It’s almost time for Super Bowl Sunday! If you’re like millions of other people in the country, there’s a good chance you’re preparing and planning for the game. It’s the time of the year where many of us have game viewing parties and other events at home. Or, if your city is hosting the game, it can mean lots of noise, traffic, fireworks and other action.
For pets, it can be a very fun — or scary — time with all the hustle, bustle and commotion. Here is how to ensure your pet is comfortable and ready for all the fun that Super Bowl Sunday brings.
- Consider your pet. A shy dog, cat or other animal may range from uncomfortable to outright terrified from an active, noisy or high traffic environment. Other pets love the action and want to be in the center. Consider your pet’s unique and special personality, needs, and temperament as you plan your Super Bowl celebration. If it’s more than happy to be right in the mix, by all means include your pet in the fun! If he or she is on the shy side, scares easily, etc., designate a quiet, safe and familiar room (such as your bedroom) with a little food, water, litter or other needs. Check on your pet a few times throughout the day to give some socialization and comfort, as well as ensure it has everything it needs.
- Include food, water and potty breaks. Whether your pet likes to be in the center of the party or in a quiet, safe place, don’t forget to check its food, water and take it on a few potty breaks. For timid or shy pets that need to use outdoor areas, put leads and collars on them before walking them through the house and outside to ensure their safety.
- Watch weather. Dogs, cats and other animals are not equipped to endure cold temperatures, so be sure to be careful with putting them outdoors or exposing them to drafty areas if they’re in enclosures, tanks or other environments. Move animals in habitats away from doors, windows, or other areas that may experience drafts or other cold temperatures during your party or event. Never put dogs or cats outdoors for the length of the party — a basement, bedroom or other area is a safer place to help prevent injury or other issues due to cold weather.
- Let guests know you have a pet. Let guests know you have a pet in the house so that they are aware to keep doors and windows closed, and are overall careful of your pet’s presence. Your home is your pet’s home, as much as it is your own, so encourage the same consideration and respect for your pet through sharing that you have a pet and what is needed to ensure it’s comfort, safety and care. While it can be tempting to ‘show’ your pet to little ones attending your event, it can be scary and unfamiliar for a shy animal. Better to let kids know you pet is having rest time or needs to be away from the crowd instead.
- Be careful of food items. Not all food items are safe for animals! Be careful with scraps, leftovers, unattended food items and guests giving your pet “people food” during your party or event. A good way to help your pet avoid temptation is to feed it before the event, and if it is hungry during, to take it to a separate or quiet space to eat while the party is underway.
- Avoid long periods outdoors. Super Bowl Sunday can mean increased activity in any city, particularly the city that is hosting the event. It can mean loud noises, crowds, fireworks and other commotion that can startle or scare even the most comfortable animal. Avoid leaving your pet outdoors in back yards, runs, or other areas, during the entire game. Many pets get scared and run, get lost, or harmed, during these types of festivities. Better to leave them indoors instead.
Most of all, have patience, understanding and consideration for your animal! It may very much love to b some part — or no part — of the party, so don’t rule out letting it participate or hide away in a quiet place. This can ensure its safety and care, and everyone can have a much better time during whatever celebration you might be having on Super Bowl game day.
