It’s official: Super Bowl LX is practically in our backyard. With the big game happening just down the road at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, the energy in Redwood City is already electric. Whether you’re a die-hard Seahawks fan, a loyal Patriots supporter, or just here for the Bad Bunny halftime show, there’s no denying the Bay Area is about to get loud. But while we’re stocking up on wings and checking our square pools, our canine companions might be feeling a little less “game day ready” and a lot more “where can I hide?”
Between the sudden cheers for a touchdown and the doorbell ringing with every food delivery, the Super Bowl can be a minefield for our pets. To help you navigate the chaos, we’ve put together a local guide on Super Bowl dog safety tips specifically for Redwood City dog parents who want to enjoy the festivities without stressing out their furry friends.
The Calm Before the Kickoff: Morning Energy Burn
In Redwood City, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor spaces. The first rule of a successful, quiet evening with a dog is a tired dog. Before the pre-game coverage even starts, head out to one of our local gems.
A vigorous morning at Big Canyon Park in San Carlos or a long hike through the off-leash trails at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve can make a world of difference. Check out our blog post on the 5 best dog hiking trails near Redwood City and San Carlos if you want a few more options!
By the time the 3:30 PM kickoff rolls around, your pup should ideally be in a deep post-trail slumber. When it comes to Super Bowl dog safety tips, physical exertion is your best defensive strategy. A dog that has spent the morning sniffing every blade of grass in Stulsaft Park is far less likely to jump at every commercial break.
Creating the “Pup-Zone”: Your Dog’s Personal Luxury Suite
Even the most social dogs can get overwhelmed by a crowded living room. As the guest list grows, your pup’s personal space shrinks. One of the most effective Super Bowl dog safety tips is to create a “safe haven” or a “den” away from the main action.
Think of this as your dog’s private VIP lounge. Set up a quiet room—perhaps a back bedroom or a finished basement—with their favorite bed, a few familiar toys, and a white noise machine or calming music. The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that creating a safe haven away from windows and noise is a primary way to manage anxiety during loud events. If your dog is crate-trained, keep the door open so they can come and go as they please, but cover it with a thick blanket to muffle the sounds of the TV and the “Let’s Go!” screams.
Managing Noise Phobia in Dogs During the Game
Let’s be real: football fans are loud! We shout at the refs, we cheer for interceptions, and we groan at missed field goals. For a dog with a noise phobia, these sudden, sharp sounds can trigger a “fight or flight” response.
If you know your dog is sensitive to noise, consider using an anxiety wrap or a snug-fitting shirt as part of your super bowl dog safety tips routine. These work by applying gentle, constant pressure, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. You can also look into pheromone diffusers or “calming treats” containing L-theanine or melatonin. However, the best way to manage dog anxiety relief is to be proactive. If you see your dog’s ears go back or their tail tuck between their legs, it’s time for them to retreat to their safe zone. Don’t wait until they are pacing or panting to intervene.
The Party Menu: Toxic Traps on the Coffee Table
The Super Bowl is in large – and delicious – part a holiday centered around snacks, but the “Big Game” menu is often a “Big No” for pets. It’s easy for a guest to accidentally drop a chicken wing or for a curious nose to find the guacamole.
Critical to our list of Super Bowl dog safety tips is this: you need to be the “referee” of the snack table. Some of the most common Super Bowl foods are actually highly toxic to dogs. For instance, the ASPCA points out that onions, garlic, and chives found in dips and marinades can cause red blood cell damage in pets.
Here is a quick “Safety Playbook” for your party snacks:
- Chicken Wings: The bones are brittle and can splinter, causing internal punctures or choking.
- Guacamole: Avocados are mild hazards, but the garlic and onions often mixed in are dangerous.
- Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate: Whether it’s in brownies or cookies, theobromine is toxic to dogs.
- Salty Snacks: Excessive salt in chips and pretzels can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
Remind your guests (especially those who don’t have pets) not to share their food. It might seem like a “treat” to them, but for your dog, it could result in an emergency trip to the vet. One of our favorite Super Bowl dog safety tips is to have a bowl of “dog-safe” treats ready by the couch so guests can still interact with your pet without putting their health at risk.
Navigating a Pet-Friendly Super Bowl Party
If you’re hosting, you have a lot on your plate. Managing a pet-friendly Super Bowl party requires a bit of environmental design.
- Doorway Defense: With people coming and going, there’s a high risk of a “bolter.” Make sure your dog has a collar with up-to-date ID tags, or better yet, keep them behind a baby gate when guests are arriving. Consider a wearable dog tracker if your pup is a known escape artist.
