Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital 2009 / The Family Cookout and the Family Dog

The Family Cookout and the Family Dog

by Shannon Pecora, M.A.

Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

Summer is the season for parties and barbecues; many of us attend get-togethers nearly every weekend this time of year. At our own or at our friends’ houses, pets may be in attendance as well. We want them to share in the fun with us, so why not give them a little treat right off the grill?

Hang on before you toss Fido that over-cooked hamburger patty or under-seasoned chicken drumstick. For us, it’s easy to remember that we don’t eat the bones from a rack of ribs, but dogs are generally not so discriminating. In their excitement over receiving “people food,” they’ll set to munch whatever is thrown their way, meaning they’re often willing to swallow things like corn cobs or bone chips—chewed or not! This can present a deadly choking hazard, or it can even create a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on where the pet is blocked, symptoms and effects can include vomiting, inability to eat or absorb nutrients, and even death. Once x-rays are taken to determine where the blockage is occurring, a little time and medication may solve the problem. However, in many instances, emergency surgery to remove whatever is “stuck” may be the only option.

While we enjoy grilled sausage, hot dogs, kabobs, and the myriad of other outdoor summer foods, have you ever stopped to wonder why so many dog foods appear to us to be the equivalent of dry Cheerios or plain beef and rice mush? Most dog food is made to be unexciting on purpose! Canine ancestors may have been opportunists and scroungers, eating whatever they could get their paws and teeth on, but today’s domestic dogs actually have quite sensitive digestive systems. We’ve bred them to require the exact same meals day in and day out. Any changes are apt to lead to vomiting and diarrhea as the delicate balance is upset. This is why veterinarians recommend gradual blending transitions when switching from one dog food to another. Human food is often just too rich and “exotic” for dogs, so even a plain hamburger on a bun (hold the cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup) can make your pet very ill.

All of this doesn’t mean that the family cookout has to exclude the family dog. When you have a seat at the picnic table, you can offer your pet a dental chew or other appropriate treat so he doesn’t feel left out. You can also use the time for other bonding activities; if you’re going to kick the soccer ball around the yard or toss the football back and forth, let Fido join in the game (safely!). That way the whole family can enjoy the food and fun of the summer season!