Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and is celebrated by many Americans at a barbecue with family, friends and lots of tasty food. As Labor Day approaches and we are getting ready for the big barbecue, it’s important people know we aren’t’ the only ones that find barbecues irresistible. Pets do too, especially when tasty food is sitting at eye-level. Unfortunately, barbecues can be dangerous for our pets. In order to avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency room during the Labor Day weekend, pet parents should consider some common barbecue dangers for pets:

• The Grill: It may seem obvious, but pets can burn themselves on hot grills. Make sure you keep pets away from hot grills.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is a no-no for pets. Even a sip can cause fatal respiratory depression.
• Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Depending on the amount consumed, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death.  
• Corn Cobs: They may seem harmless, but their cylindrical shape makes corn cobs an intestinal obstruction hazard.
• Chicken Wings & Barbeque Chicken: All bones can be dangerous, but chicken bones are particularly hazardous. Chicken bones are brittle and can splinter and puncture the GI tract. In addition, the sauces used on Buffalo wings, hot wings, and BBQ chicken can upset your pet’s stomach.
• Onion: Onions, chives, and garlic in any form are poisonous to pets. They cause lethargy, weakness, ataxia (lack of coordination), hyper-salivation, anemia, and even death.
• Grapes: Grapes and raisins have been reported to cause severe kidney damage.
• Nuts: Many nut varieties have a devastating effect on dogs’ nervous systems. Walnuts and macadamias are especially toxic and can cause vomiting, paralysis and even death.
• Toothpicks: While toothpicks make a nice presentation for cubed meats, cheeses and other appetizers, they can cause severe and potentially fatal damage to pets’ GI tracts if swallowed.

With so many tasty dangers often at pet’s eye level, it is always best to keep pets away from the celebration. Keep them safely inside and give them a tasty treat or toy to keep them busy. And as always be sure all your pets have collars with ID tags and microchips because sadly many pets get outside and become lost during celebrations. Keep these things in mind this weekend so that you and your furry friends have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend.

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend everyone!

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