Do you know when your dog’s birthday is? If you got your dog from a breeder or from a friend or neighbor who had pups, you might know the precise date your pet was born. If you adopted your dog from a shelter, you can celebrate Fido’s special day on August 1st, which is DOGust, the official shelter dog birthday. That’s when all of the rescued puppies celebrate their big day! No matter when you make your pawprint on the calendar, there are some really charming and entertaining things you can do to keep that tail moving. Read on for some wonderful doggy birthday ideas from a local Bel Air, MD veterinarian.
What Kind Of Toys Should I Get Fido For His Birthday?
If you asked Fido what he wanted, toys would likely be at the top of the list. Man’s Best Friend still appreciates basic simple toys like rope pulls and plushies, but there are many innovative options available as well.
Here is a collection of suggestions.
Snuffle Mats: These are a great option for many dogs since they give amusement, stimulus, and treats! Just choose strong ones.
Chew Toys: Did you realize that chewing is actually good for Fido? It strengthens his muscles, removes plaque and tartar from his teeth, and increases the flow of saliva. For puppies, this also relieves the pain of teething. The trick is to get safe, appropriate toys. Rawhide, for example, might be problematic for some dogs because it can shatter into little pieces, posing choking concerns. Check with your Bel Air, MD veterinarian on this.
Automated Ball Launcher: Does your canine companion enjoy chasing tennis balls? With these devices, Fido may keep himself entertained for hours. You’ll also be entertained by watching pets play with these. As you can probably guess, this is super cute. Just be sure to get the correct size. Big dogs can choke on balls intended for smaller dogs.
Puzzle Toys: You may also acquire toys that call for Fido to retrieve his prize out of a hole. There are some very cute versions of this! Your dog can retrieve donuts from a box, chipmunks from a log, and aliens from a spaceship.
Stuffies: Many of our canine companions enjoy stuffed animals! However, there are a few caveats. Some puppies become very passionate about these, ripping the stuffing and squeaker out and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, you don’t want your dog to swallow this stuff. Get durable toys and keep an eye on Fido while he plays with them.
Smart Toys: As technology has advanced in recent years, Fido has kept up. You can acquire balls that react to his movements or laser pointers that trigger at specific periods.
Fun Fountain: Do you have a yard for your dog to play in? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to keep him cool on hot summer days.
GPS Tags: Fido may not be thrilled with this one, but we are. These are another excellent tool for keeping tabs on your canine companion. This is ideal for folks who have dogs who are prone to escaping. You’ll want to do some study before buying these. There are various options available, but they differ slightly in terms of battery life, range, technology employed, and, of course, cost. You may also use Air Tags or anything similar.
Paw Buttons: You may have seen them online. This is certainly an unexpected discovery in the ever-increasing range of dog goods. Essentially, they are pads that you may program with certain words like ‘Walk,’ ‘Treat,’ or ‘Toy.’ You will then teach Fido how to communicate by stepping on the pad. Some dogs actually pick this up quite well! Of course, the results may differ.
New Bed: Is Fido’s present dog bed worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is an excellent opportunity for a new one!
Pupscription Boxes: This is an excellent choice for dogs who go through toys quicker than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will receive his own box of treats in the mail.
How Old is My Dog?
This is one that frequently puzzles people. Many people believe that one year of Fido’s life is about equal to seven human years. This may have arisen when people compared the average human lifetime (70) to that of a pup (10). However, that is not the case. Fido’s first year is roughly similar to fifteen human years. That second year is about equivalent to nine human years, bringing your dog to a similar age of around 34.
After that, Fido’s annual age, in comparison to human years, will range from three to five human years annually.
There are things to keep in mind, though. Big dogs mature faster than little dogs do. A Great Dane can officially be a senior at the age of eight, however a Yorkie may not reach their golden years until they are ten!
The AKC has a solid guide on this available on their website here. That said, you should always ask your veterinarian about your dog’s aging timeline.
How Can I Celebrate My Dog’s Birthday?
Dogs, like humans, all have their own individual tastes. Just choose something your puppy will enjoy. There are no limits here; you can keep it simple and give your dog a new toy or special treat. Alternatively, you can go all out and have a complete party.
Here are some of the ‘pawsible’ alternatives.
Go for a Hike: Try using a trail finder app to discover a new location for you and Fido to explore. Simply put your pet’s safety first!
Take The Pup to the Park: Does your dog love going to the dog park? Spend an enjoyable time with your dog and his companions. This might also be a pleasant opportunity for you to get together with some of your friends.
Special Dinner: There are many dog-friendly eateries and delis. There are even dog-friendly establishments! Find a nice neighborhood eatery and treat your dog to a special dinner. Or, you can just treat your furry pal to something special at home.
Drive-Thru: You don’t have to eat inside with your canine companion. You can always take Fido through the drive-thru. Many restaurants have special secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, offers a puppuccino.
Shopping: Is your canine pal well-behaved in public? Take him to the toy store and let him choose his own plaything. You’re bound to be charmed by how happy and proud your pet is when carrying his new toy.
Doggy Playdate: You can also throw your pooch a birthday party. Invite some friends with well-behaved pooches over for a potluck/grill out. Offer your furry guests lots of toys and treats. Of course, that option won’t be appropriate for all dogs. If your dog is afraid or aggressive, this might not be a smart choice. Dogs with impaired immune systems may also not be well-suited for playdates. Contact your Bel Air, MD veterinarian for further information.
Of course, all dogs will welcome having more snuggles and playtime with their owners. No matter what you do, be sure to pay Fido some extra attention!
Book An Appointment At Our Bel Air, MD Veterinary Hospital
Is your pet due for an exam, vaccines, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Bel Air, MD pet hospital, we are always available to assist!
