BBQ Hazards
Late summer often means weekends filled with cookouts, picnics, and backyard BBQs. While these events are fun for the whole family, they can pose serious dangers for our pets. Many common BBQ foods and supplies can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset, obstruction, or even life‑threatening injuries if swallowed.
Below are some of the most common hazards to watch out for—and what to do if your pet gets into trouble.
1. Corn on the Cob
Why it’s dangerous:
Corn kernels aren’t toxic, but the cob itself is dense, fibrous, and nearly impossible for pets to digest. Dogs may chew off large pieces or swallow the cob whole, which can lodge in the stomach or intestines. These obstructions don’t break down and often require surgical removal.
Warning signs to watch for:
Vomiting (sometimes multiple times)
Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
Lethargy
Abdominal discomfort or bloating
Straining to defecate or producing little stool
What to do:
If your dog eats any part of a corn cob, call your veterinarian immediately—do not wait for symptoms to appear.
If ingestion is very recent: Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting to recover the cob before it passes further into the digestive tract. This must only be done under veterinary guidance—never attempt this at home.
If vomiting is not successful or not possible: X‑rays are often taken to determine the cob’s location. In some cases, endoscopy may be performed to retrieve the cob.
If the cob cannot be retrieved: An obstruction may form, which typically necessitates surgical removal to resolve the problem and prevent life‑threatening complications.
2. Wooden Skewers
Why it’s dangerous:
Kebabs, appetizers, and other BBQ favorites often involve skewers or toothpicks. These sharp objects can puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to internal bleeding, infection, and life‑threatening peritonitis. Wooden skewers are especially problematic—they may not show up well on X‑rays, delaying diagnosis.
Warning signs to watch for:
Sudden vomiting, sometimes with blood
Abdominal pain (hunched posture, whining)
Lethargy or collapse
Refusal to eat or drink
What to do:
Immediate veterinary evaluation is essential.
Do not induce vomiting at home—bringing the object back up can cause additional injury.
Diagnostic imaging (X‑rays or ultrasound) may be performed to locate the object.
If the skewer is still in the stomach and accessible, endoscopy may be attempted for removal.
Surgical intervention may be required depending on the location
Prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of infection and serious complications.
3. Bones (Ribs, Chicken, etc.)
Why it’s dangerous:
Cooked bones—especially rib and chicken bones—can splinter and irritate the digestive tract. While true perforations or blockages are uncommon, they are possible. More often, these bones cause significant gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood, as the sharp fragments pass through the stomach and intestines and cause inflammation and local damage.
Warning signs to watch for:
Vomiting or retching
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Drooling or discomfort when swallowing
Lethargy or decreased appetite
Abdominal discomfort
What to do:
If your pet consumes bones:
Call your veterinarian for advice—many cases can be managed with monitoring and supportive care.
X‑rays may be recommended to check for bone fragments and assess if they’re likely to pass.
Treatment often involves pain control, anti‑nausea medication, and GI protectants to minimize irritation as fragments pass.
Surgery or endoscopy is rarely needed but may be considered if there are signs of obstruction or persistent severe symptoms.
4. Fatty BBQ Foods
Why it’s dangerous:
Hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, and other rich BBQ foods are high in fat and can overwhelm a dog or cat’s digestive system. This can trigger gastroenteritis (inflammation in the GI tract) or pancreatitis—a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis ranges from mild to life‑threatening and often requires hospitalization.
NOTE: even a small amount of these foods can become a problem. Avoid feeding these items (and table foods in general).
Warning signs to watch for:
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain (praying position, reluctance to move)
What to do:
If your pet consumes fatty foods and shows signs of illness:
Seek veterinary evaluation
Bloodwork and abdominal imaging may be performed to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment usually includes hospitalization, IV fluids, anti‑nausea medication, and pain control.
Mild cases may be managed outpatient with diet changes and close monitoring.
Note: if your vet ingests these foods and you are aware immediately—call your veterinarian to consult. They may recommend interventions to help reduce the likelihood of symptoms.
5. Foil, paper products, and Wrappers
Why it’s dangerous:
BBQ events often generate a lot of trash: foil, paper plates, food wrappers, and more. Curious pets may raid picnic tables or garbage bags for tasty leftovers. These items don’t break down in the stomach and can cause GI inflammation and blockages.
Warning signs to watch for:
Vomiting
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Constipation or inability to pass stool
Abdominal pain or swelling
Loss of appetite
What to do:
If ingestion is suspected:
Contact your veterinarian for advice—imaging may be needed to locate the object.
Depending on the item’s size and location, inducing vomiting, endoscopic retrieval, or surgery may be recommended.
Preventive care (secure trash, clean up promptly) is the best protection.
General Tips for BBQ Pet Safety
Supervise pets or keep them indoors during cookouts.
Provide safe, pet‑friendly treats so they aren’t tempted by table food.
Educate guests—many people don’t realize certain foods are hazardous.
Dispose of trash promptly and secure garbage cans with tight lids.
Have your veterinarian’s number and the nearest emergency clinic on hand.
Final Thoughts:
Backyard BBQs are a highlight of summer, but they come with hidden hazards for pets. With a little prevention—keeping tempting items out of reach, securing trash, and acting quickly if something goes wrong—you can ensure your pet stays safe and enjoys the season alongside the family.
Gal Chivvis, DVM
