Everyone gets a day. We get cake, ice-cream, and typically a few presents on our day - all because we were born! But what about our pups? Don’t they deserve a bit of a celebration?

Definitely.

Whether you brought your pup home at 10 weeks old, or you adopted a dog with an approximate age/birthdate, your furbaby can still have a fun birthday party!  The beautiful thing is that your pooch will be happy with a trip to the dog park and an extra treat to celebrate, so don’t stress out over a minimal budget. But, if you do want to plan something over the top, go for it!

How to Throw a Dog’s Birthday Bash

The Location

Find a dog-friendly venue if your home is not an option. You can use your local dog park or check with any public park venues nearby. You may have the option of grilling food and setting up doggie pools for the four-legged guests to enjoy. If you have minimal guests attending, consider reserving a few tables at your favorite pet-friendly bar, cafe, or restaurant. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to stay happy, though!

The Party Guests

Email out your invitations or create an event on social media to get a headcount for the party. You know your dog - if he is a social butterfly, invite all of his friends (and yours), but if he’s reserved, keep the guest list to a minimum.

The Decorations

Create a theme and work around it with your decor. Toddlers aren’t the only ones who have Pinterest-Worthy Parties! Throw a costume party or a Furry and Fabulous event. The sky is the limit, and you are definitely not limited to dog-covered tablecloths.

The Treats

Homemade or from a dog bakery? The choice is yours, but one thing is for sure, you need treats! Consider the time of year and location (and theme!) of your dog’s party. If it’s summer, you’ll want treats to cool the pups off. If it’s fall, warm baked goods may be in order. Don’t forget your two-legged guests, too! They will also need to be fed - and most would probably enjoy an adult beverage.

Before the Party

Make sure that you prepare your dog for the big party. You don’t want to give him multiple treats beforehand, as his stomach may not be used to the amount of ‘fun’ he’ll be handed in one day. You should also take him for a long run or walk prior to guests arriving. An exercised dog tends to be a more well-behaved and happier dog, so don’t skip the extra play time.