Barbecue Hazards for Dogs and Cats

1st June 2026 by Dr. Henry Phillips

With sunnier weather upon us, many of us will be enjoying barbecues over the summer months. From a veterinary perspective, it is important to understand that barbecues can pose several hazards for our pets, particularly dogs and cats. Certain foods, leftovers/waste and cooking implements can cause a range of problems that may require veterinary attention.

Here are some of the main hazards to bear in mind:

Kebabs and skewers: wooden or metal skewers can cause injuries to the mouth or digestive tract if chewed or swallowed, which can be serious and require surgery.
Cooked bones: the cooking process makes bones dry and brittle, making them more dangerous than uncooked bones. These can splinter into sharp shards if chewed, which can cause choking, blockages or damage to the digestive tract as with kebabs and skewers.
Fatty foods: sausages, burgers, chicken skin and other rich leftovers may seem like harmless treats, but fatty foods can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some pets, pancreatitis, which is a painful and potentially serious condition, often requiring hospitalisation.
Sauces and seasonings: many sauces and marinades contain garlic, onion, salt or spicy ingredients. Whilst these often only cause issues when ingested in large quantities, it is safest to avoid offering your pets any scraps that may have these seasonings on.
Corn on the cob: particularly a risk in dogs, corn on the cobs can cause dangerous obstructions of the digestive tract if swallowed, as they do not break down in the digestive system – this means that surgery is required to remove them.

To help keep dogs and cats safe, remember to clear plates away promptly after eating, ask guests not to feed your pets and ensure you bin is secured to prevent any pilfering! Pets can be kept indoors or in a separate area during the barbeque to reduce the risk of burns or scavenging of accidentally dropped food. A distraction such as a toy or a food puzzle can be helpful to keep them settled.

If your pet has eaten any of the above, or you are concerned they may have, contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.

Barbecues can also pose risks to local wildlife. Food scraps, bones, skewers, foil, cans and other litter as well as the barbecue itself may attract wild animals and birds, potentially leading to choking, entanglement, cuts or burns. To reduce these risks, remember to clear away leftovers, bag up rubbish, rinse and dispose of food containers carefully and ensure disposable barbecues, coals and ashes are fully cooled before disposal. In hot, dry weather, extra care is needed, as barbecue related fires can also destroy habitats and injure wildlife.