As summer kicks off, so do the backyard barbecues! While grilling out is a great way to enjoy the season with family and friends, it’s important to remember that some BBQ staples can create health risks for our pets. Here are a few pet hazards to be aware of during cookout season.

Fatty Foods

While it might be tempting to share a burger or steak trimmings with your pet, fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis — a painful and potentially serious condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas. Even small amounts of fat drippings or greasy leftovers in some pets can cause vomiting, stomach pain and depression, with certain cases requiring hospitalized treatment. It's best to keep pets away from the grill, avoid offering them any table scraps and stick to their normal diet.

Sauces and Seasonings

Some popular BBQ ingredients are actually toxic to pets. Common flavor enhancers like garlic, onion, cocoa powder, coffee and tamarind — often found in rubs, marinades and sauces — can cause anything from stomach upset to red blood cell damage, kidney damage and possible heart/nervous system effects. To see more toxic human foods, check out our full list.

Insecticides

While insecticides and other pest-control products are effective at managing unwanted insects, they can pose health risks to pets. Exposure — whether through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact — can result in stomach upset and potential neurologic signs such as tremors and seizures. To ensure pet safety, these substances should be securely stored in areas inaccessible to animals.

Tiki Torch Fuel and Lighter Fluid

Common outdoor products, such as tiki torch fuel and lighter fluid, contain ingredients that can be harmful with pet contact. These products can cause stomach upset, irritation when ingested, damage to the skin with dermal exposure and serious respiratory complications if inhaled.

Alcohol

Unattended alcoholic beverages can be dangerous for pets. Even small ingestions can lead to stomach upset, depression, incoordination and complications with breathing, heart function and more severe neurologic effects. Make sure to keep all beverages out of reach and clean up spills right away.

Charcoal Briquettes, Wooden or Metal skewers, Corn Cobs and Bones

Charcoal briquettes, wooden or metal skewers, corn cobs and bones can all be a risk for foreign body obstruction if ingested, a complication that often requires surgery to correct. The sharp objects can be an additional risk for injury as well. To keep pets safe, always dispose of these items carefully and ensure trash receptacles are securely closed.

If you suspect that your pet ingested something potentially toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.