- Trash Control: Super Bowl trash is full of grease, bones, and wrappers. Ensure your trash cans have secure lids. A dog scavenging in the trash after the game is one of the most common causes of pancreatitis.
- Hydration: With more people in the house, the water bowl might get stepped on or moved. Check it frequently to make sure your pup has access to fresh water.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, despite our best efforts with Super Bowl dog safety tips, a dog’s anxiety can reach a level that requires professional intervention. If your dog is showing signs of extreme panic—such as destructive behavior, excessive drooling, or attempts to escape through windows—it’s time to consult your veterinarian. The AKC explains that treating dog anxiety often requires a combination of behavioral training and, in some cases, prescription medication to keep them safe during high-stress events.
Since Super Bowl LX is taking place in Santa Clara, expect local traffic in Redwood City to be heavier than usual. If you think you might need calming medication for your pet, call your local Redwood City vet now. Don’t wait until the Friday before the game when everyone else is trying to do the same thing.
Post-Game Decompression
Once the confetti has fallen and the guests have cleared out, your dog might still be on high alert. Take them for a quiet “cool down” walk around your Redwood City neighborhood. Let them sniff at their own pace—it’s the dog equivalent of scrolling through social media to decompress after a long day.
Check your floors and yard for any stray trash, toothpicks, or dropped food before letting your dog have free reign of the house again. A quick sweep now can prevent a major headache later.
Final Thoughts for the Big Game
Super Bowl LX is going to be a historic event for the Bay Area. We want you to enjoy every minute of the Seahawks vs. Patriots matchup and Bad Bunny’s performance. By following these Super Bowl dog safety tips, you’re ensuring that your pup stays as comfortable as possible while the humans enjoy the hype.
Remember, your dog doesn’t care about the score—they just care about feeling safe with you. Whether they’re snoozing in their “Pup-Zone” or wearing a festive bandana while staying far away from the buffalo wings, a little preparation goes a long way.
Enjoy the game, keep the wings out of reach, and give your Redwood City pup an extra ear scratch from us. Implementing these Super Bowl dog safety tips will make you the real MVP of the household.
Feeling overwhelmed with your dog’s walk schedule? Feel an immediate weight lifted off your shoulders with our dog walking services. We specialize in helping busy, high-performing Bay Area professionals get their time and energy back while never worrying about their dog again. Schedule your complimentary meet and greet today!
The most critical safety measure is “controlling the environment.” This means securing your trash cans (Super Bowl trash is a minefield of grease and bones), establishing a “no-feed” rule for guests, and ensuring your dog has a quiet space away from the TV. Keeping your pup’s ID tags current is also vital in case a guest accidentally leaves the front door ajar.
While most party food is a “no-go,” you can keep your pup included with safe alternatives. Plain, unsalted air-popped popcorn (no butter!), carrot sticks, or small pieces of plain cooked chicken (no skin or seasoning) are generally safe. Avoid anything containing onions, garlic, xylitol, or chocolate, as these are toxic to dogs.
Dogs express noise phobia through more than just whining. Look for “displacement behaviors” like excessive licking, yawning when they aren’t tired, pacing, or trying to hide in small spaces like the bathtub or behind the sofa. If you see these signs during a touchdown celebration, it’s time to move them to their quiet zone.
Exertion is the best dog anxiety relief. We recommend heading to Stulsaft Park for its shaded trails or the off-leash area at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. Since Super Bowl LX is being held nearby in Santa Clara, expect these local spots to be busy on game day morning—try to get there before 10:00 AM to beat the rush.
Don’t panic, but act quickly. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically told to by a vet. Monitor them for gagging, abdominal pain, or lethargy. Contact a local 24-hour emergency vet—like SAGE Veterinary Centers in Redwood City—immediately for professional advice. You should also consider calling the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline (note: there is an $89 charge per call, but well worth it if it saves your dog’s life).
Yes. Aside from physical exercise, you can use “calming music” (classical music or white noise), pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil), and pressure wraps. For some dogs, a high-value distraction—like a frozen Kong filled with dog-safe peanut butter—can help them focus on something other than the shouting.
Caroline started pet sitting in 2014 and specializes in delivering peace of mind to clients and always going above and beyond. She is committed to ongoing education to better serve her clients, support her team, contribute to her community, and elevate her industry expertise as a dedicated student of DogCo Launch.
When she isn’t out with pets or working to make Simply The Best even better for her clients, she likes to put her knowledge and years of experience down on paper so she can share it with pet parents more easily. That’s why this blog was born!