Game Day Party With Your Dog: Food Safety, Calm Spaces and Fun Ideas for Football Season
Game Day Party With Your Dog: Food Safety, Calm Spaces and Fun Ideas for Football Season
Game day is one of the biggest food days of the winter. Wings, ribs, nachos, dips and chips cover every surface, the room is full of friends and the cheering can get very loud. For a dog, it is exciting, tempting and sometimes overwhelming. Vets often see dogs who ate chicken bones, guacamole or a dropped beer on and after big game days.
This guide helps dog moms and dads host or attend a game day party with their dog, with a simple plan for food safety, calm spaces, guest rules and fun ways to include your dog. It works for championship weekends, playoff games and every football Sunday in between.
With a little planning, your dog can enjoy the party too, whether that means wearing team colors and greeting guests or snoozing happily in a quiet room with a chew. Let us get your game plan ready.
Why is game day risky for dogs?
So much food within reach. Game day spreads are often set out on coffee tables, low counters and laps, right at dog height. Guests eat while distracted by the game and plates get left on the couch or floor. It only takes a second for a dog to grab a wing or lick a plate of dip.
Crowds and noise. Parties mean many people, loud cheering, sudden shouts and doors opening and closing. Some dogs love it. Others find it stressful, especially shy dogs, puppies, seniors and dogs who are not used to visitors. Our guide on holiday guests and your dog covers how to read your dog's comfort level.
Busy hosts. When you are refilling drinks, greeting friends and watching the score, it is easy to lose track of your dog. That is when trash raids and escapes happen. A simple plan before guests arrive makes a big difference.
Cold weather extras. Winter parties may include antifreeze dripped from cars in the driveway, ice melt on paths and guests' coats and bags full of tempting items. Our winter toxins for dogs guide lists what to watch for.
Which game day foods are dangerous for dogs?
Bones. Cooked chicken wing bones, rib bones and other cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, mouth injuries, blockages or tears in the gut. Keep bone bowls and plates out of reach and use a lidded trash can. If your dog swallows bones, call your vet for advice.
Onions, garlic and chives. These are toxic to dogs and are found in many dips, salsas, chili, pizza, seasonings and onion rings. Even onion powder can be harmful. They can damage red blood cells, and signs may not appear for a few days.
Guacamole and avocado. Avocado contains persin, which can upset some dogs' stomachs, and the pit is a serious choking and blockage hazard. Guacamole also usually contains onion and garlic. Keep the bowl well out of reach.
Grapes, raisins, chocolate and xylitol. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Chocolate desserts and brownies contain theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Xylitol, a sweetener in some gum, candy, baked goods and peanut butter, can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage. Our guide on what to do if your dog ate chocolate explains the signs.
What else should I keep away from my dog?
Alcohol. Beer, cocktails and spiked drinks are very dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Dogs may lick spilled drinks or knock over cups left on low tables. Alcohol can cause vomiting, wobbliness, low blood sugar, breathing problems and coma. Pick up cups and clean spills quickly.
Fatty and salty foods. Wings, ribs, pulled pork, sausages, cheese dips, chips and pizza are rich, fatty and salty. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Our dog upset stomach guide explains the signs.
Skewers, toothpicks and corn cobs. Wooden skewers from kebabs, toothpicks in appetizers and corn cobs can cause choking, blockages or punctures in the gut. Count skewers as you clear plates and throw them out right away.
Spicy and seasoned foods. Hot wings, jalapeños and spicy dips can upset a dog's stomach and may contain onion or garlic. Even if a food is not toxic, spicy food can cause pain, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.
How do I prepare my dog before the party?
Give your dog a good walk. A long walk, a sniffy outing or a game of fetch before guests arrive helps your dog burn energy and settle. A tired dog is much more likely to nap than to beg or steal food. Our indoor exercise guide has ideas for cold days.
Feed your dog before kickoff. A dog who has just eaten is less likely to beg or go looking for snacks. Feed their usual meal before the party starts, at the normal time if you can.
Check their ID. Make sure your dog wears a collar with up to date ID tags and that their microchip details are current. Doors open often during parties, and escapes happen. Our guide on dog microchips and ID tags explains what to check.
