Super Bowl Safety Tips for Pets

This Sunday marks Super Bowl XLIX, and while you may be excited to root for your favorite team, the funny commercials and the awesome snacks, your pets may not feel the same way! A lot of strangers to the house, commotion or yelling can be confusing and scary for your pets. An abundance of yummy snacks can cause your pet to think they are also eating the Super Bowl menu, so make sure you and your guests are aware of the different risks to feeding your pets game day food.

Here are some Super Bowl staples that can cause major health problems for your pets:

• Alcohol. Alcohol is a toxin and even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, or death in pets.
• Chips and Dip. Most dips contain onions and garlic, which destroy pets’ red blood cells and can result in anemia. Salty foods, such as potato chips, can cause excessive thirst, urination, and sodium poisoning.
• Guacamole. For dogs and cats, it’s unclear how toxic the persin found in avocados is, but it is recommended that avocados or anything made from them not be fed to your pets. The pit also causes concern for dogs, as it can lead to an intestinal obstruction or can even become lodged in their throats.
• Ice Cream. Dairy products can upset pets' digestive tracts and cause stomach distress and diarrhea.
• Nuts. Besides being a choking hazard, certain nuts like macadamias can poison your pets. As few as six can cause your pet to experience muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, fever and an elevated heart rate. Eating chocolate with nuts can intensify these symptoms.
• Chocolate. Chocolate contains dairy (see above) and a chemical called theobromine, which can be fatal to pets.
• Fat Trimmings. Fat trimmed from meats like barbecued ribs can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
• Bones. While it seems natural to give a dog a bone (or chicken wing), bones can cause obstructions in digestive tracts and also lead to choking. They can also break off and puncture the stomach lining!
• Caffeinated Beverages. Sugary sodas are a staple at any party, but not for your pets. The caffeine in soda, coffee, tea, and iced tea can be toxic to pets and lead to abnormal heart rhythms, seizure, and death.

Watch the Trash. Super Bowl parties are known to have a lot of food...and that means a lot of trash! Be sure to keep your trash secured so your dog or cat cannot eat or lick off of the disposable plates.

Shy Pets. All the football excitement can very well mean some raised voices and waved arms, not to mention strange people in the house if you’re hosting a party. If your dog or cat is fearful or shy, let them have some quiet time in a place they feel safe and secure. You may want to consider lodging your dog or cat at Morris Animal Inn for the night, just to be sure your pet is being pampered and well cared for, away from the commotion and guests.

Just like any other big gathering, it's important to keep an eye on your pets to make sure they are happy and safe. Whether you're rooting for the Patriots or the Seahawks, we hope your Super Bowl Sunday is filled with fun and delicious snacks! 

Source: Modern Dog Magazine & Dog Tipper