While most pet parents are probably guilty of spoiling their pup on a daily basis, your dog’s birthday is a reason to go above and beyond the usual treat! Throwing a dog birthday party can be a fun way to celebrate the doggo in your life and their companionship. When it comes to organizing the birthday bash we have you covered. In this article, we’ll tell you how to plan your dog’s birthday party and break it down into 7 easy to follow steps.
Plus, a sure-fire way to remember your pet’s birthday is to plan a party! Pet parties have grown in popularity over the years, so you won’t get nearly as many funny looks today as you would have in the 80's.
The Basics of Throwing a Doggie Birthday Party
Step 1: Make the guest list
This is one time you definitely want an A-list of guests. Invite only pooches you know to be good with other dogs and strangers. And consider the time of year. If you have a large yard for a July party, invite the neighborhood. If you have a small living room for a December party, trim the guest list to a best bud or two. And unless you want to dog-sit and poop-scoop by yourself all afternoon, make sure the pet parents know they’re invited (expected) to stay for the fun.
Step 2: Safety counts
Doggy-proof all areas of your home. Don’t leave shoes, food, or other temptations around, and make sure your fenced yard doesn’t have any loose or missing boards. Close doors to off-limit rooms, and if you have young children, make other arrangements for them during the party. Even if they’re used to being around dogs, not all dogs will know how to play with small children.
Step 3: Prep for playtime
Dogs don’t need much help playing! Have plenty of Frisbee's and other fetch toys on hand, so there’s no squabbling, and everyone gets lots of turns. Keep large bowls of freshwater available for re-hydration.
Step 4: Plan the menu
If you want to offer a doggy birthday cake, make sure it’s specifically made for dogs and comes from a reputable pet food bakery. Or, you may want to skip it, considering how sensitive some dogs’ digestive systems can be. In that case, offer a little pouch of kibble or a simple treat or toy for each pup to take home. Treat your human guests to light hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Step 5: Know What to Skip
For many, our pets are our children, and we want to treat them accordingly. But party goods like plastic favors and candles have no place at a dog’s party. The favors aren’t designed to withstand doggy chewing, and we’ve heard of pets singeing their whiskers (or swallowing lit candles altogether) when they get too close to decorated treats.
Step 6: Take Great Photos
Dog eyes can appear white, gray, and even aqua in photos taken with a flash. Your computer’s red-eye removal tool can’t help since it’s only designed to remove the red. To get great photos, turn your camera flash off and make sure there’s plenty of natural light in front of your pet. Then you can capture her beautiful face the way it looks in real life.
Step 7: Give a Gift
Top off your pup’s big day with the gift of dog insurance from the best pet insurance company, if he doesn’t already have it. While it can’t be wrapped, you could always print “pet insurance” on a slip of paper and wrap it up with a rawhide or another treat – we’re sure he’ll tear right into it.