As the summer heat settles over the Costa Blanca, many of us spend more time outside, including beachside BBQs and picnics. to refreshing fruit snacks and outdoor dining. However, while we enjoy the region’s seasonal delights, we must remember that not all summer treats are for our fur babies. In fact, some can be extremely hazardous.
Whether you’re a local pet owner or visiting the Costa Blanca with your dog, here’s a list of common summer foods to avoid with your pets, as well as some safe alternatives.
Grapes and raisins, a popular picnic food and local tapas, can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Fruit can fall from tables or be hidden in baked goods, so exercise extra caution during the season. A safer hydrating treat for your dog would be chopped cucumber or melon (without seeds).
Onions, garlic, and chives: Found in everything from aioli to grilled sausages, these ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause anaemia. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, keep them away from your pets. If you want to share a meal, a portion of plain cooked chicken or rice is a safer option.
Ice Cream and Dairy Products: It’s tempting to share an ice cream cone while strolling along Torrevieja’s promenade or watching the sunset in Altea, but dogs, like some humans, often suffer from lactose intolerance. Furthermore, ice cream contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is deadly to dogs. Especially if it’s chocolate – double the danger. A safer option is to freeze plain unsweetened yoghurt (such as Greek yoghurt) and mix it with dog-friendly fruit like banana or apple.
Alcohol and Fermented Foods: While a sip of sangria may be refreshing for you, even small amounts of alcohol are toxic to dogs. Be cautious at outdoor parties, particularly around discarded cans or cups. Fermented foods, such as cured sausages, may contain trace amounts of alcohol or harmful spices. A safer option is to always give your dogs cold, fresh water in the shade. You can also freeze low-sodium broth cubes to create a dog-friendly ‘cocktail’.
Chocolate and Pastries: Spain’s rich desserts, ranging from churros dipped in chocolate to tarta de Santiago, frequently contain cocoa, sugar, and nuts, all of which are potentially harmful to dogs. Chocolate in particular contains theobromine, which can cause tremors, seizures, and even death. A safer option is to choose dog-friendly biscuits or homemade peanut butter treats that are unsalted and xylitol-free
Macadamia Nuts and Certain Seeds: While nuts may appear in salads or trail mixes during hikes in the Sierra Helada, they are extremely toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, tremors, and weakness. Watch out for fruit pits or seeds, which can cause choking or contain cyanide compounds. For a healthier snack, try some plain pumpkin purée or carrot sticks.
Summer-Specific Tips for the Costa Blanca:
- Beach warning: Avoid allowing dogs to eat scraps from the sand because they may contain bones, plastic, or spoilt food
- Chiringuito Caution: Gently remind well-meaning diners not to feed your dog.
- Hydration is key: Keep a portable water bowl with you, as dehydration is common in our Mediterranean heat.
The Costa Blanca provides a beautiful backdrop for making summer memories with your dog; just make sure they don’t include an emergency vet visit. With a little awareness and planning, you can keep your pets safe, happy, and as vibrant as the Spanish sun.
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