Tips for BBQs & Picnics With Your Dog

Summer sunshine, good food, and great company — even better when your dog is part of the fun. Before you fire up the grill, here's how to make your BBQ or picnic safe and enjoyable for your pup.

Keep Your Dog Cool and Hydrated

Dogs can overheat quickly in summer heat. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water and a shaded area to rest throughout the event. On very hot days, bring them inside an air-conditioned space every 15–20 minutes. Use a portable collapsible water bowl to keep hydration easy on the go.

Grilling Safety

Keep dogs away from hot grills and grilling tools at all times. Watch for accessories that can fall to the ground — aluminum foil, skewers, toothpicks, and plastic wrap can all cause injury or illness if ingested. Even after grilling, keep dogs away from hot coals and ashes, which can stay hot for hours and burn their paws.

Foods Your Dog Shouldn't Eat at a BBQ

The smell of grilled food is irresistible to dogs — but most human BBQ food isn't safe for them. Avoid feeding your dog:

• Meat on the bone: Bones can splinter and puncture internal organs or cause choking.
• Corn on the cob: The cob can get lodged in the digestive tract and may require surgery to remove.
• Whole hot dogs: A choking hazard. Small pieces are okay as an occasional treat, but hot dogs are high in fat — don't overdo it.
• Chip dips (including guacamole): Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Onions: Cause intestinal distress in dogs.
• Grapes: Toxic to dogs — can cause kidney failure. Keep fruit salads out of reach.
• Chocolate and sugar-free desserts: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Sugar-free items often contain xylitol, also toxic.

Keep your dog feeling included by giving them a few safe treats during mealtime. Dispense them from an interactive toy to keep them busy longer and away from the table.

Banish Boredom With Toys

A bored dog is more likely to get into trouble — or sneak food they shouldn't have. Keep them entertained with toys or treat-dispensing puzzles. Browse our dog toys collection for outdoor-friendly options.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Heading to a picnic spot on foot? Bring plenty of water — healthy adult dogs need 0.5–1 oz. of water per pound of body weight per day. Take a few short test hikes before a big outing to gauge your dog's stamina and water needs. Always check for ticks after any time in grass or wooded areas. See our guide on protecting your dog from ticks.

Swimming Safety

A dip in a cool lake or stream is a great way to beat the heat. If your dog is new to water, introduce them gradually — let them wade in shallow areas before going deeper. On a boat, always fit your dog with a properly sized canine flotation device. For more summer safety tips, see our guide on protecting your dog from the sun.