Grill Time, Chill Time: How to Keep Your Pet Calm and Safe During BBQs

Backyard BBQs are a summer staple—filled with mouthwatering aromas, sizzling grills, and the laughter of friends and family. But for pets, the experience can be overwhelming, confusing, and even dangerous. While you’re enjoying burgers and beverages, your furry friend may be dealing with heat, anxiety, or an unsafe environment.

Thankfully, with a few smart precautions, you can keep your pet calm, cool, and protected while still enjoying the summer cookout vibes. Here’s everything you need to know to host a pet-friendly barbecue that’s safe, relaxing, and even a little fun for your four-legged guests.

Create a Pet-Friendly Chill Zone

Your pet may be social, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy every loud voice, footstep, or hamburger that hits the ground. BBQs can quickly become sensory overload for dogs and cats, especially when unfamiliar guests are present. Creating a designated “chill zone” can offer your pet a comforting retreat.

Set up a shaded, quiet area a short distance from the main party—somewhere out of the way of the grill and traffic. Use a comfy pet bed or mat, a few familiar toys, and ensure water is always accessible. If your pet is crate-trained, setting up their crate outdoors can be a reassuring space for them to rest and relax. Cooling mats or elevated mesh pet beds are great options to help them stay comfortable when temperatures rise.

Henry Wag Pet Cool Mat £7.99 and KONG Dog Toy Scrumplez Koala £11.39

Be Mindful of the Menu: Pet-Safe Foods & Hidden Hazards

It’s easy to get distracted at a BBQ, which makes it even easier for pets to sneak food off plates, tables, or right out of guests’ hands. While it might seem harmless to share a bite, many barbecue favourites are actually dangerous for pets.

Cooked bones—especially from ribs or chicken—can splinter and cause internal damage if swallowed. Foods like onions, garlic, corn cobs, avocados, and chocolate are toxic to dogs and cats. Even fatty meats, like burgers or sausages, can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis in pets. Alcohol is also a serious risk—make sure unattended drinks are out of reach.

If you want your pet to enjoy a treat during the festivities, prepare a separate pet-friendly plate with plain grilled chicken (no seasoning), sliced carrots, green beans, or some chilled seedless watermelon. Better yet, freeze a “pupsicle” made from low-sodium broth or pet-safe yogurt for a fun, cooling snack.

Extra Select Pig Ears £6.79 and Scrumbles Chonks Meaty Treats £6.49

Keep Pets Away from the Grill

The smoky scent of grilled meat is irresistible to most pets—but getting too close to the BBQ can be dangerous. Curious noses may sniff too near an open flame, and a wagging tail could easily knock over a hot tray or skewer.

Always supervise your pet around the grill area, and consider using a portable gate or exercise pen to block off access completely. When the grill isn’t in use, cover it with a sturdy lid or fitted grill cover to prevent contact burns. Make sure skewers, hot coals, and lighter fluid are stored safely out of reach.

It’s also a good idea to secure any trash cans or leftover food. Dogs are particularly talented at digging through garbage for scraps, and what they find there—greasy wrappers, foil, corn cobs—can lead to choking or a late-night emergency vet visit.

Hydration and Heat: Summer Survival Essentials

Unlike humans, pets can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively—especially in the heat of summer. Dogs primarily cool down through panting and a limited amount of sweating through their paws, which means they’re more prone to overheating.

Signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or bright red gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and offer fresh water.

To prevent heat-related issues, make sure water bowls are always full and clean. Consider placing multiple bowls around your yard if you have a larger gathering. Setting up a shaded area, adding a fan nearby, or using a cooling vest can also help lower your pet’s body temperature. Short-nosed breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers, along with senior or overweight pets, are particularly vulnerable in the heat—so take extra precautions if your pet fits that description.

Buster Incredibowl For Long Eared Dogs £17.89 and Ancol Cooling Dog Coat £12.39

Calm the Chaos: Managing Noise and Anxiety 

Barbecues can be loud. Between the music, laughter, kids playing, and maybe even fireworks or sparklers in the evening, the sensory stimulation can be a lot for pets. Many animals experience anxiety in noisy or unfamiliar environments and may retreat, pace, bark, or try to escape.

You can help your pet cope with this stress by creating a quiet retreat area away from the noise, as mentioned earlier, and by using calming tools like pheromone sprays, calming chews, or compression wraps like Thundershirts. Playing white noise or soft background music in your pet’s safe space can also help mask jarring sounds.

Adaptil Transport Calming Spray 60ml £27.44 and Adaptil Dog Calming Chews Pack Of 30 £30.64

If you expect fireworks or other loud events later in the evening, it’s a good idea to bring your pet inside early and give them a calming aid about 30–60 minutes beforehand, depending on the product’s recommendations.

Supervision, ID Tags & First Aid

Even the most well-trained pets can get overwhelmed or spooked during a busy outdoor gathering. A guest accidentally leaving a gate open or dropping something toxic on the ground can spell trouble in seconds.

Make sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date and securely fastened to their collar. A microchip with current registration is also a wise safeguard in case your pet escapes. For even more peace of mind, GPS tracking collars can help you locate your pet in real time if they happen to bolt.

It’s also worth having a small pet first-aid kit on hand during outdoor gatherings. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and vet contact information. Preparation is key—if something does go wrong, you’ll be ready.

A Safe BBQ Is a Fun BBQ—for Everyone

Hosting a BBQ doesn’t mean your pet has to miss out—or be at risk. With some thoughtful planning, a few safety tools, and a designated space just for them, your pet can enjoy the party right alongside you.

Whether it's keeping them cool with hydration gear, calming their nerves with natural aids, or simply offering them safe treats from the grill, these small steps can make a big difference in their comfort and safety.

Looking to stock up on BBQ-season essentials?
Browse our website for calming chews, cooling mats, travel water bowls, and everything you need to keep tails wagging all summer long.