Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During Football Parties

01/31/20

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The biggest football game of the year is approaching quickly and perhaps you, like many others are hosting a party to watch the big game. You may be looking forward to friends, food, drinks and football, but your dog, cat or parrot may have a very different perspective when it comes to the festivities. New people, noises and smells can be very exciting, but for some it’s  overwhelming. Pet parents need to be aware there are a few things about a sports event party that are downright dangerous for our pets. Here are a few tips from Canna Companion that will help your pet during the big game.

 

Cheering and Shouting Plus Pets Don’t Mix – You and your friends love cheering for your team loudly and enthusiastically. Keep in mind that this out of the ordinary sound level and intensity might result in your pet becoming over stressed. Situational anxiety is a real thing for our furry and feathered friends, and it can be scary for your pet and even dangerous for your guests. Some pets might try to hide in or under something, pace, hypersalivate (drool) or in extreme situations try to escape the house unsafely or engage in other harmful behaviors. They may act fearfully, bark, or snap at strangers who try to approach.

The best thing to help your dog through these types of situational anxiety triggers is to be prepared in advance. There are a number of supplements offered by Canna Companion that have a calming effect on the mind when situational anxieties arise. One tip that is assured to help them remain calmer: let your pet have their own space, behind closed doors, with plenty of comforting bedding. Leave soft music on to help distract them from party goer cheers. 

 

Sporting Event Snack Foods Should be Kept Out of Reach – Some of the common appetizers at a sports event party are potentially dangerous for dogs. If your pet happens to be social, they may prefer to hang with the crowd. However, make sure to keep food off lowered tables and out of your dog’s reach. Advise your guests not to feed your pet, no matter how cute they are or funny things they say.

  •  Chicken wings have harmful bones that can splinter and wreak havoc on a dog or cat’s intestinal tract or get stuck in the throat, causing them to choke. 
  • Onions, garlic, and chives can cause upset digestive systems and damage red blood cells, especially  in cats. Make sure dips are out of reach or kept in covered containers.
  • Salt found on chips and pretzels causes excessive urination and thirst. Most of these snacks are also carbohydrate heavy and inappropriate for dogs and cats
  • Dark chocolate is especially toxic and can cause GI upset and restlessness and death in severe cases.
  • Cheese and other dairy products can lead to upset stomach and diarrhea, as most pets lack the enzymes to break down lactose. If you offer any diary treats, limit it to 1 per party and make the portion size small (~1 tsp).

 

Watch the Alcohol and Caffeine – Alcohol is toxic for pets. It can cause any number of problems including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, loss of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, coma, or even death. Caffeine from soda, iced tea, or coffee can be just as bad. It can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, seizure, or death. Keep the drinks in hand and away from all pets, and if your dog, cat or bird likes to investigate “empty” cups, best to leave them in their own room until after the party.

 

Secure Your Trash –  It might make 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 pet. Getting at the paper plates or plastic cups that have no food on them can cause indigestion, choking or obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to an emergency veterinary visit. So, it’s best to keep the garbage in a secure place and out of reach of your pet. If you do leave the trash can out, make sure it’s a secure one even the craftiest critter cannot get into.

 

Watch Out for Clumsy Drinkers – There’s nothing wrong with having a few adult beverages. It’s a party, after all. But people who have had a few drinks tend to be a little more touchy-feely, especially if there’s a cute pet running around. The lack of coordination and reduction in motor skills can also lead people to be clumsy, and they might not be able to react in time if a dog suddenly appears in their path. Tripping, stumbling party guests can lead to injuries for pets and humans alike.

Keep an eye on your pets. If your pets seem to be having difficulty settling down or are trying to eat foods available, it may be best to secure them in a different room or kennel, if that is a known safe place for your pet. Contact us for additional tips so you and your friends can enjoy the game, and your pets enjoy some R&R. 

 

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