7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday
Published: Last updated: by Jessi LarsonToday most people consider their dog to be part of the family. And with all family members, don’t you want to recognize and celebrate their birthday?
Celebrating a dog’s birthday is becoming more and more popular and socially accepted. For many, it’s important to do something in honor of their pup’s special day.
Still, there is a bit of a stigma to dog birthday celebrations, especially among people with more old-school opinions on dogs.
As dog mom to Toby, a wonderful and loving yellow Labrador, it feels like we have to acknowledge his birthday in some shape or form. At the same time, I’m certainly not the type to host an elaborate gathering.
There can be a happy medium. You can certainly celebrate your dog’s birthday in a fun and meaningful way without going overboard.
Here are 7 awesome ideas for how to celebrate your dog’s birthday – without going over the top.
1. Bake your dog a pupcake
A super fun and easy way to celebrate your dog’s birthday is by baking them a doggy birthday cake.
Today there are many cake mixes created specifically for dogs that are safe, healthy and tasty. You’ll have blast making the cake, and your dog will enjoy eating it even more.
2. Visit a dog-friendly restaurant
There are so many dog-friendly restaurants now. Some even have menus specifically for pups!
In Minnesota, for example, we have a restaurant called Pub 819 that boasts a “dog friendly paw-tio” and a special canine menu with dishes like “Turkey Muttloaf” and “Pooched Egg Brunch Bowl.” Oh, and you can get special deals during their “Yappy Hour.”
If you have a restaurant like this in your area, you could stop on by and treat your dog to an amazing birthday meal.
If this doesn’t exist, you can still visit a dog-friendly patio. Just be sure to bring your own treats.
3. Host a small gathering
Gather some doggy friends and have a small party. You can invite over a few close friends and family members who also have dogs and celebrate with a group play date.
The level of celebration is up to you. You could go all out with decorations and a special dog menu. But in sticking with the theme of this article, an even better approach is to keep it simple and treat it as a special play session among furry friends.
4. Buy your dog a new toy
Dogs love their toys, and what better time to treat them to a new one than on their birthday!
Because it’s an extra special day, you can wrap it up in wrapping paper and have your dog “open it” with their teeth and paws. Sometimes that is more fun than playing with the toy itself.
5. Go to a fun dog park
Dog parks are everywhere now, which is awesome because they are such a great amenity for pup parents.
On your dog’s birthday, visit a cool dog park in your area that you’ve been meaning to try. Or maybe you’re familiar with the dog park but haven’t been able to go their lately.
The point is to switch things up and bring your dog to a fun new place. Watching the excitement on their face will be totally worth it!
6. Pamper your pup
You could also treat your dog to a spa day. Just like humans, dogs love to be pampered and doted on.
This could include taking your dog to the groomer and ordering deluxe treatments. A bath, haircut, you name it! Your dog will be looking spiffy on their special day.
Or, you could create a spa experience at home. This could include a relaxing bath (if you dog is into that!), extra brushing, and lots and lots of petting and cuddling.
7. Play games
And finally, bring out the games! Dogs love to play and also spend time with you, so this is a win-win.
You could set up an agility course in your backyard. Or you could play with a fun dog puzzle that will keep your pup entertained and mentally stimulated. Or maybe it’s as simple as playing classics like fetch or tug-of-war in the backyard.
Get the whole family involved and have some fun!
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