With the big game just around the corner, you may be looking for pet-safe options for your party. If you’ll be hosting a lot of guests or even just having a family event for the Super Bowl, it’s important to pay close attention to your pet’s needs throughout the experience.
Below, you’ll find several tips that can help you prepare for a pet-friendly Super Bowl party. By keeping these tips in mind before the day of the game, you can make sure your space is welcoming to your guests and comfortable for your furry family members at the same time.
Monitor Snacks Around Pets
When you’re planning a Super Bowl party, there are definitely going to be snacks involved. Although munching on finger foods and other goodies during the game is fun for humans, it can be dangerous for pets, especially if they happen to eat something that is toxic to them.
To keep your pet safe during the game, pay close attention to where your pet is in relation to the snacks at all times. Don’t leave snacks unattended, and consider keeping foods covered with a lid when no one is actively eating them. This way, your pet will be much less likely to get into something she shouldn’t have, and your food will be protected too!
Keep Alcohol Away from Your Pet
Alcohol is extremely dangerous for pets. However, some pets are drawn to its smell, which means they may be more likely to try tasting it when no one is looking. Never allow your pet to drink alcohol, and always make sure you keep any alcohol carefully away from animals (and children) in the home.
Ask guests to be mindful of their drinks and to hang on to their cups, glasses, or bottles until they are empty. If guests are not able to do this, or if they become too engrossed in the game to remember, consider offering drinks in cups with lids that can protect your pet from access to alcohol instead.
Provide Pet-Safe Areas During Your Party
Pet-safe areas are the best solution for game day partying. With an area specified for your pet and kept separate from the rest of the house, everyone can be comfortable in their own locations without having to worry about each other. Your pet can have her space where she feels safe, and your guests won’t have to be constantly worrying about her, either.
Pet-safe areas should be rooms that can be closed and ideally locked. They should contain your pet’s bed, crate, blankets, or pillows, as well as her food and water dish, a few toys that she can play with safely while unsupervised, and any other items that help her feel comfortable.
Give Your Pet Potty Breaks Beforehand
Take a potty break before the party starts, and preferably before any guests arrive. This way, your pet will be able to go to the bathroom without being anxious or upset by the chaos going on in your home, and she won’t feel like she has to “hold it” until everyone is gone again.
Check In Often with Your Pet During the Big Game
While your pet is kept away from the party in a pet-safe location, check in on her often. She may be upset and frightened by the noise and commotion, especially if there’s a lot of cheering or yelling going on in the house.
When you check in your pet, make sure you don’t overdo it. Don’t coddle her or give her some reason to think she should be more upset than she already is. However, you don’t have to ignore her, either. Look in, talk to her in a normal tone, and refill her food or water dishes if necessary.
VEG Animal Hospital is Open Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays for You and Your Pet
As you can see, it isn’t too difficult to put together a pet-friendly Super Bowl party for yourself, your family, and your guests. Just remember the tips listed here to make sure your pet is cared for before, during, and after the game, and you’ll be well on your way to a safer experience for everyone involved!
Before the day of the big game, it’s a good idea to find some information about a good quality, local emergency vet. This way, if anything unforeseen does happen, you can respond quickly and take care of your pet as soon as possible.
For more advice on how to have the best pet-friendly Super Bowl party possible, call VEG and speak to any one of our emergency vets. Every VEG location is staffed with team members who are dedicated to making sure your pet is safe and comfortable during any situation or event. If you have questions, don’t wait. Call our team today.
