As the improves in the UK and spring gets into full swing, many Brits will be planning more outdoor activities for the weekends and upcoming May half term , including barbecues, a family favourite. But an expert has warned one barbecue staple in particular could pose a risk to dogs and cause them harm if not managed properly.

Barbecues are a classic sunny day activity but can hold some unwanted potential to bring harm to dogs because of the foods involved. Laura Ward, a pet nutritionist at , explained that care needs to be taken when including dogs in these summer activities. She said: "We want our pets to be involved in all areas of our lives, and Summer BBQs are no exception. This year, when planning your al fresco dining experience, be sure to consider your furry friends with everything from the environment to the menu you're serving up." Her top tips on dog-friendly barbecues include preparing pets to meet guests so the experience did not become overwhelming.

Introducing guests to dogs one by one will allow them to get used to having different people around, while invitees should be encouraged to "remain calm" when they approach and not to "over excite" pets.

Laura also recommended creating a "safe environment" around the barbecue to protect pets from hot surfaces, as well as "setting up an out-of-bounds area" so pets are kept safe.

When it comes to food, caution is vital as many barbecue favourites could pose a risk to dogs' health and wellbeing.

One barbecue favourite is particularly dangerous, as it can be toxic to dogs. Onions, a favourite topping for burgers and hot dogs, can unfortunately be harmful to dogs "even in small amounts" according to Laura.

She added: "Though they may seem innocent, onions are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues and even lead to further damage to your dog's health.

"Guidance from the , advises against feeding any onion to your pet as it can risk damaging their red blood cells by causing oxidative stress. This leads to Heinz body formation, which can result in the risk of haemolytic anaemia for your pet."

Various pet organisations recommend against feeding onions to dogs. Vet charity PDSA said "dogs shouldn't eat onions" because they are part of a group of plants called alliums, which include garlic, chives and leeks, which are all toxic to pooches.

Alliums are thought to contain toxins called disulphites and thiosulfinates which cause damage to red blood cells. PDSA caution that onions can be found in pre-made foods such as sauces, where owners may not be actively aware of their presence.

Pet food company Purina advise that all parts of an onion are bad for a dog's health, including the flesh and leaves, as well as the juices and powders created by the vegetable. Outside of barbecuing, it's a good idea to keep these plants fenced off from dogs in any household vegetable patches.

Also worthy of caution at a barbecue is ketchup which, while not considered toxic to dogs as tomatoes are safe in moderation, Laura said should be avoided because the "salt, sugar and xylitol content" can be "dangerous" to dogs.

Also on the list of foods to be wary around was chicken legs, despite the meat in general being a big part of many dogs' diets.

Chicken on the bone should be avoided according to Laura as they can break into smaller pieces and cause internal damage.

She added: "Although cooked chicken is safe for your dog, always be mindful of marinades and seasonings, as ingesting these can cause issues to arise. Instead, involve your dog in the BBQ food by putting aside designated food for them that you know is safe to eat and hasn't been contaminated."

As the weather warms up, it's always important to look out for furry friends to ensure everyone can enjoy the occasion.