Summer is all about spending time outside, swimming, relaxing, hiking, and grilling out. If you’re including your pets in the fun, read this before you fire up your grill; there are some potential dangers for your fur babies.

Heat and Burns: Your best friend will naturally be drawn to your grill’s enticing smells, and it’s very easy for her to get too close. Keep a watchful eye on Sadie so she doesn’t end up with a burned nose, paws, and singed fur.

Dangerous Foods: Some common barbecue foods are unsafe for your four-legged friends. For example, onions, garlic, chocolate, and some spices can be harmful or even fatal to pets. Another typical food, corn on the cob, is a threat. Although it is non toxic, the cob can get lodged in a dog’s throat and cause her to choke. Ensure all your BBQ food is secure, and make sure your buddy can’t get into the trash.

Grease and Fat: The drippings that accumulate with grilling can seriously harm cats and dogs. Fat drippings not only smell good, but they taste great. However, consuming them can cause severe stomach upset, barfing, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis (which can be fatal). Clean your grill after each use and dispose of all the grease in a secure container.

Skewers and Bones: Because these are often covered with food, marinade, and other good smells, your dog and cat, should they find them, will try and chew them. Skewers can cause internal injuries if eaten, and bones can easily splinter and cause choking or puncture wounds. Again, secure the grill and your trash! While grilling outside is a given this summer, prioritizing safety for our furry friends is essential. A little extra care will mean a fun and safe barbecue for everyone.