Vets sound alarm over UK heatwave home BBQs causing one issue for pets | UK | News

Vets warn barbecues and garden parties are contributing to pets munching on the equivalent of 10 million extra meals a day, thanks to extra treats and leftovers. Pets at Home’s research shows that summer get-togethers are becoming a pet-friendly free-for-all, with dogs and cats slipping by for families and guests as ‘just a little treat’.

Half (46%) of owners have caught a friend or family member secretly feeding their furry friend, while 49% admit to letting their pets’ leftovers and treats slip away during barbecues and outdoor gatherings. According to Pets at Home, this equates to a heartbreaking 9.9 million extra helpings, with pets receiving an average of 0.38 additional meals on a typical summer day.

Despite the extra snacks, seven in ten (69%) don’t cut back on their pet’s regular meals to compensate, meaning hidden calories can quickly add up. Pets at Home research has found that pets in Britain have also perfected the art of begging.

Of the 1,500 people surveyed, 44% said their pets change their food-related behavior when guests come to visit.

Two fifths (40%) say their pets are most successful in getting extra treats during the summer months than at other times of the year.

Britain’s favorite barbecue dish is one of the riskiest foods to share with pets. Sausages are among the top foods in the diet of dogs and cats during summer meetings; A third (32%) admit their pet has eaten at least one.

But many sausages contain onions, garlic and rich spices that are harmful to dogs and cats.

Pets at Home Veterinary Director Samantha Butler-Davies said: “Summer is when pets become VIP guests at every garden party, barbecue and family get-together.

“While it may be tempting to give them a few extra treats, many popular barbecue dishes may have a much bigger nutritional impact than owners realize.

“If your pet is enjoying more treats than usual, try balancing this by slightly reducing the amount of regular food and measuring portions rather than guessing.

“Sticking to pet-safe treats and keeping extras to about 10% of their daily calorie intake can help them enjoy summer while maintaining a healthy weight.”

“If your pet is enjoying more treats than usual, try balancing this by slightly reducing the amount of regular food and measuring portions rather than guessing.

“Sticking to pet-safe treats and keeping extras to about 10% of their daily calorie intake can help them enjoy summer while maintaining a healthy weight.”

While pets may be experts at staring longingly at the barbecue, they don’t have to miss out on the fun.

Instead of sharing burgers, sausages or other barbecue leftovers, owners can treat them with pet-friendly alternatives like Ruffs Bangor Sausages for dogs and Seriously Good Chicken Breast Bites for cats.

To help pets make safer choices this summer, Pets at Home is sharing a list of safe summer treats for owners to give their furry friends in moderation and a list of foods pets should avoid.

GREEN LIST – SAFER SUMMER TREATS

· Plain cooked chicken – A lean, protein-rich alternative to processed barbecue meats.

· Fish – With the skin and bones removed, this can be a great treat full of omega 3s.

· Sweet potato (boiled) – A naturally processed dessert that is full of fiber and low in fat

· Carrots – A low-calorie, fiber-rich snack that’s great for chewing.

· Bell Pepper – Packed with vitamins A and C, bite-sized pieces of bell pepper are a great option for crunch and hydration.

· Watermelon (seedless and rind removed) – It contains high amounts of water and provides a cooling effect when consumed in moderation.

RED LIST – FOODS TO AVOID

· Anything on a skewer – Skewers pose a serious choking hazard and can cause serious damage to the digestive tract if swallowed. Always dispose of used skewers in a safe bin; because leftover food can make them especially attractive to dogs.

· Sausages and burgers – Often high in fat and salt; It increases the risk of obesity, digestive disorders and pancreatitis.

· Cooked bones – They can splinter easily, posing a risk of choking or internal injury.

· Corn on the cob – If swallowed, corn on the cob can cause a potentially life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

· Onions and garlic (including in marinades, burgers and salads) – Toxic to dogs as well as cats and can damage red blood cells.

· Alcohol – Even small amounts can cause serious poisoning.

· Avocado – High amounts of fat can cause digestive upset in pets.

· Ice cream – Contains high levels of sugar and fat, as well as dairy products that many pets have trouble digesting and can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

For more information visit: www.petsathome.com