Pet Safety Tips for Outdoor Parties and Barbecues

Outdoor parties and backyard barbecues are a holiday weekend favorite, especially during our warm Southern California summers and fall evenings. But parties can also expose dogs and cats to hazards that aren't normally found around the home. From hot grills and toxic foods to crowded yards and open gates, a little preparation can help keep your pets safe.

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a family gathering, or enjoying an outdoor celebration, keep these pet safety tips in mind.

Keep Pets Away From the Grill

Grills, fire pits, and outdoor cooking equipment can cause serious burns. The smell of cooking meat may also encourage curious dogs and cats to investigate.

Create a pet-free area around the grill and keep pets away from hot surfaces, charcoal, lighter fluid, matches, and other grilling supplies. Remember that grills and coals can remain hot long after cooking is finished.

Avoid Feeding Pets Table Scraps

Many popular barbecue foods aren't safe for dogs and cats. Fatty meats, heavily seasoned foods, sauces, and other rich foods can cause stomach upset and may contribute to more serious problems such as pancreatitis.

Keep pets away from foods containing onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and xylitol. Cooked bones are another major concern because they can splinter or become lodged in the digestive tract.

Ask guests not to share food with your pets. Instead, provide pet-safe treats so your dog or cat can enjoy the celebration without unnecessary risk.

Secure Food and Trash Cans

A backyard trash can can be irresistible to a hungry dog. Unfortunately, barbecue leftovers can contain bones, skewers, corn cobs, food wrappers, and other items that may cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

Use a sturdy, covered trash container and dispose of food waste promptly. Keep serving tables, coolers, and leftover food out of your pet's reach.

Keep Alcohol and Party Supplies Away From Pets

Alcohol can be toxic to pets. Don't leave drinks, bottles, or cups where dogs or cats can knock them over or drink from them.

Also watch out for candles, decorations, glow sticks, small toys, and other party supplies. Curious pets may chew or swallow items that can cause choking or gastrointestinal problems.

Protect Pets From Heat

Los Angeles and Southern California can experience very hot temperatures, even when a party is taking place outdoors in the evening. Make sure pets have access to fresh water, shade, and a cool area.

Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, even for a short period. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness, which can become life-threatening quickly.

Give Anxious Pets a Quiet Place

Crowds, loud music, children, and unfamiliar guests can make some pets anxious. Provide a quiet, secure indoor room where your dog or cat can retreat when they need a break.

Before guests arrive, check gates, doors, and fences. Make sure your pet has identification and that their microchip information is current in case they escape during the gathering.

Prevent Pets From Escaping

A busy party can make it surprisingly easy for a dog or cat to slip through an open door or gate. Guests may not realize that a pet is nearby, and an excited or frightened animal may take advantage of an opportunity to escape.

Before your outdoor party begins, check that all gates, doors, and fences are securely closed. If possible, designate one entrance for guests and keep other doors and gates closed throughout the event.

Let your guests know that pets are in the home or yard and ask everyone to close doors and gates immediately after entering or exiting. A simple reminder near the door can help prevent an accidental escape.

For pets that are especially nervous, curious, or prone to running, consider keeping them in a secure indoor room or enclosed area away from high-traffic entrances. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current identification, and confirm that their microchip information is up to date.

Use Leashes in Public Areas

If you're taking your dog to a barbecue, picnic, or outdoor gathering at a Los Angeles-area park or recreation area, follow posted leash requirements. Keeping your dog on a leash can help prevent them from running into traffic, getting lost, approaching unfamiliar animals, or ingesting something dangerous.

Even friendly, well-trained dogs can become distracted or frightened by crowds, loud noises, fireworks, children, or unfamiliar surroundings. A secure, properly fitted leash and collar or harness provide an extra layer of protection.

Before heading home, take a moment to make sure you have your pet, leash, collar, and other belongings. Taking these simple precautions can help ensure that your outdoor celebration ends safely for everyone.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Even with careful preparation, accidents can happen. Contact your veterinarian or a local Los Angeles veterinary urgent care or emergency hospital if your pet eats a potentially toxic food, swallows a bone or skewer, suffers a burn, or develops concerning symptoms such as repeated vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe abdominal pain.

If you're unsure whether something your pet ate could be dangerous, it's better to seek veterinary advice promptly rather than wait for symptoms to develop.

With a little preparation, you can make your next backyard barbecue or outdoor gathering safer for everyone. By keeping pets away from grills, dangerous foods, trash, alcohol, and excessive heat—and providing them with a secured and safe place to relax—you can enjoy your outdoor gathering while keeping your four-legged family members protected.

Concerned About Your Pet’s Health? 

Schedule an appointment with your primary care veterinarian or visit our Burbank or Koreatown location if your pet has urgent symptoms. 

Call us at (818) 296-0700 in Burbank or (323) 302-5200 in Koreatown to speak with a member of our care team.