Tips to protect your pets during summer barbecues
When the sun comes out, so does the grill!
With summer in full swing, a recent survey found that more than one in ten Brits regularly host a barbecue, cooking outside at least once a week.
When the delicious smells of burgers, hot dogs, sausages and chicken waft through the air, it’s easy to get carried away with the fun and forget about the safety of your pets – after all, humans aren’t the only ones who get excited by the smell of barbecued meat.
Waggel CEO and pet care expert Andrew Leal has put together some tips to help keep your pets safe and happy while you enjoy your barbecue.
Keeping the BBQ pit area clean
“Make sure to put away all barbecue essentials such as aluminum foil, napkins, skewers and other grilling utensils straight away as they can be dangerous if your pet chews or swallows them,” advises Andrew.
Monitor pets around guests
“Pets can become agitated or anxious around large groups of people, so be sure to supervise your pet to make sure they don’t become overwhelmed or get into trouble,” says Andrew.
Beware of hot surfaces
To prevent burns, keep pets away from hot grills, braziers, and other hot surfaces. “Curious pets can easily injure themselves near hot appliances, so it’s best to keep them at a safe distance,” suggests Andrew.
Beware of toxic foods
“Barbecue ingredients that are toxic to pets include onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, fatty foods and corncobs, so keep these foods out of reach and remind your guests not to feed their pets from the dishes,” Andrew reminds us.
Provide plenty of water and shade
Make sure your pet has access to fresh water and a shady place to rest. Summer heat can be tough on pets, so staying hydrated is essential.
Andrew adds: “Summer barbecues are great for enjoying the outdoors, but don’t forget about pet safety. Taking a few simple precautions will help prevent accidents and ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities, pets included.”
About Wagel
Waggel offers lifetime pet insurance with customisable cover up to £15,000, including dental care and unlimited video veterinary consultations. Members receive personal support from UK-based veterinary nurses and have access to free video calls with behaviourists and nutritionists. Claims can be made digitally and payments are made direct to registered UK veterinary practices. The company emphasises simplicity and personalised service, aiming to provide comprehensive, hassle-free pet insurance.
Andrew Leal is co-founder and CEO of Waggel, a digital pet insurance company that aims to transform the pet insurance industry by providing a transparent, user-friendly service. After moving to the UK and earning his MBA, Andrew co-founded Waggel in 2018 to address pet owners’ frustrations with traditional pet insurance companies. Waggel offers not only insurance but also a holistic health platform for pets, including a rewards program and access to experts such as nutritionists and behaviorists.
