10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday
Looking for some nice and simple ways to celebrate your dog’s birthday? You’ve come to the right place. Our dogs are part of the family, so when it comes to their birthday we want to make it special. The good news is there’s plenty of fun and easy ways to make your dog’s birthday a memorable one.
So if you’re not sure what to do to celebrate your dog’s birthday don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. From hosting your own doggie birthday party to having a special movie night, here’s 10 fun ways to celebrate your dog’s birthday.
1. Host a Doggie Birthday Party
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate your dog’s birthday you can host your own doggie birthday party. Invite some of your friends and family over (along with their friendly dogs) to celebrate.
If you’ve never had a bunch of dogs over to your home before I recommend starting small. When it comes to doggie birthday parties there’s nothing wrong with keeping it intimate; having a few dog friends over will be more than enough to make it a memorable day for your dog. You can serve dog friendly cake, give out “doggie bags” filled with treats & goodies, and play some fun doggie games.
If you’re going to be holding your dog’s birthday party outside remember to make sure that all of the dogs have access to fresh water and shade at all times. And remember to keep an eye on things and make sure the dogs are supervised at all times.
2. Let Your Dog Pick Out a Gift
If you’re looking to get your dog an extra special gift for their birthday try letting them pick it out themselves. Take your dog to your local dog-friendly pet store and have them browse the aisles and pick out their own gift.
It sounds simple enough, but the act of going to the store to begin with will be fun for your dog. And to let them pick out any toy they want? Even better.
3. Make a (Dog Friendly) Cake or Treats
You can show your dog some extra love on their birthday by making them a special treat. You can make your dog a simple pupcake (dog friendly cake) by using some puppy cake mix, or you can try out one of these homemade dog cake recipes:
If you prefer treats over cake be sure to check out these 25 easy homemade dog treat recipes.
4. Explore a New Trail With Your Dog
How much does your dog love their daily walk? You can make your walk extra special on their birthday by taking them somewhere brand new. Explore a new hiking trail together, or take them to a new park. To make it even more fun for them remember to give them some extra time to sniff around and take in all those new and exciting smells.
5, Pamper & Spoil Your Dog On Their Birthday
If you want an easy way to make your dog’s birthday extra special make it a doggie spa day by pampering them. Spoil them and give them some extra love and attention on their special day. Give them a nice homemade meal, an extra long walk, a stuffed Kong, a relaxing doggie massage, and some nice cuddle time on the couch.
6. Turn It Into a Game Day
Another fun way to celebrate your dog’s birthday is by turning it into a game day. Rather than celebrating your favorite team together set aside some time to play some extra games with your dog. Our dogs love to play, and engaging in some extra games on their birthday is a simple way to ensure it’s a fun day for them. Some of my favorite doggie games include:
- Fetch/Frisbee
- Hide & Seek
- Tug of War
- Food Dispensing Toys
- Find The Treats
7. Let Your Dog Unwrap a Present
My dog Laika gets a fun new toy on her birthday, and I make the unveiling process a little more exciting for her by letting her unwrap it. If your dog doesn’t have unwrapping experience keep it simple by using a gift bag. Remember to watch them closely — some dogs have a tendency to eat anything in sight, including wrapping paper and shredded bags.
8. Set Up a Doggie Playdate
Another simple way to make your dog’s birthday extra fun is by setting up a doggie playdate for them. Invite your dog’s best dog friend over for some play time. It may seem rather simple, but that one on one play time is really fun (and exhausting) for your dog. Just remember to keep an eye on things, and make sure the dogs have access to fresh water at all times.
9. Take Your Dog For a Swim
Most dogs love to swim, so if you want to make their birthday a fun one turn it into a swim day. You can take your dog to the local beach, or search for any dog friendly pools in your area. Just remember to keep an eye on your dog at all times, and follow the basic swimming safety tips for dogs such as bringing along fresh water and cleaning them off afterwards.
10. Have a Doggie Movie Night
One of my favorite ways to celebrate my dog’s birthday is by having a movie night. Put on your pajamas, make some popcorn, and cuddle up with your dog on the couch and watch some movies together. Bonus points if you watch dog movies.
How Do You Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday?
How do you celebrate your dog’s birthday? Have you ever hosted your own doggie birthday party? Do you wrap your dog’s presents? Does cuddling up on the couch with your dog watching movies sound like a perfect evening, or is it just me?
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JoeHx says
Oooh I like the idea of having friends bring their dogs for a doggie party. Since it might get a little crowded, maybe we could all go to a local dog park instead.
Ellie says
That is what we are doing too!
Ava foley says
we are also bringing things for us to. pizza party!
net worth says
Wow! So many fun ideas! My dog’s first birthday will be next month. We are so excited. Thank you for sharing these great ideas!
Puppy wuppy says
My dog has a tough time playing games lol he doesn’t understand a ball.
Leah Bartholomew says
Theo’s birthday is next month and I am so excited! These ideas are so great but, I cant take him into a pet store just yet to pick one toy lol
Tessa Green says
My little Mack ‘s birthday is soon and I just love love love him! I hope a puppy party will make him happy!
Lilly Reynolds says
I just love my two dogs so much. I take more pleasure throwing a birthday party for each of them, than celebrating my own birthday!
Your unwrapping a present idea is great, an activity that is hilarious to watch. I have been doing this every Christmas sine mine were little pups.
My Dog is Awesome says
My dog’s first birthday is in December. I am going to make a cake and let him unwrap presents. I can’t wait. I prefer celebrating his birthday more than mine as well
Ruth says
My dogs 4th birthday- each year I make it special for him. This year:
Woke up to extra snuggles and rub downs,
Went for a walk at a favorite place of his, went shopping for new coat, collar, toy and bone-
Played fetch with new frisbee, then let him run in the mud and roll around.
Followed by a nice bubbly bath- and sleeps the rest of the day! Fresh made dinner with playtime with new toy and bone.
Natalie says
Today is Chesley’s birthday I am so excited I will make her a birthday 🧁🍰and then walk her I love your idea bout letting the dog pick out the 🎁
Maria Olson says
NOT ONE OF THESE IDEAS HELPED ME!!!!!!
Loly says
Maybe you should think out of the box! Todays is my dogs brithday shes truing 1 year old! Im gonna do most of these ideas.
eva adams says
I think people should do whatever makes them happy, so long as it’s harmless, and there’s no harm in having a little party to celebrate your pet’s existence. Pets are family! For some of us, they’re very important parts of our lives, and that’s worth celebrating. My dog’s birthday* was last week, so I got her some cool toys and gave her extra cuddles while telling her how happy I am that she’s here. I know she doesn’t understand the significance of the date and had no idea what I was saying, but we both had fun and that’s what counts. https://esacare.com/3-mental-health-benefits-of-pets-by-14-famous-pet-lovers/
Lila Wellman says
My dog is turning one soon, and I plan to make it a fabulous day for her!
Concerned says
Hey so I realize this article is a few years old but dogs actually can’t have almonds; seeing a recipe for a cake that’s literally made of almond flour (powdered almonds) is really concerning to me. Dogs cannot digest almonds. It can lead to blockages, pancreatitis, and all sorts of gastrointestinal distress.
Ava foley says
my dog #Cyndi lauper the dog is turning 1 and she is having a party with her litter mates at unleashed dog daycare and wellness center south durango street
talani says
that is so cool i have to check that place out!
M says
Hi so today is my dogs birthday and these are very good ideas
Dapper Tail Wag Shop says
I think these are all awesome ideas, especially making a dog birthday cake. My idea is that on a dog’s birthday, they should eat what they want whatever it is. I like to get my puppy a nice steak for his birthday.