BBQ pet safety, by David Jones, store manager of Pets at Home Swindon

Summer means longer evenings, trips to the beach and hopefully a BBQ or two. But whilst you’re out in the garden enjoying a burger or two, don’t forget to consider your four-legged friend.

Keep your matches, lighters and fuel well out of reach, as lighter fluid can prove fatal if ingested. Pets should be kept well away from the barbecue once it’s started, as fur can easily catch fire!

Whilst it might be tempting to treat your pet to a spare rib or sausage, barbecue scraps can upset your pet’s stomach, so stick to their regular meals and treats. Remember that grapes, onions and chocolate are highly poisonous to dogs and cats. Kebab skewers, corn on the cob and cooked bones can also be dangerous for pets to ingest. A cooked bone can splinter and become lodged in, or even puncture the digestive tract. Make sure you throw away any leftover food, bones and rubbish, with the bin lid firmly secured.

Our advice is to also use plastic glasses and bottles, as smashed glass and crockery can easily smash into tiny splinters and damage precious paws.

Finally, whilst you’re having fun in the sun make sure to keep a close eye on your furry friends in case they get too hot or agitated – if it’s very sunny they may even require sun cream on bald areas such as their nose or on ear tips. You also don’t want them to wander off on their own during the commotion! For any more advice or to check out our great range of summer products for pets, pop in-store.