As football fans from across the country gear up for Super Bowl Sunday, you might find yourself getting swept up in the hype. We get it! The NFL championship game is a big deal, and it’s fun to get together with loved ones to mark the occasion. While you’re planning your football-themed menu and decor, we encourage you to consider inviting furry friends, too. At the very least, make sure your own dog is well prepared for a fun day, too.
2023 pet trends revealed that more and more owners treat their dogs like their children, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a rise in dog-friendly Super Bowl parties this year. That’s why we’ve compiled six important ways anyone can accommodate pets at their Super Bowl party — from finding the right snacks to finding the right space.
Don’t forget to provide snacks for dogs, as well as people
There are two key components to a successful Super Bowl party — watching the game and enjoying the food — so once you’ve got your location decided, make sure to plan a menu that accommodates everyone you’ve invited. That means feeding the dogs, too!
Most owners will have their own plan for feeding their pup dinner, but when it comes to snacks, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. When in doubt, ask ahead about your canine guests’ preferences and restrictions. That way, other pet parents can bring food for their pups — and no one is excluded.
A classic homemade dog biscuit is always a safe snack to have on hand, and they last for a long time as leftovers, too. Since most recipes will have you making and baking dough, you can use a football-shaped cookie cutter or silicone mold to add to the day’s festivities!
Make room for some games — and some zoomies — while you watch the big game
Even though you and your human guests will be gathered around the television, your dogs will probably be busy playing. That means you’ll want to provide a safe space for them to run and romp — whether it’s your backyard or another room. If you’re in a tight spot, you can always rearrange the furniture to give them more space.
If resource guarding isn’t an issue among the group of dogs at the party, they might enjoy a few new toys to entertain themselves with while you’re preoccupied with the game. Bonus points if the toys are football themed, of course!
The Super Bowl can be exciting, so be mindful of the volume when furry friends are around
You might love to blast the TV during sports games, but a dog-friendly Super Bowl party can’t be super loud. According to Hearing Sense, this is because “dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans, hearing sounds four times further away than we can.” If a group of people cheering at a game sounds loud to you; just imagine what your pup is hearing.
That’s not to say that you have to be quiet during your Super Bowl party, of course. You can offer the dogs a spot further away from the TV, or find an outdoor spot to watch the game. Get creative with it.
Keep everyone — human and canine — hydrated for a safe and fun day of celebration
You’ve likely heard the lecture in your high school health class (and then learned the lesson a few years later), but drinking water can make partying a lot more fun. Not only will it keep your adult guests hydrated if they decide to drink alcohol, but it will also keep your canine guests from getting too tired or dehydrated.
Even though February isn’t one of the hottest months of the year, playtime can take its toll on any pup! Make sure to have water bowls available in every room where dogs are allowed, so they don’t have to go far for a sip.
Keep Fido out of the kitchen while preparing Super Bowl snacks
Kitchen safety isn’t just for chefs. A food-motivated dog might choose your party as the best time to test their limits, especially with delicious people food lying around. Even if they’re not trying to steal a snack, having a dog underfoot can be dangerous for everyone. To avoid any accidents, you’ll want to consider keeping pups out of the kitchen while you’re cooking. Make sure to keep food on tables and counters that are too high for your four-legged guests to reach, or better yet — keep snacks supervised!
If you decide to barbecue for your Super Bowl party, be aware: Some dogs want to lick the grill. The meat smells just as good to them as it does to you! Of course, this isn’t safe for them to do while the grill is on (or ever, really), so don’t leave your barbecue unsupervised, either. This is another time when having a separate space for the pups will come in handy.
Have a plan B to keep your dog separated from the party if a guest is afraid or allergic
Your pup might be your entire world, but there are people out there who can’t be around dogs. It happens! If one of these people happens to be coming to your dog-friendly Super Bowl party, though, you’ll want to make a plan that leaves everyone feeling comfortable. First, let your guests know that dogs will be in attendance, too. This gives everyone a chance to speak up if there’s an allergy or concern.
Investing in a pet gate or two to separate the dogs from the rest of the party might be a good idea. If only one dog is present, a leash or tether might be enough to do the trick. With a little bit of collaboration, it will be an easy fix.
We hope you’re feeling a little more prepared to host your dog-friendly Super Bowl party. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping everyone in attendance hydrated, fed, and entertained. All that’s left is to wait for the game itself (oh, and the commercials)!
