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It has become a popular trend to host a dog birthday party for the family dog. If you were thinking of throwing a party for your dog, here is a list of dog birthday party safety guidelines to ensure that all of the party animals in attendance have a fun and safe time.
This list is by no means fully comprehensive but it gives you a good starting point for your dog and his friend’s safety at the party. You should always use your best judgment to determine if something is appropriate for your dog and the other dogs in attendance at the party.
Tips For A Safe And Successful Dog Birthday Party
1. Have Someone Responsible For Each Dog
All dogs attending the party should have at least one person who the dog feels comfortable around present at the party. If an owner or guardian for the dog is not able to attend your party, the dog should not attend either. Unless you feel comfortable enough with watching the dog yourself. You do not want to be held liable if something happens to the dog, though.
2. Provide Doggie Poop Bags
In case any of the dog’s owners do not bring waste bags for their dogs, make sure to have plenty on hand. This is especially true if the party is at a park or other public facility. Be sure to leave the location in the same condition that it was in prior to the party.
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3. Be Selective As To Who Is Invited
To avoid any potential scuffles between the party animals, only invite dogs that your dog already knows and feels comfortable with. If your best friends dog is sweet, but just doesn’t get along with your dog for some reason, it may be best to leave them off of the guest list.
If you want to invite a dog who your dog has never met, set up a meeting between your dog and the other dog. This way they can become acquainted before the party. Definitely leave canine bullies off of the guest list.
4. Plan For The Weather
If you plan to have an outdoor party at a park or in your backyard, make sure that you have a contingency plan in the event of bad weather.
5. Plan For The Length Of The Party
In regards to the length of the party, you can plan the party for as long as you see fit. Just keep in mind that dogs can become restless very easy. If you notice that many of the guests are getting cranky or bored, don’t be afraid to end the party early.
6. Find A Safe Dog Friendly Location
Wherever you choose to have the party, make sure that it is safely enclosed. Check that there are no cracks that any of the party guests may be able to slip through. This is especially true for the smaller guests at the party. If your Rottweiler has started digging a whole under your fence in the backyard, make sure that the hole isn’t big enough for your friend’s Shih Tzu to crawl through. If you think that the hole may become problematic, fill the whole before you host your party.
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7. Plan For Treat Time
At treat time, make sure that every dog has his or her own treat. Also, allow each dog’s owner to give the treat to their respective dog. This will prevent any scuffles over food.
8. Make Sure No Dogs Are In Season
If you invite dogs that have not yet been spayed or neutered, make sure that any intact female dogs are not in season. Having an intact female dog in season could throw off the other dogs at the party. This could cause trouble among the group.
9. Make Sure All Treats Are Safe
Make sure to only provide treats that are deemed safe for dogs. If you are unsure about the dog toxicity of any of the treats that you want to give out at your party, consult your veterinarian. Also, it is a good idea to talk with the owners of the dog party guests beforehand to check if their dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient.
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When planning to host a dog birthday party, it is important to keep everyone’s safety as the top priority. If you have other safety tips for a dog birthday party, share them in the comments below.
