With all the joy that dogs bring, it is not uncommon for many dog owners to celebrate their dog’s birthday. According to a survey, about 75% of dog owners throw a party to mark their pets’ birthday. While some prefer a simple celebration, others celebrate in style! Dog birthday parties are fun-filled events that give dogs the opportunity to socialise with other dogs.
How are you going to celebrate your dog’s birthday? We’ve put together 6 ideas to make your pet’s day special.
1. Throw a dog’s birthday bash
Create a birthday event and invite all the neighbours’ friendly dogs and even a few older kids. Dogs are naturally sociable, so a party is just impossible to resist. You may hold the party in your garden and make it an off-leash occasion. It would also be fun to celebrate at a dog-friendly park.
You can even create a theme for the gathering. This is not only fun for the dogs, but also for the pet owners coming over. It could be an educational theme promoting pet care or adoption. You could even make it an occasion for exchanging unused canine clothing or toys. The theme could also be based on your dog’s name, favourite toy, or food.
2. Take your dog to the beach
Drive out of town and head on down to a beach that is not so crowded. When you get there, take off the leash and let your dog run free, play, or swim. Bring some dog food and doggy treats with you or you can take your dog to a nearby dog-friendly restaurant.
A gentle reminder: Make sure the dog is secure when you drive out by car.
3. Arrange for a doggie pool party
If your pooch likes the water, why not give him the gift of a pool party? This is perfect if his birthday falls in the summer. This idea is also great for pet owners who live far from the beach. You can fill plastic pools with water and have him splish splashing in it. Put a couple of balls in the water and invite other dogs for added fun. Just make sure you have old towels at the ready for the canine guests.
There are also purposely built doggie swimming pools which you could rent for an hourly rate. This is the best option if you want to avoid the after-party clean up.
4. Bring him to an agility facility
There are facilities that offer agility obstacles that will challenge high-energy dogs physically and mentally. This is perfect for the terrier, Border Collie, Beagle, Labrador Retriever, or some other high-energy canine pet. For these breeds, a trip to the agility facility is a fun-filled dream.
5. Bake your dog a special cake
What’s a dog’s birthday without a cake? You can make a birthday cake with ingredients suitable for canine tummies. There are dog-friendly cake recipes available online which are easy and fun to make.
You might be interested to read food ingredients forbidden for dogs.
6. Spend the whole day out playing with your dog.
The best gift you can give your dog is your time and attention. On this special day, free up your schedule and spend the day playing or visiting places your dog will enjoy. The dog park that he frequently visits is one such place. Don’t forget to bring some treats!
Dogs are simple creatures with simple needs. Give them enough exercise, discipline, love, and attention and their life is perfect. Although your dog might not remember his birthday, what matters most is your time together. Every opportunity he is around you and enjoying your time and attention is special for him. So, whichever birthday idea you put into action, make sure it involves physical activity and affection between you and him.
Trivia: Some extravagant doggie birthday parties involved a designer label-themed party that included a catwalk. There even was “pup-arazzi” to take photos of the canine partygoers.
An actor was reported to have spent £21,000 for his Maltese’s birthday bash. There was a red carpet, a pile of luxury gifts, and a dog treat station. It was held at a pet hotel and spa.
A doctor spent £7,000 for a “bark mitzvah” for his 2-year-old pooch at a steak restaurant. Another pet owner used sterling silver bowls for all canine guests.
Is your dog’s birthday coming up? How are you going to celebrate it? Let us know the amazing birthday celebration you had with your dog in the comments!
