Do you know when your pooch’s birthday is? If you purchased your four-legged buddy from a breeder or got him from a friend or neighbor whose dog had puppies, you may know the exact day. If you adopted your canine buddy from a shelter, mark your calendars for August 1st, which is DOGust Day, the universal shelter dog celebration. That is when all shelter pets have their special day! No matter when you put your pawprint on the calendar, you can find some charming and entertaining activities to keep your pup’s cute tail wagging. Continue reading for some wonderful doggy birthday ideas from a Roanoke, VA veterinarian.

What Are Some Good Birthday Presents For Dogs?

If you asked your pooch what he wanted, toys would probably be at the top of the list. Man’s Best Friend still enjoys traditional toys like rope pulls and plushies, but there are many innovative new options available as well.

Chew Toys

Chewing is actually helpful to Fido. It strengthens his muscles, removes plaque and tartar from his teeth, and stimulates saliva production. This also alleviates puppies’ teething pain. The trick is to choose toys that are both safe and appropriate. Rawhide, for example, may be harmful to some dogs because it can shatter into little pieces, posing choking/internal injury concerns. Check with your veterinarian about this.

Smart Toys 

As technology has advanced in recent years, Fido’s tech industry friends have assured that his toys have kept up with the times. You can give your canine friend motion-activated smart balls or laser pointers.

Snuffle Mats 

These are a wonderful choice for many dogs since they give entertainment, excitement, and incentives! Choose ones that are durable enough to withstand some chewing.

Fun Fountain

Do you have a yard where your pooch can play? Give your furry friend a kiddie pool or a fountain to keep him cool on hot summer days.

Doghouse

If you have a yard, a doghouse is a must-have! Fido should live indoors, but he will enjoy having his own outdoor space.

Automated Ball Launcher 

Does your furry friend enjoy chasing tennis balls? This may keep your canine pal entertained for hours! Just make sure you purchase the correct size. Big dogs can choke on balls intended for small dogs!

Puzzle Toys 

You may also choose toys that require your pooch to retrieve a prize from a hole. There are several pretty adorable renditions of this! Your furry companion can retrieve donuts from a box, chipmunks from a log, dragons from a volcano, fries from a bag, or aliens from a spacecraft.

Plushies

Stuffed animals are always popular among our canine buddies! However, there are certain restrictions. Some puppies become quite enthusiastic about these, tearing out the stuffing and squeaker and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, you do not want your furry friend to consume these! Purchase long-lasting toys and supervise Fido as he plays with them.

 GPS Tags 

Your canine buddy may not be particularly thrilled about this, but we are. These are another fantastic way to keep an eye on your furry companion. This is ideal for folks who have dogs who frequently escape. You should do a little research before buying these. There are additional possibilities, but they differ slightly in terms of battery life, range, technology employed, and, of course, cost. You can also use air tags or anything similar.

Paw Buttons 

These are essentially pads that can be programmed with terms like ‘Walk’, ‘Treat’, or ‘Toy.’ You’ll then teach Fido how to communicate by standing on the pad. Some dogs can take this up fairly easily! (One puppy had an existential crisis, but that’s another story.)

New Doggy Bed

Is your furry friend’s present dog bed nothing more than a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is an excellent opportunity for a new one! Get your beloved friend a new bed to look cute in as he dreams of bacon and squirrels.

Pupscription Boxes

This is an excellent choice for dogs who go through toys quicker than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will get a box of treats in the mail. As you can probably guess, it’s always cute seeing dogs get excited over their mail! 

How Can I Tell How Old My Dog Is?

This frequently stumps people. Many people believe that a year in Fido’s life is about equal to seven human years. This most likely began with individuals comparing the average human lifespan (70) to that of a puppy (10). However, this is not true.

Fido’s super adorable first year is roughly similar to fifteen human years. That second year is about similar to nine human years, bringing Fido to approximately 24 in human time. Following that, each year Fido’s age falls between three and five human years.

However, this is not a set-in-stone chart. Keep in mind that larger dogs mature faster than smaller ones. A Saint Bernard can reach senior status at the age of eight. However, a Pomeranian may not reach its prime years until the age of ten!

The AKC’s website gives thorough guidance. That being stated, you should always consult your   veterinarian regarding your furry friend’s aging process.

How Do You Celebrate Fido’s Birthday?

Dogs, like humans, have unique preferences. Your primary responsibility here is to just choose something that your furry pal will enjoy! There are no rules here; you can keep it simple by giving your furry pal a new toy or special treat. Alternatively, you can go all out and have a complete party.

Here are some extra ‘pawsible’ options:

Shopping Spree 

How does Fido behave in public? Take him to a toy store and let him choose his own toy. Seeing your pet’s happiness and pride as he carries his new toy would be adorable.

Hiking 

Use a trail-finding app to find a new location for you and Fido to explore. Simply consider your pooch’s safety first! If your canine friend isn’t up for a strenuous hike, try something different.

Puppy Playdates

You might also organize a puppy party and invite Fido’s friends. Just keep in mind that these activities may not be appropriate for all dogs. This may not be the best solution if your pooch is afraid or aggressive around other dogs. Dogs with impaired immune systems may not be suitable for playdates. If you require any additional information, please contact your veterinarian.

Dinner

There are several dog-friendly eateries and delis. Find a quaint neighborhood eatery and give Fido a special meal.

Drive-Thru 

You can always take your pup through the drive-through. Many restaurants have secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, serves puppuccino.

All dogs will have more snuggles and pleasure with their owners. Be sure to spend extra time with your furry best friend. Time spent with dogs is never wasted. And whatever you choose, be sure to take some gorgeous pics of your furry bestie. You can’t have too many lovely pet photos!

Schedule An Appointment With Our Roanoke, VA Veterinarian

Is it time for your pet to get a checkup, get vaccines, or get parasite control? Feel free to contact us at any time. As your Roanoke, VA  pet hospital, we are always here to assist!