It should come as no secret that dogs are considered family members – from their lovable mannerisms and puppy-dog eyes to their unequivocal loyalty, pooches bring joy to pet lovers everywhere. Celebrating a four-legged friend’s birthday is just one more way to show him how much he is adored and cherished. There are so many ways to host a dog birthday party – from socially-distant dog birthday party ideas to creative ways to throw a birthday party for puppies; read on for fun tips and inspiration!
Planning A Dog Birthday Party: How To Celebrate During The Coronavirus
For dog owners looking to plan a memorable day for their pup’s natal anniversary, there are hundreds of entertaining party ideas to choose from. However, in light of the coronavirus, choosing safety over social gatherings may be worth considering when planning a dog’s birthday festivities. Here are some creative ways to let him know he’s loved – without sacrificing fun or canine quality-time:
- Socially-Distant Celebrations: While COVID-19 and social distancing may have put a damper on gatherings and parties, there are still ways to safely celebrate the family dog’s birthday. Considering the fact that many people would still prefer to quarantine at home, using a virtual platform such as Zoom or Skype enables pup parents to “host” a virtual doggie birthday party. Creating a safe space online provides dog owners the ability to celebrate a favorite furry friend without risking the health of guests – but can also be a cost-effective way of celebrating his birthday. Since snacks for guests are no longer necessary, focusing the budget on cute decorations, a custom dog-friendly cake, or even a special outfit for the birthday boy (or girl) allows for fun, affordable – and safe – birthday festivities!
- At-Home Activities: Another safe birthday option for dogs during quarantine – quality time spent doing pup-centric activities. With so many interactive games and activities that can be played at home – either indoor or outside, depending on the weather – pet parents and their pups can enjoy one another’s company while getting much-needed exercise. Look for dog game ideas online, or try teaching him some new tricks.
Also, think about his favorite foods: there are numerous recipes available for canine-friendly dinners and dog snacks that parents can whip up at home. Create a special meal to celebrate his birthday, and finish the day cozying up on the couch watching movies – or better yet, look for dog-friendly videos on YouTube. With so many cute options available, there’s bound to be one both parents and their fur babies will enjoy together (even if that means he’s happily watching while his folks take a well-deserved nap snuggling him on the sofa). Ultimately, it’s about the bonding time between furry companions and their people that can be extra-meaningful on a dog’s birthday.
Celebrating Your Pooch’s Special Day In Style: Top 8 Party Tips For Dog Birthdays
From activities and party favors to tasty treats for dogs, pet peeps can host a dog birthday party that is either sweet and simple, elaborate and over-the-top – or somewhere in between. Whether he’s turning one or celebrating a birthday milestone, there is no shortage of inspiration for enthusiastic pet parents. Here are some pup-friendly birthday party suggestions for dogs (and their humans):
1.) Consider His Needs: First and foremost, it’s important to tailor birthday celebrations to a dog’s age – for example, if he’s a puppy celebrating his first birthday, be sure he’s able to handle being around a lot of people. If he isn’t socialized yet, having more than a few guests (of both the dog and people variety) may not be appropriate this time around. For senior dogs, it may seem like a great time to celebrate this milestone, but be mindful of his age – he might require some breaks or a place to ‘chill out’ in the midst of the activity. In other instances, dogs with dietary needs can still have a great time – but pet parents need to be careful he doesn’t eat the ‘wrong’ things on his special day. Be sure to have plenty of healthy alternatives, even if that means favorite toys or pet treat recipes instead of cakes or foods he might be allergic to.
2.) Consider The Venue: While some fur baby folks may have ample room to host a dog party at home, others may not have space – either due to living in a small apartment, lacking an appropriate backyard or indoor area for multiple dogs, or other restrictive issues. In other instances, it may be simply too cold (or too hot) to host a birthday gathering outside or indoors. Whatever the case, consider alternative options to make hosting a breeze. For example, if there is a local dog park, dog-friendly beach, or pet-friendly public park, it might be the ideal gathering place for an outdoor celebration. There are also some dog-friendly restaurants and beer gardens that welcome dogs. However, be sure to contact them in advance to see what their limitations are (e.g., maximum of dogs allowed), as well as determine how large the space is in order to comfortably accommodate both dogs and their humans.
