Sports fans everywhere are gearing up for the biggest football day of the year, Super Bowl Sunday! While this day is meant to be a celebration of fans, food, and fun for humans, many forget the dangers it may impose on our furry friends. Pets can easily get into mischief while our eyes are glued on the tv screen. Check out these tips from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to help keep your animals safe this Super Bowl Sunday!

Alcohol: For most people, adult beverages are an important part of any sporting event. Glasses are often left unattended between trips to the snack table or get lost during the chaos of the game, making them prime prey for a curious pet. “Drunk dog” cases are a big concern, as ingestion of alcohol can cause depression and aspiration if the dog vomits. Be sure to keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach of your furry friends to avoid a trip to the vet this Super Bowl Sunday.

Cannabis: Like alcohol, cannabis is a common attendee of sports celebrations. Curious pets can sniff out marijuana or marijuana bakes goods and consume them. It is also not uncommon for exposure to happen the day after a big game, as many partygoers leave things behind. Signs that an animal has been exposed to marijuana generally include depression, ataxia, mydriasis, bradycardia, hypothermia, and urinary incontinence. If you feel your pet has been exposed, contact your local vet immediately. For more information, visit the ASPCA Pro website.

Garlic and Onion: Consumption of these foods in any form can be very dangerous for our four-legged friends. According to the ASPCA, they can cause Heinz body anemia and secondary renal injury if enough is ingested. Cats and some dogs are also at risk for allium toxicosis. Keep all foods containing garlic and onion high up and out of reach of all pets to avoid this.

Rich Food: Spicy chicken wings, creamy dips, pizza, chips, and desserts are all staple foods for a successful Super Bowl party. However, many of these foods contain ingredients that can cause potential pancreatitis, which can be deadly to your pet. Have a designated food area that is not accessible to your animals to avoid a game day disaster.

Humane Medications: It is not uncommon for Super Bowl partygoers to bring medications to a gathering. According to the APCC, many pets consume medications by grabbing them out of a purse, pocket, or after they were dropped on the floor. For a list of human medications that can harm pets, visit the ASPCA Pro website. 

For more information on how to keep your animals safe this Super Bowl Sunday, visit the ASPCA Pro website or call the APCC at 888-426-4435.