Millions of dog owners in the UK have been given a stark warning ahead of the long bank holiday weekend.
Many people have three days off work, and with the weather forecast looking good there will likely be a number of BBQs and other outdoor activities planned. And while it's a time for enjoyment, it can also pose risks for animals, especially dogs.
Dr Linda Simon, veterinary surgeon at Pooch & Mutt, has warned the ECHO of a number of dangers that can present themselves as people take time to relax in the sunshine.
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Dr Linda has shared a list of food and drinks that can be harmful to dogs.
Garlic
Garlic is used in so many of our dishes but is actually toxic to dogs and can make them very sick as it can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
Onions and chives
As with garlic - they're all part of the onion family - onions and chives are also poisonous to dogs. Be careful if you're serving onions alongside your BBQ and make sure nothing falls within your pup's reach.
Cooked bones
Dr Linda says people don’t realise the damage they’re doing here, as dogs are usually encouraged to chomp raw bones safely. However, cooked bones are completely different. They easily splinter in the mouth and, in large quantities, cause constipation and perforation of the gut, which is extremely dangerous and can even be fatal.
Alcohol
Keep all drinks off the floor and out of the reach of pets as alcohol can lead to severe sickness, diarrhoea, and even central nervous system damage.
Corn on the cob
A classic, healthy barbecue side that, when eaten by dogs, can cause blockages in the intestine.
Avocado
Another firm favourite on the barbecue sides list and another to keep away from pets. Avocado plants contain an ingredient called Persin, which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs, making them very poorly.
Chocolate
Found in many human sweet treats, chocolate should never be fed to dogs. You can get pooch-safe chocolate as an alternative, but the chocolate we know and love contains a stimulant called theobromine.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine levels. This is toxic to our fur babies and can cause kidney failure.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in loads of food we eat. Although safe for us, your dog could go into hypoglycaemia if consumed.
If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous it's sensible to call your vet straight away, who will probably ask what they've eaten, in what quantity, and whether you've noticed any visible signs of distress.
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