Last week we explored environmental summer dangers: hot pavement, sunburn, pool safety, and heat stroke.

But your backyard barbecue and 4th of July celebration pose equally serious risks that many pet parents may overlook.

Today, we’re uncovering how your favorite summer activities can create unexpected hazards for your four-legged family members.

BBQ & Grill Safety: More Than Just Burns

That sizzling grill isn’t just a burn risk… it’s a magnet for dangerous situations.

While most dog owners know to keep pets away from hot surfaces, the real dangers often come from what’s cooking.

Physical hazards:

• Hot grill surfaces, coals, and tools
• Propane tanks and electrical connections
• Grease fires and flare-ups

Food dangers lurking on your grill:

• Fatty meats: Bacon, sausages, marbled steaks, and other fatty meats can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas
• Corn cobs: Unlike most vegetables, corn cobs don’t digest and can cause complete intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery
• Wood skewers and kebab sticks: These pointed objects can puncture your dog’s digestive tract or become lodged in their throat

Smart BBQ safety:

• Create a designated “dog-free zone” around the cooking area
• Use fencing or baby gates to block access during food prep
• Never leave food unattended where dogs can reach it
• Dispose of skewers, cobs, and fatty scraps in a secure garbage can

Pro tip: Before firing up the grill, give your dog a special puzzle toy or long-lasting chew in a shaded area away from the action.

This keeps them occupied and out of trouble.

Picnic & Party Food Hazards: Setting Rules for Guests is Key

Summer gatherings mean well-meaning guests who love to slip your “hungry” dog a treat.

Unfortunately, many common picnic foods are toxic to dogs.

Toxic summer favorites:

• Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and potentially fatal nervous system depression
• Grapes and raisins: Can cause sudden kidney failure… just a few grapes can be deadly
• Onions and garlic: Found in potato salad, dips, and marinades, these damage red blood cells and cause anemia
• Chocolate: Present in desserts, s’mores, and trail mix; dark chocolate is especially dangerous

Fatty picnic foods for dogs to avoid:

• Potato chips and fried foods
• Creamy salads and dips
• Cheese platters and rich desserts
• Any food with visible fat, grease or oil

Guest education strategies:

• Post a friendly sign: “Please don’t feed the dogs – they’re on a special diet!”
• Provide safe treats guests can offer (like plain cooked chicken pieces)
• Designate one person as the “dog treat monitor”
• Remind your guests that play is also a treat to your dog and offer a tug toy or tennis ball in lieu of food treats

Fireworks: Double Danger

Independence Day celebrations bring both physical and psychological risks for dogs.

Physical injury risks:

• Burns from sparklers, firecrackers, or ground-level fireworks
• Eye damage from close proximity to explosions
• Cuts from broken fireworks debris
• Ingestion of fireworks materials containing toxic chemicals

Noise-related trauma:

• Panic attacks leading to destructive behavior
• Escape attempts that can result in lost pets or injury
• Long-term anxiety and noise phobias
• Physical symptoms like drooling, panting, and loss of bladder control

Fireworks safety plan:

• Create a safe indoor space before festivities begin
• Use white noise, calming supplements, ear covers and/or a thunder shirt to reduce noise impact
• Ensure ID tags are on your dog’s collar and microchip information is current in case of escape
• Never leave anxious dogs outside during fireworks displays and don’t take them with you to fireworks in your community
• Consider anti-anxiety medication from your vet for severely affected dogs

When to seek help: If your dog shows signs of severe anxiety (excessive drooling, destruction, or inability to settle) or sustains any fireworks-related injury, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Many communities have 24-hour pet emergency rooms if your regular veterinarian is closed for the holiday or it’s after hours.

 Safe Summer Product Choices: Read Those Labels

Not all summer products are pet-friendly, even if they seem harmless.

Insect repellent safety: Never use human insect repellents on dogs.

DEET, the active ingredient in most repellents for people, can cause vomiting, seizures, and neurological problems in dogs.

Even small amounts absorbed through skin or licked off fur can be toxic.

Pet-safe alternatives:

• Prescription flea and tick preventatives recommended by your vet
• Pet-specific insect repellents containing geranium oil or soybean oil
• Natural deterrents like lemon eucalyptus spray (consult your vet first, as essential oils can be harmful to some pets)

Application guidelines:

• Always consult your veterinarian before using any new product
• Apply according to package directions; more isn’t better
• Avoid the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, and any open wounds
• Monitor for skin reactions, especially on first use

Important: Remove pets from the area when applying DEET products to yourself and avoid petting them until the product is completely dry.

Summer Safety Action Plan

Transform your summer celebrations from risky to dog-safe with these proactive steps:

1. Plan ahead: Inform guests of your rules for dog safety before they arrive by sending a friendly email or text message
2. Create safe zones: Designate dog-free areas around food and cooking
3. Stock safe treats: Keep dog-appropriate snacks available for sharing
4. Secure the space: Use baby gates, leashes, or crates as needed
5. Know your vet’s emergency contact: Keep after-hours numbers readily available

Remember, the goal isn’t to exclude your dog from summer fun, it’s to include them safely.

With proper planning, your four-legged family member can enjoy the season’s best moments right alongside you.

Your Pets are our Priority!

At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and well-being of your pets.

That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which helps you identify animal health and nutritional supplements that come from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest quality, most consistent products available.

Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.