Football season is a time of excitement, camaraderie, and team spirit in Kansas City, especially when you're cheering on the Chiefs or a favorite college team. Game day parties are a great way to bring everyone together, but for dog owners, they can pose some challenges. From loud cheers to crowded rooms, it’s important to ensure your dog stays comfortable and safe while still enjoying the fun.
Here’s how you can throw a dog-friendly football party that everyone—two-legged and four-legged—can enjoy.
Kickoff with preparation
Before the excitement of game day begins, take a moment to consider how your dog fits into the festivities. Dogs thrive on routine, and a house full of loud fans and unfamiliar faces might cause anxiety. To help your pup relax before the party, make sure they get plenty of exercise early in the day. A long walk or play session in one of Kansas City’s many parks can help burn off their excess energy and leave them feeling more relaxed when guests start to arrive.
Creating a calm environment is essential too. If your dog tends to get anxious with lots of noise and excitement, try to stick to their usual schedule for meals, bathroom breaks, and nap time. This consistency can help keep your dog at ease as the game day activities unfold.
Create a pet-friendly zone
Even the most social dogs might need a break from all the commotion during a football party. Designate a quiet area in your home where your dog can retreat when the noise gets too overwhelming. This could be a room away from the main action with their favorite bed, toys, and maybe a special treat to keep them occupied. Giving your pup a quiet space of their own will allow them to relax if the shouting for touchdowns or referee calls gets to be too much for them.
Dog jerseys and team spirit
Just because your dog doesn’t understand football doesn’t mean they can’t join in on the team spirit! Dress them up in a Kansas City Chiefs jersey or a bandana in your team’s colors. Many local stores offer dog-friendly apparel, and it’s a fun way to make your dog feel part of the event. Plus, they’ll be the star of the game-day photo ops!
Just make sure whatever you choose for your dog is comfortable and doesn’t restrict their movement or breathing. The idea is to have fun and show off some team pride without making your dog feel uncomfortable or stressed.
Keep an eye on the snacks
Game day snacks are a huge part of any football party, but they can be dangerous for dogs if they get into the wrong food. Kansas City is known for its delicious BBQ and other rich foods, many of which are unsafe for dogs. Foods like chicken wings, chips with dip, and chocolate treats can all cause health issues for pets, so it’s important to keep them out of your dog’s reach.
To avoid any accidents, let your guests know not to share their food with your pup. It might also help to set up a separate snack area where your dog can’t easily sneak a bite. If you want your dog to join in on the fun, have a stash of dog-friendly treats on hand so they can feel included when everyone’s munching on game day snacks.
Halftime breaks
Football parties can be long, and your dog may need some breaks during the game. Halftime is a great opportunity to take them outside for a quick walk or a game of fetch to burn off some energy. Not only does this keep them active, but it can also help prevent any restless behavior when you settle in to watch the second half. If other guests bring their dogs, it’s a great time to let the pups socialize and have their own little game.
Support local businesses
Kansas City has many local businesses that cater to both football fans and dog lovers. Whether it’s picking up Chiefs-themed dog gear from a local pet shop or ordering some locally made dog treats, supporting these businesses during your football party adds an extra layer of community spirit. After all, game day is not just about football—it’s about celebrating Kansas City’s culture and pride.
Training tips for a smooth party
If your dog tends to get overly excited when guests arrive, consider doing a little pre-party training. Reinforce basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "leave it" in the days leading up to your football party. This way, when guests start arriving, your dog will know how to behave politely without jumping on people or grabbing food off the table. Keeping a calm and controlled environment will make the party more enjoyable for everyone involved.
End the day with a calm wind-down
Once the game is over and the excitement winds down, your dog might still be feeling the effects of a busy day. Take some time to help them relax with a gentle petting session or a short walk to signal that it’s time to wind down. This will help them decompress and ensure a peaceful end to an exciting game day.
Safety first
With doors opening and closing as guests come and go, there’s always a risk that your dog might slip outside unnoticed. Make sure your yard is secure, and if your dog is socializing indoors, keep an eye on the exits. Double-check that your dog’s ID tag is up to date, just in case. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s safety during a busy event.
Enjoy game day with your dog
Hosting a football party while making sure your dog stays comfortable and happy doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little preparation and attention, you can throw a fun and dog-friendly party that everyone will enjoy. After all, game day is about celebrating—whether you're cheering on your team or spending quality time with your four-legged friend.