Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Dog parents should be binge-watching Puppy Bowl on Hulu

If you’re a dog parent, you probably have fond memories of when your furry family member was just a puppy. If you’re missing that sweet, cuddly phase (but not all the work that goes into it), you should binge-watch Puppy Bowl on Hulu. Watching this six-episode series is a fantastic way to spend the day for anyone who loves their dog.

Hulu is an American streaming service owned by the Walt Disney Company offering on-demand viewing of movies and television shows. Plans range from $5.99 to $64.99 per month, depending on the access you choose. The basic subscription service includes access to shows and movies with limited advertising; Hulu + Live TV lets you stream 65 live and on-demand television channels.

About Puppy Bowl

You’ve probably heard about the annual Puppy Bowl, a darling alternative to football that airs on the Animal Planet channel during American football’s biggest game of the year. Teams of adoptable puppies square off in a pet-sized stadium in an effort to win the “Lumbarky” Super Bowl trophy, sponsored by Chewy.com . There’s even a kitten halftime show.

The first Puppy Bowl debuted in 2005 and has aired every year since. Contestants, all from shelters across the country, “score” by dragging a toy over the goal line. The actual “game day” is shot in October over two days with as many as 21 cameras on the “field.” More than 500 shelter animals have found homes thanks to this event.

Why you should watch

Season 14 (six episodes) is a matchup between Team Ruff and Team Fluff, beginning with an introduction to the contestants and ending with the main event, Puppy Bowl XIV. Episodes include “Cute as Fluff,” “Countdown to Puppy Bowl,” “The Dog Bowl,” “Training Camp Confidential,” “Pre-Game Show,” and “Puppy Bowl XIV.”

On game day, you’ll meet Shirley, the rescue sloth/referee, who takes her time with the coin toss, and Jokgu the chicken, a season 12 America’s Got Talent contestant, who plays the national anthem on the piano. You’ll enjoy watching the gerbil mascots and rabbit cheerleaders, as well as the baby ducks and pigs that stop by for comic relief. By the end of the game, the field is strewn with dog toys and some of the contestants are taking a nap.

In addition to a whole lot of puppy dog cuteness, the series features behind-the-scenes stories leading up to game day. You’ll meet Kohl, a black Lab rescue who tries out for the college football team as a kickoff tee retriever. The “Countdown to Puppy Bowl” episode looks back at some of the Puppy Bowl’s best plays. And the “Training Camp Confidential” episode provides an in-depth look at each contestant and what it takes to be on the team.

The Puppy Bowl usually airs about four hours before February’s big football game. For those football fans in the crowd who are too busy with pregame preparations to watch puppies play, binge-watching this series now is the perfect solution. Fair warning: These puppies are C-U-T-E, and you’ll become extremely envious of the human referee who frequently finds himself in the middle of a puppy pileup. No matter whether you’re Team Fluff or Team Ruff, you won’t be disappointed with the game’s outcome. You may, however, feel a bit deprived when the season ends. Console yourself with a walk around the block with your own pet champion and take heart. Next year’s Puppy Bowl will be here before you know it.

Editors' Recommendations

Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
How much should newborn puppies eat? Follow this newborn puppy feeding chart
Here's what you need to know about feeding newborn puppies, including a puppy feeding chart to make it easy
Bottle feeding a newborn puppy

Whenever possible, newborn puppies should eat their mother's nutrient-rich milk, which helps protect them from illness while their immune systems develop. It's the perfect food for them! However, it's not always possible for a mama dog to feed her litter all by herself.

Perhaps Mom doesn't produce enough milk, the milk is infected, or the puppies have unfortunately become orphaned. In these scenarios, pet parents have to step in to help feed the babies around the clock. To ensure your pups are getting adequate nutrition, it's important to follow a puppy feeding chart or guide from a trusted veterinary resource.

Read more
4 reasons why your dog might need a diaper (and which kind you should get)
When considering dog diapers, you need to think first about their purpose
Dog gets a green reusable diaper

Most dog owners luckily never need to reach for the diaper bag — we potty train our puppies and often enjoy the results for their whole lives. However, there are a few reasons why you might need to invest in dog diapers. Some of these are passing conditions, but as your pet ages, you may find that dog diapers become a part of your routine. It sounds a bit unpleasant, but with a little help, you can tackle it.
Why might my pet need them?
While most dogs will hopefully never have to wear any, they could wind up in doggie depends, temporarily or for life. Some pet parents use diapers when they know they won't be able to let their animal out to potty -- on a long plane ride for example. That's a good time for a one-off. Here are a few reasons you might need to stock your drawers with dog diapers.
They've gotten older
As pets age, sometimes incontinence sets in (and it could happen to you, too). This comes from the muscles of the bladder getting weaker and not performing as well, meaning a little bit of pee leaks through. It's much more common in female dogs, but can happen to any pooch.
She's in heat
Not totally unlike when a human has monthly bleeding, you might spot a bit of bloody discharge from a female dog in heat (fortunately, it doesn't happen as often, only a couple times per year). She also may urinate more frequently or even scent mark during this time.
He needs to be fixed
Before neutering, male dogs often mark, sometimes almost constantly, particularly if they can smell a female dog in heat nearby. If you're choosing not to neuter, you'll have to use a belly band a lot, though sometimes dogs can be trained out of this behavior with time and dedication.
They have a health condition
If your animal suddenly starts losing control of their wee, it's likely something simple, such as a urinary tract infection. Some long-term conditions like Cushing's disease, diabetes, and kidney problems could also be the issue. Work with your pet care team to ensure that a diaper won't interfere with topical medication or spread bacteria.

What kind of diaper should I get?
There are a few different kinds out there, depending on exactly what issue you're working on with your pet. Many male dogs, especially if they are really just scent marking, will require a

Read more
Homemade dog food: Should you do it?
Homemade dog food: Yay or nay? Vets weigh in and you might be surprised what they said
Large white Labrador eating out of a metal bowl

You’ve probably heard guidance to eat home-cooked meals — for humans. They generally have less salt, and you know the ingredients in each. You’ve probably also heard of cutting down on processed food.

As dog people, we love our furry friends and want what’s best for them. Some foods, like blueberries and bananas, are safe to feed in moderation. However, should you be home cooking your dog’s food? After all, nothing appears more processed than a tiny piece of kibble that’s apparently processed — gasp! — with all the nutrition your pet needs.

Read more