Top Tips to Protect Your Pets During Summer Cookouts
When the sun comes out, so do the grills!
With summer in full swing, more than one in 10 Brits are barbecuing regularly and cooking outdoors at least once a week, according to recent surveys.
As the mouthwatering smells of burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and chicken fill the air, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and forget about our pets’ safety. After all, it’s not just us humans getting excited over the aroma of barbequing meat!
Andrew Leal, CEO of Waggel and an expert in petcare, has put together a list of top tips to make sure your pets stay safe and happy while you enjoy your cookouts.
Keep the BBQ Pit Area Clean
“Make sure to clean up any BBQ essentials like tinfoil, napkins, skewers, and other grilling tools quickly. These can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed by pets,” advises Andrew.
Supervise Pets Around Guests
Andrew says, “Pets can get excited or anxious around large groups of people. Make sure to supervise your pets to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or getting into trouble.”
Watch Out for Hot Surfaces
Keep pets stay away from hot grills, fire pits, and any other hot surfaces to prevent burns. “Curious pets can easily get hurt around hot equipment, so it’s best to keep them at a safe distance,” suggests Andrew.
Be Mindful of Toxic Foods
“Foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, fatty foods, and corn cobs are common BBQ items that can be toxic to pets. Keep these foods out of reach and remind guests not to feed pets from their plates,” Andrew reminds us.
Provide Plenty of Water and Shade
Make sure your pets have access to fresh water and a shady spot to rest. The summer heat can be tough on pets, and hydration is necessary.
Andrew adds, “Summer BBQs are great for outdoor fun, but we need to remember our pets’ safety too. A few simple precautions can prevent accidents and make sure everyone, including our pets, enjoys the festivities.”
About Waggel
Waggel offers lifetime pet insurance with customizable coverage up to £15,000, including dental and unlimited video vet consultations. Members receive personalised support from UK-based vet nurses and access to free video calls with behaviourists and nutritionists. Claims can be made digitally, with payments direct to any registered UK vet practice. The company emphasises simplicity and personalised service, aiming to provide comprehensive and hassle-free pet insurance.
Andrew Leal is the co-founder and CEO of Waggel, a digital pet insurance company aiming to transform the pet insurance industry by providing transparent, user-friendly services. After moving to the UK and completing an MBA, he co-founded Waggel in 2018 to address the frustrations pet owners face with traditional pet insurance providers. Waggel offers not only insurance but also a comprehensive wellbeing platform for pets, including a rewards program and access to specialists such as nutritionists and behaviourists.
