Pet expert reveals top 5 hidden dangers for pets during BBQ season that most dog owners don’t know about

With BBQ season in full swing, Go.Compare’s pet insurance expert Tamzin Metcalfe flags the potential risks of having a BBQ with pets around, and the insurance implications of this.  

Tamzin comments: “When the sun is shining and you're enjoying a BBQ in the garden with family and friends, it’s all too easy to let your guard down. But while everyone is soaking up the sun and enjoying the food, curious pets are following their noses straight toward hot grills and dropped food. It’s important to remember the danger doesn’t end when the cooking stops - BBQs retain heat long after the flames die down, posing a serious contact burn risk well into the evening. Just a few simple steps can keep your pets safe and avoid any emergency vet bills.” 

A harmless family BBQ during a heatwave could turn into huge financial stress and worry for beloved pets if your pet insurance doesn’t cover emergency visits at a time when you need it.  

“If your dog sneaks a corn cob off the grill and swallows it, standard pet insurance should be able to help. It covers the big emergency stuff, like the vet visit, X-rays to find the blockage, emergency surgery to get it out, and their hospital stay while they recover. But there are a few sneaky catches. If you just bought the policy (most have a 2-14 day waiting period before cover starts), if your dog is a repeat offender with a history of eating weird objects, or if your policy caps after-hours vet fees, you could still end up footing a massive bill yourself. It’s worth checking the small print so you know what you’re covered for.” 

Tamzin shares five hazards that might put your pet at risk this BBQ season:  

1. Cornon the cob  

Corn on the cob was responsible for 25% of BBQ-related pet injuries in 2022, making it a dangerous BBQ food which most dog owners might not know about. [1] Corn isn’t toxic, but because dogs can't digest the cob, if they eat one that drops on the floor, it could lead to a potential intestinal obstruction that could be fatal and require emergency surgery. Most owners assume corn will be fine as it’s a vegetable, making this an important hazard to raise awareness.  

2. Cooked bones

Giving a dog a bone feels natural and harmless, and if they’re watching you intently eat a chicken drumstick you might think, ‘one won’t do any harm’. Unfortunately, when those bones are cooked, they become brittle and can splinter when eaten causing internal injuries and blockages, which could lead to emergency surgery. In 2022 18% of emergency vet cases for BBQ-related injuries were due to cooked bones. Leading to a pet insurance claim that could run into hundreds or thousands of pounds for pet owners.  

3. Hidden ingredients in BBQ food 

A summer BBQ includes all types of food like burgers, chicken kebabs, lamb koftas and more. A lot of these favourite foods will likely contain marinades, sauces and seasoning which include onion, garlic and other allium ingredients that are toxic for dogs. The danger with these ingredients is that they damage red blood cells and symptoms often don’t appear for three to five days after ingestion, by which point the damage can be severe leading to emergency procedures at the vets.  

4. Physical dangers of a BBQ

Many BBQs have open flames, hot coals and grilling surfaces that if not attended to properly could cause severe paw, face or body burns. It’s important that any pets are kept a safe distance away when your BBQ is in use and that they are in view when you are settling down to eat your BBQ food. 

5. Insurance gap most ownersdon’tcheck  

Many insurance policies come with standard emergency cover for your pet that can include accidental ingestion and injuries. That said, some insurance policies exclude self-inflicted conditions or have waiting periods on new policies which might not cover emergency vet visits as soon as they sign up. When purchasing or renewing your pet insurance, it’s important to compare different insurances and their terms.  

Tamzin Metcalfe concludes: “Most BBQ-related incidents are entirely preventable, but when you're relaxing in the garden, it can be easy to get distracted. Whether it's a dog sneaking food off a low table or sniffing around a grill that’s still scorching hot long after cooking, a moment's lapse can turn into an emergency. Simple steps, like keeping pets indoors while eating or giving them a long-lasting chew toy to keep them occupied, could go a long way. Ultimately, keeping BBQ food strictly on our plates and off theirs protects your pet’s health and could save you from a heavy vet bill.” 

For more information on pet insurance and deciding which cover is best for you and your pet, visits Go.Compare pet insurance.