Are you ready for some football? You might be, but is your pet? As we all prepare for the big game, the food, or to just watch the commercials, one thing is for certain, your pup will be around a whole new set of people, new noises and new smells. So you can concentrate on the game, check out these Super Bowl party safety tips for your pets:
- Take A Walk: Take your pet for a long walk or extended play session before the game. A tired dog is a good dog.
- Don't Feed the Pets: Ask guests (especially the children) not to feed your pet. If you serve party snacks, make sure they are out of your pet’s reach. Consider feeding your pet ahead of time or leaving some dry food out as a snack. Many people cannot resist the sad, big, brown puppy dog eyes. However, some pets cannot handle diet changes or the spicy and fatty snack foods that can lead to intestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea or potentially life-threatening pancreatitis.
- No Dessert: Keep pets away from desserts, especially chocolate and candy. Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause agitation, tremors and seizures. Sugar-free candy and sweets can contain xylitol which can cause low blood sugar and seizures in dogs.
- No Alcohol: Be careful not to leave drinks unattended. If the room is crowded, guests, and their drinks, may be on the floor and easily accessible to pets. Alcohol, especially beer, can be tempting to pets. Too much alcohol, especially in small pets, can cause weakness, coma, and death.
- Secure the Garbage: It makes sense to leave a trash bin in an open space so your guests can find it quickly, but if your guests can get to it easily, so can your dog. Even getting at the paper plates or plastic cups that have no food on them can cause plenty of indigestion or choking and can lead to an emergency vet visit quickly.
- Loud Cheering: Noise anxiety is a real thing in dogs, and it can be dangerous. Some dogs will try to run and hide, or even escape the house. They may act fearfully, bark, or snap at strangers who try to approach. If your dog is prone to fear of strangers and loud noises, keep them in a secure room away from the action. Playing the radio or television might also reduce stress and drown out the noise.