Set up the space. Before guests arrive, prepare your dog's quiet room, put food on high surfaces, set out lidded trash cans and gate off the kitchen if needed. Doing this early means you are not scrambling once the doorbell starts ringing.
How do I set up a quiet space for my dog?
Pick a calm room. Choose a room away from the TV and the kitchen, such as a bedroom or home office. Put your dog's bed, a soft blanket, water and a favorite toy or two inside. Close the curtains to block out lights and movement.
Add comfort and sound. Play soft music, white noise or a fan to muffle cheering and doorbells. A long lasting chew or a stuffed food toy gives your dog something calm to do. Our guide on brain games for dogs has ideas for food toys.
Practice ahead. Spend a few days before the party making the room a happy place. Give your dog meals or special treats there and spend time relaxing with them inside. This helps them see the room as a safe retreat, not a punishment.
Check in often. Visit your dog during commercial breaks or halftime for a potty break, a little attention and to refresh water. Some dogs are happy to stay there all game. Others may enjoy coming out for calm moments.
What rules should guests follow around my dog?
No feeding the dog. Tell guests kindly but clearly that your dog cannot have people food. You can put a small sign by the snacks or mention it as people arrive. Many guests mean well but do not know which foods are dangerous.
Watch the plates and cups. Ask guests to keep plates and drinks off the floor and low tables. Provide high surfaces or side tables for drinks, and a clear place to put dirty plates.
Close the doors. Ask guests to close doors and gates behind them, especially when stepping out for a smoke break, to grab something from the car or to leave. Consider a sign on the front door reminding people a dog lives here.
Respect the dog's space. Ask guests, especially kids, not to chase, grab or crowd your dog, and to let your dog rest if they go to their bed or quiet room. Our guide on kids and dogs over winter break has more tips for safe interactions.
What game day snacks can my dog have?
Plain, dog safe options. Plain, unseasoned cooked chicken breast with no skin or bones, plain cooked carrots, apple slices without seeds, plain green beans and a little plain cooked sweet potato are safe for most dogs in small amounts. Keep portions small.
Dog treats in a team bowl. Set out a special bowl of your dog's usual treats in team colors so guests who want to share can give a treat you approve. Keep the total amount small and count it as part of your dog's daily food.
Frozen treats. A frozen stuffed food toy with your dog's kibble and a little plain yogurt or pumpkin can keep them busy for a long time. Make them the day before. Our guide on homemade dog treats has easy recipes you can adapt.
Keep it simple. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, allergies or health problems, stick to their usual treats. New foods on a busy day can lead to an upset stomach later.
How can I include my dog in the game day fun?
Dress them in team colors. A bandana in your team colors is a simple, comfortable way to include your dog. Make sure it fits loosely, with room for two fingers, and take it off if your dog seems uncomfortable. Our matching outfits guide has fit tips.
Take a team photo. Snap a photo of your dog in their game day look before guests arrive, when they are calm and the light is good. Our guide on holiday photos with your dog has tips that work for any occasion.
Play a halftime game. Use halftime for a quick game of fetch in the yard, a sniffy walk or a few tricks. Our guide on easy dog tricks to teach has fun ideas, such as high five or spin, that will impress your guests.
Let them choose. Some dogs love the crowd and enjoy greeting everyone. Others prefer to watch from a distance or nap in their quiet room. Let your dog decide, and respect their choice.
How do I know if my dog is stressed at the party?
Look for subtle signs. Stressed dogs may yawn, lick their lips, turn their head away, tuck their tail, pin their ears back, pace, pant when they are not hot or try to hide. Some bark more, while others go very still.
Act early. If your dog shows signs of stress, calmly take them to their quiet room with a chew or food toy. Do not wait for growling or snapping, which are signs your dog is very uncomfortable.
Watch for loud moments. Big plays, touchdowns and final whistles can bring sudden cheering, clapping and stomping. Some dogs startle at these. If your dog is sensitive to noise, keep them in their quiet room for the big moments.
Know your dog's limits. Long parties can be tiring. Plan for your dog to have breaks and a calm evening after the party. Our guide on holiday stress in dogs explains more about stress signs.
What if I am going to someone else's party?
Ask before bringing your dog. Not every host wants dogs at their party, and some guests may be allergic or afraid of dogs. Ask first, and be okay with a no. Your dog may be happier at home anyway.
