Game Day Do’s and Don’ts to Keep Your Pets Safe!

February 8, 2024

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We’re just days away from the big game! You may know which team you’re rooting for, which party you’re going to and which snacks you’re bringing, but we want to make sure you’re prepared for everything—especially your pet’s safety. That’s why our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) created this list of do’s and don’ts to keep your pets safe on game day.

Do:

Have a bowl of your pet’s regular food out, and maybe a few special treats, so that everyone can chow down this Sunday! Additionally, cleaning up your plates and other trash as you go will help keep curious noses out of potential hazardous foods.

Don’t:

Feed or let your pet get into human foods as they can all be very dangerous to pets. Be sure to check out the infographic below to know what to be wary of and keep them all out of paw’s reach!

While these few snacks are what we typically see in the lineup for the big game, there are plenty other hazardous foods on APCC’s list to look out for!

Do:

Make sure to keep your glass with you! Just as snacks are a big part of the Super Bowl, alcoholic beverages tend to be as well, and they are just as dangerous to pets. Jumping up as a player scores a touchdown is certainly cause for celebration but watch out for sneaky pets lapping up drinks or substances while your attention is elsewhere. To keep them safe, take your glass with you and put any alcoholic beverages or recreational substances somewhere your pet cannot get to.

Don’t:

Leave recreational substances or medications unattended. It’s a lot more common nowadays for pets to get into marijuana and marijuana-infused baked goods, like brownies or chocolate, during the big game. Alcohol and marijuana—especially if in chocolate—can have dangerous effects on your pet. Keep in mind, it’s not uncommon for them to find these items the following day as they may get left behind during clean-up.

If you are planning to have friends or family over, it is possible a guest may bring along medications. Our snooping furry friends may find these in a pocket or purse left unattended and consume something harmful. Ask your guests to leave their personal items in another room with a door that shuts.

Prevention can be the key when it comes to pet toxins, so this game day, be sure to be mindful of these do’s and don’ts and keep any potentially toxic items well out of paws’ reach!

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.