One dog command ‘most valuable’ during heatwave to avoid poisoning

One dog command ‘most valuable’ during heatwave to avoid poisoning As temperatures continue to climb to unprecedented levels, there's one essential dog command you need to teach your pet to avoid risking food poisoning and serious blockages. With the UK currently getting scorched in a record-setting heatwave, it’s not just humans that are suffering — our four-legged companions are also feeling the effects of the unprecedented heat. While the best parts of the summer for dogs and their owners are often longer walks, picnics in the park and quality time spent together outdoors, experts warn these activities could bring with them hidden risks — such as food poisoning and serious blockages — especially as temperatures continue to climb to unprecedented heights. Why dogs get into more trouble in the summer Summer months bring with them BBQs and pet-friendly meet-ups in the sun, alongside a plethora of seasonal foods and activities. Lisa Hannaby-Aird, pet nutritionist at Forthglade, explains: “If something smells exciting, dogs usually act first and think later.” This is especially true of the warmer months, where one of the biggest concerns is cooked bones, especially after BBQs. She adds: “People often think bones are harmless because dogs are naturally drawn to them, but cooked bones can splinter easily and quickly become dangerous. Some seasonal foods can be just as risky. Lisa explains: “Corn on the cob is something many owners don’t immediately think about, but it can cause serious blockages if swallowed. “Grapes and raisins are another big concern because even small amounts can be harmful for dogs.” Rich leftovers can also cause major problems. The pet nutritionist shares: “Fatty foods left behind after picnics or after BBQs can upset digestion and, in some cases, contribute to more serious stomach issues.” For these reasons and more, there’s one dog command that’s extremely important for pets, especially during heatwaves and warmer weather. The most important dog command in warm weather Lisa says that the most important dog command, especially during warmer months, is ‘leave it’. The pet nutritionist explains: “‘Leave it’ is one of the most valuable commands a dog can learn because it teaches them to disengage from something before they pick it up. “With more time spent outdoors in summer, there’s naturally more opportunity for things to go wrong. You’ve got picnics, BBQs, litter and more people, all things curious dogs are naturally drawn to. “If something smells exciting, dogs usually act first and think later. That’s why ‘leave it’ matters so much — it gives owners a split second to stop a situation from becoming dangerous.” She also says waiting until something goes wrong to begin teaching your dog to ‘leave it’ is one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make. The pet nutritionist shares: “You don’t want the first time your dog hears ‘leave it’ to be when they’re already about to swallow something. Lisa recommends practicing in advance: “Practising beforehand makes a huge difference when you actually need the command in real life.” How to teach dogs the ‘leave it’ command According to Lisa, the biggest mistake is trying to train “leave it” for the first time in a busy park or chaotic outdoor surroundings. She says: “Dogs need to understand the behaviour before distractions are introduced. If you only try it when they’re already about to grab something exciting outside, you’re making it much harder for them to succeed.” Instead, Lisa recommends starting somewhere calm at home. “Place a low-value treat or object on the floor and calmly ask your dog to ‘leave it’. The moment they disengage, even briefly, reward them with something better. You’re essentially teaching your dog that walking away from something exciting is worth it.” She adds: “That’s what makes the command reliable when you actually need it. “Practise indoors first, then the garden, quieter walks and eventually busier parks. Consistency matters more than intensity.” What pet owners should do if their dog eats something dangerous If a dog swallows something unusual or potentially toxic, Lisa warns that owners need to act quickly. She advises: “If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous, contact your vet as soon as possible rather than waiting for symptoms to develop. “Often the sooner you act, the better the outcome.” With summer park visits and outdoor adventures set to increase, the expert says teaching this one simple command now could be the difference between a normal walk and an emergency trip to the vet.