For many of us, summertime means barbeques, ice cream, and other seasonal foods. Whether you’re trying out that new Green Egg, or just using a basic charcoal grill, your furry buddy will be more than happy to supervise. You’ll need to be careful with what foods you offer your pet, though. Many summer favorites are toxic to pets! A London, ON vet lists some of them below.

Avocados

Avocados can dress up any salad, and they’re very popular with those following low carb or keto diets. Unfortunately, they are extremely toxic to pets. This is because they contain persin, which is a fungicide that is poisonous to many animals. Keep avocados (and guacamole) away from your four-legged pal.

Grapes, Currants, And Raisins

Grapes and raisins are tiny, but they pose a pretty big risk to pets. One thing that is so concerning about these popular fruits is the fact that toxicity levels are unknown. Even eating a single grape or raisin can send some pups into kidney failure. (They aren’t safe for cats, either; Fluffy just happens to be more interested in batting them around than in eating them.)

Alcohol

Alcohol is another danger for pets. Even small amounts can make Fido and Fluffy very, very sick. Keep drinks safely out of paws’ reach!

Meat On The Bone

Fido may be very, very interested in those ribs that are coming off the grill, but don’t fall for that sad look. Bones become very brittle when they are cooked, and they can easily snap into sharp shards. These not only present serious choking hazards, they can also cause severe—and potentially dangerous—internal injuries if consumed.

Pitted Fruits

This one is tricky: with some fruits and veggies, such as apples, the flesh is perfectly safe. It’s the seeds, pits, and pips that pose a threat.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in fat and sugar, but those aren’t the only concerns here. Many types of ice cream contain xylitol, a preservative which is toxic to pets. With some brands, there may also be xylitol in toppings, such as chunks of cake or candy bars. The good news here is that you can buy or make your furry friend their own ice cream. Look online for recipes.

Is your pet due for an examination, or for parasite control? Contact us, your London, ON veterinary clinic, today!