Between rowdy crowds and busy pubs, it’s easy to get swept up in the football fun and lose sight of our furry friends. Here are sure4pets’ most practical safety tips for keeping your pup calm during the football madness!
As the FIFA World Cup captures the attention of Barnsley and South Yorkshire, football fans gather with friends and family across the region and the rest of the UK to watch the action unfold. Although we, as fans, may love to relish in the intensity of a match, the same can’t be said about our furry friends.
But it’s not just the football. Summer brings a packed sporting calendar in the UK. From the Wimbledon Championships to the Commonwealth Games to even Formula One, there is plenty to get stuck into this season; we just need to ensure our furry friends are as comfortable as we are.
To help you and your pups get through the sporting season, here’s everything you need to know before you watch the next big game.
Why large sporting events can stress out your pets
Large sporting events like the World Cup bring about a change in routine. From humans staying up until late to unfamiliar faces appearing at the home, these changes can stress out your pet. After all, why are we all up at 3am and who’s that sat on the sofa!? While some dogs love to be a part of the action, many become stressed and will want to shy away from the ruckus.
Whether you have a sociable dog or a timid, smaller pet, knowing how your pets react to busy environments will make a huge difference in how you should proceed. Here’s how to deal with and avoid stress in your furry friends:
Tips for a calm and enjoyable football experience
Create a safe space
If a load of random people showed up to your place unannounced late on a Wednesday, you might want somewhere to hide out, right? Your furry friends will feel the same way. Why not create a hidey hole or quiet room for your pet to retreat to if they don’t feel like joining in on the football fun?
You can fill it with their favourite blankets and toys or even use a calming supplement if they are especially anxious.
Keep food and drink out of reach
During the World Cup, we love ordering food or putting together a big spread to celebrate. Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones who get excited about it – our furry friends might be eyeing up that spread too!
Remember to keep food and drink out of reach of pets, big and small. You might be tempted to give them a small chunk of meat, but don’t let those puppy dog eyes fool you. High-fat foods overwork the pancreas, which can trigger painful inflammation or, worse, pancreatitis. Why not give your pup some beef chunks to tide them over whilst you dig right in?
Stay cool
Football match happening during warm weather? Sounds like the perfect time to nip down to the local pub. If you’re bringing your furry friend along, why not bring a collapsible water bowl or use a cooling coat to keep their temperature regulated?
Exercise before kick-off
A tired dog is a much calmer dog. Take your dog for their walk just before kick-off so they can relax during the match. Not only is this convenient for you to watch without needing to get up, but you can also avoid rowdy crowds. On top of this, burning off excess energy can also reduce anxiety.
Stay calm yourself
Dogs can pick up on human energy, so if you become tense, stressed, or shout during a match, they may feel unsettled too. This will depend on your dog’s personality, as more excitable dogs may simply want to join in!
Final whistle
Football season – and sporting season in general – doesn’t have to be stressful for your pets. By creating a calm, safe environment and being mindful of their needs, you can enjoy every match knowing your pet is comfortable too.
