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Get-togethers with family and friends tend to increase as the snow (finally!) melts and the temperatures rise. Although our family pets often like to join in the revelry, it’s important to keep pet party safety in mind as spring and summer “party seasons” get underway.
The Buffet
It’s hard to resist a set of puppy dog eyes, but for your pet’s safety make sure guests don’t offer table scraps to him or her. Many popular party edibles can be poisonous to pets, including:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (a common sugar substitute)
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Fruit with pits
Choking or intestinal obstruction are serious concerns when it comes to pets and food. Chicken bones, ribs, steak bones, corn cobs, kabob skewers, even aluminum foil with food residue on it can be consumed by pets, resulting in serious injury. Rich, fatty foods can also lead to a dangerous inflammatory condition in pets known as pancreatitis, and should be avoided at all costs.
To prevent a potential pet emergency, throw trash away immediately and keep trash bins securely covered. The same goes for compost piles, as they may contain toxic items like coffee grounds or onion peels.
Pet Party Safety Tips
Nothing puts a damper on festivities like a sick or injured pet. Keep your sweet furball safe by making sure you or another family member is supervising him or her throughout the event. Other things to look out for during a party include:
- Making sure doors and gates are securely closed to prevent accidental escapes.
- Watching your pets around a grill, which is not only hot but may contain tempting items, such as bits of meat or kabob skewers.
- Always bringing a leash if you are attending a party with your pet, just in case.
- Regardless of how much we plan and prepare, accidents do happen and pets can sometimes escape in the commotion of guests coming and going. Making sure your pet is wearing his or her collar with current ID tags, and having him or her microchipped if you haven’t already done so, can help prevent a missing pet tragedy.
Pets Gone Wild
Sometimes the best place for a pet during a party is anywhere but the actual party. If your pet is anxious or aggressive, or if you know you will not be able to supervise him or her, you will need to have a backup plan, such as:
- Set up a separate space for your pet, in an office or spare bedroom, where he or she can relax away from the crowd. Supply his or her bedding, water, toys, and other comforts of home.
- For pets with noise anxiety or incomplete socialization, consider having him or her spend the party day at a boarding facility or doggie daycare for optimal comfort and safety.
If you have any questions or concerns about pet party safety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your team at True Care Veterinary Hospital. We hope you and your pet have a safe and fun spring!