You Should Never Let Your Pets Eat Hot Dogs. Here's Why

With summer heating up, opportunities abound for lots of outdoor grilling. And while there are many cookout items that may be appetizing to both people and dogs alike, what's a tasty meal for humans is not always safe for animals to eat. In fact, one of the most common cookout favorites is also one of the worst offenders when it comes to your pet's health — hot dogs. According to Lifehacker, most hot dogs are loaded with salt and fat, neither of which is good for your dog's digestive system. 

To make matters worse, their round, tube-like shape can also pose a choking hazard for dogs, which can be very dangerous. For this reason, it is also best to avoid letting your dog get at the leftover bones from ribs or chicken wings because although they may smell appetizing, those can also become lodged in your dog's throat and cause harm. Other common cookout staples like most grilled meats, chips, and cookies, should also not be given to pets because they can cause them to get sick. While a very small amount of these foods likely won't hurt your dog, it is still probably safest to simply avoid giving them these items entirely.

Even vegetables are not always a safe option for pets. According to the American Kennel Club, corn on the cob should never be given to animals because it is an extreme choking hazard. And if your pet swallows the cob, it can then become lodged in the animal's intestine and cause a serious blockage. In addition, certain seasonings that make veggies palatable for people, like garlic and onions, are actually toxic for dogs. They can lead to illness, upset stomach, and vomiting, and members of the allium family may even cause anemia in dogs.

Beverages can also pose a potential health risk. You certainly don't want your dog to overheat outside, so you'll want to make sure they are well hydrated, but it is best to only give them water. Alcohol, soda, or any caffeinated drink can do serious harm, including cause nausea, vomiting, and even seizures, to pets, per Lifehacker. So, if you choose to take your four-legged friends with you to cookouts this summer, be sure to keep a close eye on them. It is best to only feed them healthy, pet-approved treats and drinks to ensure a healthy and happy experience for everyone, including your furry friends.