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Let’s Talk Tailgates, Y’all

In the South, we take three things seriously: football, food, and dogs. Not necessarily in that order.

And if you think for one second your dog doesn’t want to be part of the tailgating crew, bless your heart. That pup has been waiting all week to sniff barbecue smoke, beg for burger bites, and plop down in the shade like they own the lot.

But here’s the thing – tailgating with dogs isn’t as simple as throwing a jersey on them and hoping for the best. It takes planning, prep, and just enough flair to make other folks say, “Well now that’s a good dog.”

Whether you’re posted up at a stadium or grilling in your own driveway, these dog-friendly tailgating tips will keep tails wagging, drinks cold, and your pup safe, happy, and hollering for the home team.

Tailgating With Dogs: Game Day Essentials

Just like you wouldn’t show up without a cooler and some lawn chairs, your dog’s going to need a few essentials. Fear not – we made you a list.

The Basics:

• ✓ Water and a collapsible bowl – Tailgates can be hot, chaotic, and full of salty snacks. Hydration is non-negotiable.
• ✓ Leash and harness – Don’t be the person yelling “He’s friendly!” as your dog bolts toward someone’s plate. 
• ✓ Waste bags – Because nobody wants to step in your dog’s business in their game day boots.
• ✓ Treats and chews – Keep ‘em busy, distracted, and far away from the queso. 

The Extras (for Southern-level hospitality):

• ✓ Cooling mat or travel bed– Give your pup a place to rest.
• ✓ Pop-up shade tent or umbrella – Especially if you’re tailgating in a field of asphalt. 
• ✓ Fan or cooling vest – If it’s over 75 degrees, your dog’s gonna need help staying cool.
• ✓ Team bandana or jersey – Is it unnecessary? Yes. Is it adorable? Also yes. 

Pro tip: Bring a backup towel. Someone’s going to spill beer or chili, and it’s probably going to be on your dog.

Parking Lot Manners: Keep It Classy 

Look, not everyone loves dogs. We don’t understand it either. But if you’re bringing your four-legged plus-one to a public tailgate, you’ve got to play by the rules.

Do:

• Keep your dog leashed and under control at all times
• Ask before letting them greet strangers or other dogs
• Clean up after them – immediately
• Give them breaks from the crowd (a quick walk around the lot works wonders)

Don’t:

• Assume everyone loves surprise dog kisses
• Let them bark endlessly during the National Anthem
• Feed them leftover ribs, no matter how much they beg
• Leave them unattended, even for “just a second”

Friendly doesn’t mean free-for-all. Make your dog the MVP of the parking lot by keeping their manners tight, but their spirit strong.

Tailgate Snacks: What’s Safe to Share (and What’s a No-Go)

You know your dog’s going to stare at your plate like it’s their last meal on Earth. So here’s a quick rundown of what’s okay to share – and what’ll have you Googling “emergency vet near me” before halftime.

Dog-Safe Tailgate Treats:

• Grilled chicken (no bones or seasoning)
• Plain burger patties
• Carrot sticks
• Apple slices (no seeds)
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free, please)

Absolutely Not:

• Chicken wings or rib bones
• Onions and garlic (both toxic)
• Anything spicy
• Chips and dips (especially guac or anything creamy)
• Alcohol – don’t even joke about it

Want to go the extra mile? Bake a batch of “tailgate biscuits” the night before. Just Google a simple dog treat recipe with peanut butter and oats. Your dog will love it, and the other dogs in the lot will be ready to sign adoption papers.

See the full list of foods to avoid here – ASPCA List of Toxic Foods for Dogs

Dog-Friendly Tailgating Games (Because They Deserve a Little Action, Too)

Though you’d like to imagine it’s the case, your dog doesn’t care about the score. They just want attention, snacks, and somewhere to show off their party tricks.

Ideas to Keep Them Entertained:

• Tug-of-war tourney – Pack a rope toy and challenge the neighbor’s golden retriever. 
• Fetch warm-ups – Use a soft ball and keep it short. Tailgate spaces aren’t dog parks. 
• Trick competitions – Best “sit,” “shake,” or “touchdown dance” wins a hot dog bite.
• Photo booth corner – Set up a team-themed backdrop and snap some pics.

Just be mindful – crowds, hot surfaces, loud noises, and new smells can overwhelm some dogs. If yours looks stressed, give them a break in the shade or the car with the AC on.

Tailgating at Home? Still Bring the Energy

Can’t make it to the stadium? No worries. Backyard tailgating is just as fun, sometimes even better. You’ve got clean bathrooms, AC breaks, and fewer people trying to steal your deviled eggs.

How to make it feel festive:

• Set up a tent or folding table with themed snacks (dog-safe and human)
• Let your dog greet “guests” at the gate with a tail wag and maybe a bowtie
• Stream the game outdoors and keep water bowls nearby
• Play a round of “who gets the first hot dog bite – your uncle or your dog?”

Don’t forget a post-game cooldown walk for your pup. After all that socializing and sun, they’ll be ready to crash. So will you.

Safety First, Football Second

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but don’t forget: tailgating can be overstimulating for dogs. And when you throw in heat, food, strangers, and noise,  it’s a lot for one tail to handle.

Keep your dog safe by:

• Watching for signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy
• Keeping them hydrated and shaded
• Taking breaks from the crowd
• Skipping the tailgate entirely if your dog is anxious, reactive, or not feeling it

You know your pup best. If they’re not into it, that’s okay. They can watch the game with their face in a peanut butter Kong on the couch while you cheer from the yard.

The Post-Tailgate Wind Down

Once the grill’s cold and the cooler’s empty, don’t forget to give your dog a post-party cleanup. Check their paws for hot spots or cuts, rinse off any spilled barbecue sauce, and give them a good belly rub while you both recover from the social marathon.

And maybe – just maybe – let them have one last bite of that burger you didn’t finish. It’s the Southern way.

Tailgating Is a Team Sport

Bringing your dog to a tailgate isn’t just about showing off their game day jersey (though that helps). It’s about letting them be part of the fun, the family, and the fanfare.

They’re not just your best friend. They’re your hype squad, your vacuum under the picnic table, your co-pilot on the ride home with the windows down and the score recapped over the radio.

So the next time someone asks if dogs belong at tailgates, you tell them:

Only the good ones. And mine? The best.

Because at the end of the day, tailgating with dogs isn’t about the football – it’s about the love.

FAQ: Tailgating With Dogs

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