1. What to buy a birthday dog
2. Make a dog-safe birthday cake
3. Plan a surprise trip
4. How do I pamper my dog?
5. What should I do for my dog’s birthday?

FIVE TOP TIPS FOR A PAW-SOME BIRTHDAY

Celebrate good times, come on!

As a pet parent, celebrating your furry friend’s big day can feel just as important as for any other member of the family. Maybe even more so. There are lots of ways to throw your dog a paw-some birthday bash, whether you have a tiny pup or an OAP (old-age pooch), an absolute diva or a no-nonsense, down-to-earth dog. We’ve got the dog birthday tips covered to celebrate your canine companion.

1. What to buy a birthday dog

Our dogs are pretty simple, aren’t they? Lots of love, long walks and lazing around are usually enough to keep them happy. So it’s not difficult to spoil your four-legged friend without breaking the bank or going crazy.

So what can you buy a birthday dog? There’s plenty of choice, even for the most pernickety of pooches. Jazz up your dog’s wardrobe with a new collar, or buy another squeaky toy to keep them happy and active… and maybe some ear plugs for you. Or how about just a lovely new chew?

For short-haired mutts, a snug coat and booties are both cute and cosy. For long-haired, a dog bristle brush is a must for those never-ending tangles and knots.

And for seniors or dogs with creaky joints, why not treat them to a comfy orthopaedic dog bed for a super-snuggly surprise? Be warned, you might not get them out it…

2. Make a dog-safe birthday cake

For those who like to go big or go home, you may have set your heart on a cake. But be warned, canine digestive systems work differently to the human version. Foods often included in birthday cake, like dairy, raisins, chocolate, and baking ingredients, like nutmeg and spices, can make your pooch really unwell. Or even worse, they could be poisonous for them.

Other human staples like grapes, avocados, onions, garlic, sweet treats such as ice cream, and seasoning like salt, can also make them poorly. So it’s best to steer clear completely.

By all means, celebrate your pet parenthood with a cake for yourself though. Any excuse, eh.

What type of cake is safe for dogs?

Instead, you could knock up a personalised birthday cake for your birthday dog with ingredients that are safe for your bestie’s belly. You can research plenty of dog-safe birthday cake recipes online that are a doddle to make.

Bear in mind that if you’re introducing brand-new ingredients, like fruit or veg, their digestive system will not have had time to adapt, so it’s best to avoid big quantities of unfamiliar foods. Or just use ingredients from your kitchen cupboards, like their favourite dog food and rewards, and make them into a bone-shaped ‘cake’. Voilà!

3. Plan a surprise trip

Who doesn’t love a surprise? Your dog’s no different. But each knows their own mind.

Some adore the great outdoors, while others prefer their creature comforts. For high-energy dogs, a birthday outing to the beach or the doggy agility centre are sheer hound heaven, or dust off your wellies for a drive to the country. Be prepared for lots of joyous rolling in the mud – it is their birthday after all.

Or you could go low-key and visit places you and your dog know and love. Some one-to-one time with you and their favourite-ever park is always a winner.

4. How do I pamper my dog?

• Make a comfy doggy bed, with a toasty blanket
• A new toy
• Lots of cuddles and belly rubs
• Their favourite foods
• Sprinkler fun – for warmer days

A lovely pamper needn’t cost the earth. Why not give your dog a fresh, warm blanket straight from the tumble dryer for some toasty TLC? Tuck in their favourite toy, or treat them to a new cuddly toy for those doggy duvet snuggles.

Even the most pampered pooches are simple creatures and easily pleased. So lots of cuddles, belly rubs and ‘you-time’ are a treat for them and release the feel-good hormone oxytocin in their brains. And yours, too.

During those warmer months, if they’re a water lover, turn on the sprinkler for some splashy fun when the sun’s out (hosepipe-ban dependent, obviously).

5. What should I do for my dog’s birthday?

If you and your dog are more down-to-earth types, you may want to skip this next part and focus on some one-on-one time at home with their family favourites instead.

Paw-ty in the park!

Why not mark their special day with their very own outdoor festival? They might not appreciate a rock band, but arranging to meet their friends (and yours) in the park, for fun, frolics and even a picnic, will feel like the event of the year for them. It’s a good chance for the humans to swap stories of the highs, lows and laughs of pet parenthood too.

How to throw a dog birthday paw-ty

• A dog-safe birthday cake, avoiding toxic ingredients like dairy, raisins, chocolate, nutmeg and spices
• Dog-friendly treats
• Lots of love and cuddles from their favourite humans
• A birthday portrait

Time to celebrate! You might have a party-loving pooch, or a cool and calm character. Whatever you decide, they’ll lap it up.

Pap that pup!

Whether your dog is a pup or a pensioner why not create a special birthday portrait? You should be able to find a reputable, reliable pet photographer in your area online or through your fellow pet-parent friends. The whole clan can be involved – babies, kids, partner or other pets – getting them all to sit still at the same time, we’ll leave that to you!

Whatever you decide, you won’t regret making some memories with your best friend, whether it’s just some point-and-shoot snaps or going properly professional, to capture the cosy cuddles and the absolute comedy carnage.

Happy birthday, to beloved besties everywhere.