Super Bowl with your Dog

 

Will you be one of the millions of viewers watching “the big game” this Sunday?  Every year Americans devote the first Sunday of February to the final game of the football season, also known as Super Bowl Sunday.  Of Super Bowl XLVI (last year), NBC Sports reported “In all, 166.8 million tuned in for some portion of NBC’s coverage of the game, making it the biggest total TV audience of all time.”  Needless to say, it’s hard not to catch a glimpse of the Super Bowl when the whole nation is watching (even if you just watch the commercials).

Whether you will be watching Super Bowl XLVII or trying to avoid it, there is no reason why you and your dog can’t get caught up in a little of the excitement around the day.

First you can tune into the Animal Planet and catch a bit of the Puppy Bowl IX.  For the ninth year running, the puppy bowl is an adorable takeoff of the Super Bowl where animal lovers get to watch puppies (in a puppy stadium) play and make touchdowns.   This year, Animal Planet boasts of hedgehog cheerleaders, Hamsters steering a blimp, a kitten halftime show, and a slow motion “Cute Cam” for replays.   “The Cutest Sports Event of the Year” is not to be missed.  Kickoff begins on Sunday, February 3^rd, at 3 p.m. on the Animal Planet.

Another appropriate activity for game day would be to toss the ball around in the yard.  You can pick up a football shaped dog toy at any pet store, if you don’t already have one.  And while you play fetch, you can wear your favorite team jersey (and get one for your dog to match).

 

Most homes will be watching the big game with company over.  Everyone loves a good Super Bowl party because it makes the game that much more fun to watch.  Your dog should be able to enjoy the game, and your guests as well, without stress.  To ensure a stress free environment, lay down some ground rules with your guests.

1.       No one is allowed to give table scraps or party food to the dog.  There are many human foods a dog cannot digest such as onions, garlic, avocado, raisins, grapes, mushrooms, and chocolate, all of which can make him or her very sick. 

2.       No one is allowed to give your dogs any drinks.  Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can make a dog very sick. 

You may lay down any other house rules you already have in place for your dog such as no jumping, no getting on the couch, no barking, etc.  It is also a good idea to take your dog for a long walk or run before any event.  This exercise will help reduce hyper, disobedient, or stressed out behavior once strangers start coming to the door.  

The San Francisco 49ers play the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, February 3^rd, in Super Bowl XLVII. Tune in at 3:30 p.m. PT or 6:30 p.m. ET.

Puppies Predict Super Bowl Winner