Summer is the season for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and sitting around the campfire. While it’s natural to want to include your four-legged family members in the fun, many common warm-weather treats can cause severe digestive upset or life-threatening toxicity.
Before you toss your dog a scrap from the grill, read this quick emergency guide to see which summer staples are safe and which ones need to stay far out of reach.
Green Light: Dog-Safe Summer Foods (In Moderation)
These warm-weather treats can be enjoyed by dogs in small portions when served safely:
Watermelon (Seedless)
This is highly hydrating and low in calories, making it a perfect treat for hot days. Crucial Step: You must completely remove all seeds and the rind, as they can cause dangerous intestinal blockages.
Hamburgers and Plain Meats
Plain, cooked chicken, turkey, and lean beef are great sources of protein. However, they must be served unseasoned, boneless, and with NO ONIONS or garlic.
Blueberries and Cucumbers
Both are crunchy, low-calorie, and completely safe snacks for a refreshing summer bite.
Bananas
Full of potassium and fiber. Try freezing banana slices for a quick, cooling treat on scorching afternoons.
Green Beans and Carrots
Low-calorie and highly nutritious. You can serve them raw for an extra crunch or lightly steamed, plain, without butter or salt.
Scrambled Eggs
A solid source of pure protein. Cook them entirely plain with no butter, oils, salt, or seasonings.
Frozen Broth Cubes or Fruit Pops
For an enriching brain game, freeze low-sodium broth, ensuring it has no onion or garlic ingredients, or pureed dog-safe fruit in ice trays or molds.
Red Light: Dangerous Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Some human foods can cause severe stomach distress or be completely life-threatening. Keep these items strictly out of reach:
Grapes and Raisins
Highly Toxic. Even a tiny amount can cause sudden, irreversible kidney failure in dogs.
Onions, Garlic and Chives
These ingredients damage a dog’s red blood cells and can cause severe anemia. Watch out for these, as they are frequently hidden in burger seasoning and meat marinades.
Hot Dogs and Fatty Leftovers
Hot dogs are heavily processed and contain dangerously high sodium levels. Feeding hot dogs, bacon, or greasy burger scraps to your pet can trigger acute pancreatitis or severe digestive upset.
Corn on the Cob
A massive safety hazard. The cob does not digest and is a frequent cause of fatal intestinal blockages that require immediate emergency surgery.
Cooked Bones
Never toss a dog a bone from the grill. Cooked bones splinter easily and can severely pierce or lacerate your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
Avocado, Alcohol, Caffeine and Soda
All of these are highly toxic to your pet’s nervous and cardiovascular systems. Never leave open cups unattended around curious noses.
Campfire Alert: The Hidden Danger of S’mores
If you’re roasting marshmallows around a fire pit this summer, be on high alert. S’mores are a perfect storm of pet hazards:
Chocolate
All types, especially dark or baking chocolate, contain compounds toxic to dogs.
Marshmallows: Choking and Burns
A marshmallow hot off the fire pit can cause devastating, painful burns to your dog’s mouth and throat. They are also a sticky choking hazard.
The Xylitol Threat
Many sugar-free or low-sugar marshmallows contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener. If a dog consumes Xylitol, it triggers a massive, sudden drop in blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, which can result in vomiting, severe seizures, liver failure, or death.
Emergency Reminder
If you suspect your pet has eaten any of the “Red Light” foods listed above, note the amount consumed and contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately. Keep trash cans secured and remind party guests not to feed the dog!
