Avoid a game-day penalty: Super Bowl pet safety tips

Keep your pet off the injury list this Super Bowl Sunday!

Between the noise, the guests and the yummy snacks, game-day parties present plenty of potential hazards for pets. 

The good news? With a few simple Super Bowl pet safety tips, you can create a winning game plan. Before you kick off your Super Bowl party, make sure your furry MVPs are set up for a win. Consider this blog post your pet safety playbook for game day!

1. Food fumble: keep dangerous foods out of bounds

Game-day snacks are basically a highlight reel of foods pets shouldn’t eat. Foods with onions, garlic, chocolate and xylitol (often found in sugar-free treats) are all big no-nos. And don’t get us started on the dangers of chicken bones, so watch out for those wings!

Game plan: Set up a “no-paw zone” for party food. 

Use elevated tables, cover food containers, keep trash cans covered or in another room, and remind guests not to sneak snacks to your furry friends. If your pet needs a treat, give them something pet-safe so they don’t feel left on the sidelines. 

A good rule of thumb: clean as you go so there’s no worry of hazardous foods, plastic utensils or other dangerous items like toothpicks within paw’s reach. And don’t forget to keep alcohol out of play, too! Even small amounts can cause illness in pets.

2. Crowd noise: not great for anxious pets

Between yelling at refs, touchdowns and halftime show hype (we’re pumped for Bad Bunny at this year’s game), Super Bowl parties can sound like a stadium inside your living room to your pets. For noise-sensitive pets, this can trigger anxiety, pacing, hiding or even attempts to escape.

Coupled with the general excitement of having guests (sometimes strangers to your pet) in your home, it’s, well, a lot for our furry BFFs to take in!

Game plan: Your pet deserves a place to feel safe. Create a quiet space where they can retreat with their bed, favorite toys, and food and water close by. If they use anxiety aids (like calming treats or pheromone diffusers), this is the time to put them in play.

If your pet is sitting with you and your pals during the festivities, consider turning down the TV to a reasonable volume and asking the humans to be mindful of the noise level.

3. Dangerous doors: a rookie mistake

With guests coming and going, doors opening for deliveries and people distracted by the game, pets can make a break for it before you even realize what’s happening.

Game plan: Make sure your pet is securely contained, whether in a closed room, crate or by baby gate, when guests are arriving. 

Consider taking dogs out for a potty break before the party kicks off so they won’t be begging to go out during the game.

Finally, double-check collars and ID tags are on, and if your pet is microchipped, ensure the info is up to date. No one wants a fourth-quarter scramble to find a missing pet!

4. Making the right play for your pet
   

Not every pet wants to be part of the action, and that’s perfectly OK. 

Just like humans, some animals are social butterflies while others prefer to sit out from the action. Respect their comfort level.

Game plan: If your pet enjoys guests, allow supervised mingling. If not, let them relax in their own space. 

It goes without saying, but keep your eye on your pet during the game. Consider a mid-game huddle to make sure they’re doing OK, whether they may be hanging out (refer to #2 on our list)!

The Super Bowl may be one of the biggest days of the year for football fans, but for pets, it can feel overwhelming.

By planning in advance and keeping your pet’s comfort in mind, everyone can enjoy the big game without a trip to the emergency vet or a timeout from the celebration. 

Have fun and let us know who you’re cheering for!