Dog party safety

When you`re planning a dog party, safety might not be at the top of your `To Do` list, but it IS important

When you get a lot of puppies/dogs/people together there`s always the potential for accidents and squabbles and you don`t want your pup`s party to be spoiled by someone getting hurt, over-excited, or sick!

But if you follow the tips below you`ll have taken an important step towards making sure everyone (fur-children and humans) has a great time at your dog`s party and stays safe.

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Safety Tips For Dog Parties

Luckily, most of the potential safety issues that might come up can be avoided with just a little bit of planning and preparation.

Here are some of the things you need to check out, or be aware of.....

Weather-related Safety

If your party is being held outside and the weather is even alittle bit warm, make sure there`s plenty of shade and lots of fresh,cool drinking water for your guests.

Dogs can get overheated really fast, especially the short-nosed breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs, and thick coated breeds like herding dog.

It`s not much fun partyingin the rain or cold either, although unless it`s absolutely freezing it doesn`t pose much risk to the dogs (ice/snow and ice-melt or salt can damage sensitive paws) - but the humans will get pretty miserable!

If your dog party is being held in winter, spring or fall when cold or wetweather is a possibility (or probability) it makes sense to be sure there`s an alternative, indoor venue in case ofreally nasty weather.

Friend or Foe? Dog-to-Dog Interaction

When making the guest list for your dog party it`s best to choose pupsthat are already familiar and friendly with your pet.

There`s far less likelihood of trouble brewing if there aren`t any `unknown quantities` suchas unfamiliar dogs that could be potentially dominant or possessive.

But remember, it`s not just the newcomers who might over-react. If your dog isn`t used to having unfamiliar dogs in his home/yard or more than a couple of friends over at a time, then he could get territorial or over-excited.

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If you want to choose a `neutral` venue for your party (such as a dog-less relative or friend`s home) that can help in this type of situation.

Freedom Reigns (or the leash-free party)

Providing of course that you`re in a private, fenced area like your back yard, it`s best to keep all dogs unleashed. If some of the party-goers arerunning free while others are tethered to their parents it could lead totrouble.

A pup that is restricted by his leash can feelintimidated or threatened by one that is running free, and may reactdefensively or aggressively.

This is not the way to encourage everyone to have fun, and can be dangerous.

The Land of Plenty

To keep everyone safe and squabble free (as much as possible) you need to make sure that there are plenty of `resources` for everyone. That way no-one should be vying for attention or the limited treats.

This especially applies to things like food, treats, toys, water bowls.

Avoiding Tummy Upsets

A party isn`t any fun without cake and other yummy treats, but too much of a good thing isn`t good for anyone - and that included puppies and dogs.

Video: "Dog Party" Pergo Commercial

So, any treats that you`re using for prizes should be small, preferably bite-sized and not too exotic in terms of ingredients. 

The small size helps prevent the greedy puppy who`s guzzled his snack already, from trying tosteal someone elses. Guarding and protecting food is something youdon`t want to see at your party.

Don`t feed your canine guests human party treats, cakes or snacks, at the very best these are going to cause loose stools, at worst you could poison a party-goer (check out this page for info. on foods/products that are poisonous to your dog).

Health Concerns

Working to keep everyone healthy is a big part of your dog party safety preparation. Paying attention to food and treats as discussed above is part of this, but there are other aspects as well.

Dog diseases and illnesses are often very contagious and parasitic conditions also spread from dog to dog really easily.

To protect all the party animals, make sure all dogs attending are up to date on their vaccinations and parasite control (both internal and external), of course this applies to the birthday boy himself too!

Be on top of the `pooper scooping` and make sure every owner cleans up after their dog right away. Hand out poop-bags/scoopers at the door and keep a supply somewhere central for the pup who has to `go` more often.

Keep Trash Picked Up

Puppies will eat anything they find, and whether or not it`s digestible isn`t on their list of concerns.

Keep party decorations, wrapping paper, food wrappers, paper plates, plastic utensils, balloons and so on up out of reach and regularly do a `sweep` of the party area to pick up stray bits and pieces.

Dog Party Safety - Dog Fights

One of most people`s biggest dog party safety concerns is that the pupswill get into a fight, but if you follow the guidelines above thechances of this happening are slim.

If a little squabbling begins it`s often better to let the pups sort it out themselves if possible.

bit of growling, snapping or posturing is not usually a big deal andthe 4-legged party guests will soon sort out the `pecking order`.

It`snot a bad idea to have a garden hose connected to an outside tap justin case though. If a couple of the guests get too rowdy or a minor scraplooks like turning serious, a quick soaking with a strong jet of waterwill put a damper on things.

If you have a lot of big, strong dogs there make sure you also have some big, strong humans to pitch in!

As soon as the trouble-makers haveseparated, leash each one and keep them away from each other for a shortwhile. Re-direct their attention and remove any object that they mayhave been fighting over and the excitement should soon disappear.

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