Summer is officially on us. For all of the backyard chefs out there, that means grilling time. Of course, your canine buddy will want to keep you company … and perhaps sample some of those delicious dishes. A Bellevue, WA vet discusses grilling out with Fido in this article. Offer Safe Foods Only Fido will be very interested in those burgers and dogs coming off the grill. Go ahead and give your canine companion something special. Just stick to things that you know are safe. Some of the foods to avoid would include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; meat on the bone; chocolate; avocado; and anything that contains xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, or lots of salt, sugar, or fat.

Be Careful Of Trash

Man’s Best Friend is a very opportunistic eater, and is not above grabbing something off an unattended plate, or even fishing food out of the trash. Garbage may contain things like bones, skewers, can lids, tin foil, and fat trimmings, which are all unsafe for dogs.

Keep The Pooch Away From The Grill

Fido likes to accompany his humans, well, everywhere. However, it’s best not to let him get too close to the grill. You don’t want your pup getting singed!

Mind The Gate

Do you have a fenced yard for Fido to run and play in? If so, that’s great. However, if you’re having people over, keep a close eye on the gate. Many dogs have escaped through open gates!

Water, Water, Water

As the weather starts getting hotter, you’ll need to take care to keep your furry pal hydrated. Make sure that Fido always has some fresh water to drink. You can give him a frozen snack, such as doggy ice cream, if you like. Your pooch may even like chewing on ice cubes!

Preventative Care

This applies for every season, and every dog. Be sure to keep up with your canine pal’s preventative care! That includes parasite control, vaccinations, and exams. Fido should also be fixed, microchipped, and wearing proper ID tags.

Petiquette

Fido is a wonderful pet, but he isn’t perfect. If your pooch has bad habits, such as begging or jumping on people, start working with him right away. In the meantime, put him in a separate area during meals. Please contact us, your Bellevue, WA local animal clinic, anytime. We are here to help!