Bring your dog's kit. If your dog is invited, bring a bed or blanket, water bowl, food, treats, a chew, poop bags and a leash. A familiar blanket helps your dog settle in a new place.
Stay in charge. Keep a close eye on your dog the whole time. Keep them on a leash or in a quiet room if needed, and do not let them roam around food. You know your dog best.
Leaving your dog at home. If your dog stays home, give them a good walk and a food toy before you leave, and make sure they are not alone for too long. A dog walker or daycare can help on long game days. Our guide on doggy daycare or a dog walker explains what to look for.
What should I do if my dog eats something dangerous?
Act fast. If you think your dog ate something toxic, such as onions, chocolate, grapes, xylitol or alcohol, or swallowed bones, skewers or corn cobs, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Do not wait for signs to appear.
Call a pet poison hotline. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Pet Poison Helpline can give expert advice 24 hours a day. A fee may apply. Keep both numbers on your phone and on your fridge before party day.
Do not make your dog vomit at home. Unless your vet or a poison hotline tells you to, do not try to make your dog vomit. Some substances and objects can cause more harm coming back up.
Know the signs. Call your vet if your dog vomits, has diarrhea, drools, seems wobbly, restless or very tired, has a painful belly or is breathing fast. Our guide on what to do if your dog ate a sock explains blockage signs to watch for.
How do I clean up after the party?
Check every surface. After guests leave, check couches, floors, low tables, the yard and the driveway for dropped food, bones, skewers, cups and wrappers. Do a sweep before you let your dog roam.
Take out the trash. Take bags of food scraps, bones and cups straight outside to a closed bin. A tipped over trash bag is one of the most common ways dogs get into trouble after a party.
Watch your dog the next day. Some problems, such as pancreatitis, onion toxicity or a blockage, can show up a day or more after the party. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or not eating, and call your vet if you see these.
Rest and routine. Give your dog a quiet day after a busy party, with a normal walk and meals. Many dogs need a little extra rest after a lot of excitement.
- Bones and wings are a top game day danger.
- Guacamole, onion dips and beer are not for dogs.
- Walk before kickoff so your dog is ready to rest.
- Make a quiet room for loud moments.
- Watch the doors, especially at halftime.
A winning game plan
Game day can be fun for the whole family, dogs included. Keep food, bones and drinks out of reach, ask guests not to feed your dog, give your dog a walk before kickoff and set up a quiet room for loud moments. Watch the doors, know which foods are dangerous and call your vet right away if something goes wrong.
Whatever the final score, a safe and happy dog is always a win. From all of us at Happy Yay, enjoy the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat chicken wings?
No. Cooked chicken wing bones can splinter and cause choking or gut injuries, and wings are often fatty, spicy and seasoned with onion or garlic.
Is guacamole bad for dogs?
Yes. Guacamole usually contains onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs, and avocado can upset the stomach. The pit is a choking and blockage hazard.
What happens if my dog drinks beer?
Alcohol is dangerous for dogs even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, wobbliness, low blood sugar and breathing problems. Call your vet right away.
What snacks can my dog have on game day?
Plain cooked chicken without skin or bones, plain carrots, apple slices without seeds, plain green beans and your dog's usual treats, in small amounts.
How do I keep my dog calm during a football party?
Walk your dog before kickoff, set up a quiet room with a bed, a chew and soft music, and let them rest there during loud moments.
My dog ate a rib bone. What should I do?
Call your vet for advice. Watch for vomiting, not eating, straining to poop, a painful belly or tiredness, and go to the vet right away if you see these.
Should my dog be at the party?
It depends on your dog. Social, calm dogs may enjoy greeting guests. Shy, noise sensitive or young dogs are often happier in a quiet room.
How do I stop guests feeding my dog?
Tell guests kindly as they arrive, put up a small sign by the food and offer a bowl of approved dog treats instead.
Can dogs eat pizza?
Pizza is not a good choice. It is fatty and salty and often contains onion, garlic and cheese, which can upset dogs' stomachs or be toxic.
How long after eating something toxic will my dog show signs?
It depends on the food. Some signs appear within hours, while others, like onion toxicity, can take a few days. Call your vet right away rather than waiting.