Whether it's a big game or a big milestone, you may be looking for pet-safe options for your party. No matter the occasion, if you’ll be hosting a lot of guests 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 party. By keeping these tips in mind, 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 party, there are definitely going to be snacks involved. Although munching on finger foods and other goodies is fun for humans, it can be dangerous for pets, especially if they happen to eat something toxic to them.

Some common party snacks that are unsafe for your pet are listed below. Remember, you may not always see these names on the menu. Many foods and drinks may not be immediately obvious as toxic to your pet. So, it’s a good idea to ask the host or read the ingredients list before ever sharing a bite. 

Foods that are toxic to pets

Chicken Wings 

This snack is a major party foul for pets. Contrary to popular belief whether raw or cooked, your dog can’t eat chicken bones. The sharp bones can fracture teeth, pose a choking risk, and puncture the mouth, esophagus, or stomach. Once ingested, they can also cause intestinal blockages. Raw wings carry an added risk: exposure to salmonella.

Onions 

Dogs should not be allowed to eat onions that are cooked, raw, or even powdered, and you should refrain from giving your dog any foods seasoned with onion salt

Dips

Dips often hide ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. When in doubt, leave them off your pup’s plate.

Grapes & Raisins

All types and colors of grapes and raisins (dried grapes) are toxic to dogs. This fruit can quickly lead to kidney failure and even death if they are ingested by dogs in any quantity.

Xylitol

This sugar-free sweetener is one of the deadliest human foods for dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Xylitol is most commonly found in gum, although it can be found in a variety of other sugar free food items too.

Caffeine

Caffeine is found in more than just coffee. Sodas, chocolates, energy drinks all contain caffeine that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, rapid heart rate or uneven heart rate, seizures, and death in dogs

Toothpicks & Skewers 

Party foods, drinks and hors d'oeuvres usually come with small cocktail forks, toothpicks or skewers. All of these can cause damage to your pet if they are ingested and should be avoided around your paw-ty animal.

To keep your pet safe during the party, 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 distracted to remember, consider offering drinks in cups with lids that can protect your pet from access to alcohol instead.

Provide pet-safe areas

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 before guests arrive

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 your party

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 emergency animal hospital is open 24/7, holidays too

As you can see, it isn’t too difficult to put together a pet-friendly 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 party possible, call VEG and speak to any one of our emergency vets. Ever VEG pet hospital 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.