Football season is officially here, which means tailgating! Since our dogs are social animals, this is a great way to get them out to enjoy some fun with their humans and pawls on game day.
But before you load up Fido for a day of cheering, grilling and play, read these tips.
- Most stadiums, college or NFL, are not dog friendly, so call ahead to make sure you can bring your dog.
- Ask yourself if your dog can handle all the excitement that comes with tailgating. Is he social? Does he respond well to strangers? Is he good with kids? Be honest with your answers. Your dog may be comfortable during your backyard BBQs, but that does not mean he’ll love tailgating. A stressed-out dog is an unhappy dog.
- Give your dog adequate exercise before you go. A tired dog is a good dog.
- Who’s going to watch your dog while you’re in the stadium watching the game? It’s illegal in most states to leave your dog in the car, regardless of the weather, or location. Make sure you have at least one person who is going to stay in the car during the game, and who is comfortable and happy to watch your dog, too.
- Check the weather. Very rarely is the weather going to be ideal for your dog. It may either be too hot or too cold, so please take into consideration how your dog does in extreme weather situations and prepare accordingly.
- Keep your dog on a leash – even if he has great recall. Between all the tempting smells and possibilities for ear scratches and belly rubs, even the best-behaved dogs will have a hard time resisting temptation. It’s best to keep your dog where you can see him – at all times.
- No human food for the pooch, sorry. Especially bones. If you have fresh veggies or fruits, you can give some of these to your dog, but it’s best to have dog treats handy. Also, bring along his own food.
- Just like at home, make sure you have fresh water for your dog and that it’s in a spot where it is easily accessible and won’t get knocked over by excited fans.
- Your dog will need a spot to call his own when he gets overwhelmed or just wants to take a break from being the life of the party. Bring his bed or crate and set it up in a quiet and cool spot.
- It may be the last tip, but it is certainly one of the most important ones: Do not forget your poop bags. Nothing will ruin your afternoon faster than stepping in dog feces, and no football fan wants to deal with the smell, either.
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