Have No Worries With Our Pet Party Safety Tips

From Easter all the way through Labor Day, families schedule backyard get-togethers and BBQ’s. What’s not to love? Absolutely nothing – except for the inherent dangers to your pet. It may not seem like pet party safety is a prerequisite for fun, but without extra care and vigilance at parties, your pet could find big trouble.

Screening Time

Does your pet enjoy the company of others or does he or she tend to act up when the doorbell rings over and over? A highly sociable animal can make the party even more lively, but one that’s shy, timid, or stressed may find the situation untenable.

If you’re hosting, make sure your pet has a safe place to go if/when the party gets to be “too much.” Choose a back bedroom that’s out of the way, quiet, and full of comforting items, such as his or her crate, toys, food, and water. Even a well-behaved or well-adjusted pet can become overwhelmed and cause problems for themselves or your guests.

Perfectly Natural

On the other hand, previous evidence of a “go with the flow” approach to strangers, loud noises, and surprises may lead you to include your pet in the festivities. The following pet party safety rules aim to help your pet enjoy the day:

• Access – Who can resist a front door that’s routinely flying open to reveal more happy faces? Your pet likely cannot. Make sure your pet doesn’t jump up on the door or your arriving guests or bolt through the open door. Please discourage your guests from allowing your pet outside without your permission. To be on the safe side, make sure your pet’s ID tags are securely affixed to the collar and all microchip information is updated.
• Food – Pets have a hard time ignoring the grill, buffet, or trash cans during a party. Don’t allow any table scraps, and never leave out: fatty meat, bamboo or metal skewers, plastic wrap or aluminum foil, bones, alcohol, onions, garlic, grapes/raisins, chocolate, and Xylitol. Clean up promptly after the meal, and secure any waste.
• Socialization – You may notice that your pet is uneasy, but he or she won’t go to the quiet space or doesn’t have one (as is the case when attending someone else’s party). When this happens, simply attach your pet to his or her leash, lay out a blanket at your feet or nearby, and offer lots of encouraging reassurance. Likewise, you may decide that your pet needs a break, and a nice walk around the block will help.

Pet Party Safety

Perhaps your pet just isn’t feeling up to party. Consider boarding your pet with us during the big event. We pride ourselves on taking great care of our guests so you can take care of yours.

Please let us know if you have additional questions or concerns regarding pet party safety. While we treat pet emergencies every day of the week, we sure don’t want your pet to get into a pickle during party season!