How to Keep a Dog Safe During a Party

Who doesn't love a good party? And that includes pooches. However, a celebration for humans may not always be the best atmosphere for the four-legged. If your pet’s presence at the party is unavoidable—there are ways to ensure he stays out of harm’s way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Throw away plates with leftover cake. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and sugar is no bargain either.

2. 

   Make sure the revelers are not sharing their food with your dog. Many people, especially non-dog owners look at it as a way of bonding and don’t realize that 7-layer dip doesn’t always agree with dogs.

3. 

   Keep alcohol away from your dog, because like chocolate, it can be toxic. Beer is not meant for dogs either (contrary to what the commercials had us believe). Spuds MacKenzie was about the "broads"...not the booze.

4. Keep your dog away from smoke of any variety. And to anyone who says, “but he likes it” (that wacky tobacky), tell them it looks like they've already exceeded their limit and it's clouding their perception of reality. Or if you’d rather not make waves and remain the polite host—just say, “Don’t give the dog anything, he could be a narc.”

5. 

   Make sure your dog has a separate room to stay in or is sectioned off from the crowd. If you want her to come out for a meet and greet, do it in spurts. A bunch of new people at once can be overwhelming and get a dog riled up.

Tips & Warnings

• It might be a good idea to ask guests you trust to take turns as the designated dog watcher.
• Check to make sure that there are no guests who are allergic to or afraid of dogs. Not checking could lead to bigger problems.