It’s football season once again and here are some tailgate ideas for you and your dog! Prepare your food and supplies for a day of celebrating with family, friends, and your favorite canine! Read below to know more.
9 Tailgate Ideas You Can Do With Your Dog
1. Go To A Dog-Friendly Area
While tailgating has become a favorite pastime for most Americans, not all venues allow dogs or other pets. Double check if it’s okay to bring a pet. It would be a bummer, not to mention hassle, if you arrive at the tailgate and find out you can’t bring your furry buddy along.
2. Prepare Food Your Dog Can Eat
You have to bring food when tailgating. However, not all food is safe for dogs. Sure, you can give them a juicy piece of steak from the grill, but your dog still needs proper nutrition. If your dog is used to dog food, bring their dog food with you. This way, they won’t wander around nicking food from other people and eating something that could upset them. Keep the alcohol and chocolate away as well.
3. Bring Water and Tents
Along with food, you also have to bring water and tents or anything that can give shade. Bring your dog’s water tumbler or their water dish to make sure they are well-hydrated. With a lot going on around you, you might not be able to monitor your dog’s needs.
Bring a tent to give you and your pet a place to rest. For hot areas, this is a great place to shield yourself from the sun. In colder places, you can bring heat pads or heated blankets to make your time more comfortable.
4. Dress Your Pooch Up In Your Team’s Clothes
One of the best tailgate ideas you can do with your pooch is to turn them into your team mascot! Dress them up in your sports team’s colors, or you can buy a specialized doggy uniform to make them even more adorable! If your family supports different teams and you want to be neutral, dress them up in a cheerleading outfit.
5. Bring Your Dog’s Favorite Plushie Or Other Toys
Although there will be a lot of things to do when you tailgate, your dog might not find it as amusing. Dogs with low energy won’t need much to distract them. They just want to curl in a corner or on your lap and take a nap. However, puppies and high-energy dogs will need something to occupy them. Bring your pooch’s favorite plushie or other toys to keep him occupied.
6. Keep A First Aid Kit
Make your own #DIY #dog first aid kit for your next #doggy hike! #doglover #dogs #love #peppytails https://t.co/xeVrKoBzx2 pic.twitter.com/U2VvGODF0F
— Peppy Tails 🐶👟 (@PeppyTails) July 22, 2017
It pays always to be prepared. Keep a first aid kit handy, not just for you but your pet as well. Read up on the symptoms you need to look out for during emergencies. You should also prepare anti-allergies and other recommended medication from your dog’s vet. Spray him with bug repellent, store-bought or homemade. Make sure you search for the nearest animal hospital for extreme cases as well.
7. Keep A Close Eye On Your Pet
Whether you have an active or lethargic dog, you still have to keep an eye on him the entire time. Make sure they have enough food and water or exercise if needed. Don’t leave them in the car as they will suffocate with the heat.
Some dogs get anxious when they go on car rides. Bring lavender essential oil to help them calm down.
8. Bring A Leash
Just like when you go out for a walk, you should also bring a leash when you tailgate with your dog. Putting them on a leash can also help you keep a close eye on them. Make sure the collar you put on your dog has their name as well as your contact information. In case they get lost, the people who’ll find your dog can then contact you to return.
9. Clean Up After Your Dog And Yourself
Lastly, don’t forget to clean up after the dog as well as yourself! If they need to go, your pooch will not wait. Keep a poop bags and your scooper handy as you don’t know when you might need them. Make sure to pack and dispose of your dog’s droppings properly.
You also have to clean up after yourself. Leaving the tailgating area littered with garbage is never cool.
Do these tailgate ideas work for you and your pooch? Watch what the ladies of The View recommend as a must-have when bringing your dog along to football tailgating:
It’s important to know what to prepare for your pet during this season. These tailgate ideas will also help you have a great, fun time with your dog!
Let us know what you’ll bring for your pup for the barbecue in the comments section below!
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