, spices, garlic, or onion, all of which can be highly toxic to dogs.
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“While a tiny bite of plain, unseasoned cooked beef might seem harmless if all condiments are removed, it’s far safer to avoid feeding them leftovers from the grill altogether.”
Instead, owners wanting to include their dogs in the festivities are advised to prepare plain, unseasoned cooked beef specially for them.
Many owners also assume leftover rib or chicken bones make ideal treats.
However, vets say cooked bones can splinter easily and cause life-threatening injuries.
Dr Inness warned: “Any bones that have been cooked are dry, brittle, and highly prone to splintering.
“They can easily pierce your dog’s stomach or intestinal tract, or cause a severe blockage.”
She said owners should watch for choking, vomiting or distress if a dog manages to steal a cooked bone.
Safer alternatives include raw marrow bones, yak chews or stuffed chew toys designed for dogs.
Corn on the cob is another summer favourite that can pose a major risk.
While the sweetcorn itself is safe, the cob can become lodged inside a dog’s digestive system.
Dr Inness said: “An ingested cob is a vet’s worst nightmare.
“They are the perfect size to get completely wedged in a dog’s intestinal tract, which almost always requires emergency, life-saving surgery to remove.”
Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite and difficulty passing stools.
She recommends offering dogs carrot sticks, cucumber slices or loose sweetcorn kernels instead.
Brits are also advised to keep their alcohol away from dogs.
Whether it’s beer, cider or a jug of Pimms, even small amounts can be dangerous for pets.
Dr Inness said: “Even tiny amounts of alcohol can be highly dangerous to dogs, leading to severe ethanol toxicity.
“Because dogs lack the necessary enzymes to break down alcohol, even accidental ingestion can quickly cause vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, tremors, and in severe cases, fatal central nervous system depression.”
Dog-friendly alternatives include specially made “dog beers” or frozen low-salt broth ice cubes to help pets stay cool during hot weather.
Lastly bacon has been highlighted as one to take off the BBQ menu this summer.
Dr Inness warned that high-fat and heavily salted meats can trigger pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition.
She said: “It is incredibly tough to resist those puppy-dog eyes when bacon is on the grill, but high-fat, ultra-salty meats are incredibly dangerous for dogs.
“Fats like those found in bacon can trigger pancreatitis – a painful and serious condition where the pancreas becomes severely inflamed.”
Instead, owners are advised to offer plain cooked chicken breast, turkey or dog-friendly meat treats.
The warning comes as millions of households prepare for barbecues during the latest hot spell, with vets reminding owners that keeping dogs cool, hydrated and away from dangerous foods is just as important as protecting them from the heat itself.
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