Watching a basketball game on TV at home with friends and family can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a stressful time for your pet. The loud noises, shouts, and excitement can be overwhelming for some dogs, and it’s important to take steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some tips on how to keep your dog calm and safe during a basketball watch party.
Create a Safe Space
First, it’s important to create a safe and calming space for your dog. This can be a quiet room where your dog can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. Make sure the room has comfortable blankets and a bowl of water. If your dog is crate trained, you can also use their crate as a safe space. Make sure the crate is in a quiet area away from the noise of the television.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
One of the best ways to keep your dog calm while you host guests is to make sure they have plenty of exercise beforehand. Take your dog for a long walk or run before your guests arrive. This will help your dog burn off energy and reduce their stress levels. If your dog is well-exercised, they will be more likely to relax and settle down during the game.
Use a Calming Aid
If your dog is particularly nervous, you may want to consider using a calming aid. There are a variety of natural supplements and products on the market that can help reduce stress in dogs. One of the most popular options is full-spectrum CBD oil for pets.
Provide Mental Stimulation
During the big game, it’s important to provide your dog with mental stimulation and distractions to keep them occupied. This can include puzzles and treat-filled toys. You can also provide your dog with a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter, CBD chews, or other tasty treats. This will give your dog something to focus on and keep them from becoming overly worked up.
Limit Access to Food and Alcohol
During any sports game, it’s easy for fatty food and alcohol to be spilled on the floor. This can be dangerous for your dog, as they may try to eat or drink something that is harmful to them. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to limit your dog’s access to the area where food and drinks are being served. You can also place consumables on a high table or countertop that your dog can’t reach.
Manage Noise Levels
Basketball fans can be loud and noisy when cheering on their favorite team, which can be stressful for dogs. To help your dog feel more comfortable, try to manage the noise levels in your home and ask guests to control their excitement (or frustration) when possible. If your pet is in another room, you can also use white noise machines or soothing music to help drown out the noise of the game.
Watch for Signs of Stress
While you’re watching the game, keep an eye on your pet for signs of stress. These can include panting, pacing, shaking, or hiding. If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to their safe space and give them some time to calm down. This is also a good time to administer more CBD.
Keep Your Dog Secure Indoors
It’s important to keep doors closed during a basketball game to prevent your dog from escaping. With so many people coming and going, it’s easy for your dog to slip out the door unnoticed. Make sure your pup is in a secure location, especially if guests are drinking. And if you’re concerned about your dog escaping, you can also use a baby gate or playpen to create a barrier.
Educate Guests
Lastly, it’s important to educate your guests about your dog’s needs and behavior. Let them know that your dog may need some space or quiet time during the game, and ask them to be respectful of your dog’s boundaries. You can also provide your guests with some treats or toys to give to your dog, so they can help keep your furry friend entertained during the game.