February has a few special occasions for our canine friends, including Doggy Date Night. Doggy date night is one of the more lighthearted pet holidays on the calendar. We’re pretty sure that our furry pals would be more than happy to celebrate. Actually, if it were up to Fido, every day would be Doggy Date Night. Your pup really wants to spend as much time with you as possible. After all, you’re the center of his world. It’s important to carve out quality time with your canine buddy regularly. Check out these great ways to get that cute tail wagging from a local Dahlonega, GA vet.
Doggy Date Night: What Is It?
Our canine companions are also incredibly loyal: they not only go above and beyond for us, but have even put their lives on the line for us. They don’t ask for much in return, either, apart from food, walks, and a comfortable home. Fido really craves time with you. By all means, indulge him! It’s actually very important to spend time with your dog regularly. As it turns out, hanging out with Fido is good for you, too. Dogs aren’t just good for our spirits, they’re also good for our bodies. Studies show that dogs help keep us fit, reduce stroke and heart attack risk, and even lower our blood pressure.
Doggy Date Night: What Should I Do?
Doggy dates don’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. What matters is that Fido feels loved and secure. Of course, the ideal date will vary, depending on your dog’s size, health, and personality. For example, a Golden Retriever might love hiking, but a Chihuahua would tire out very quickly on the trail. Ask your Dahlonega, GA veterinarian what is and isn’t appropriate for your furry pal.
That said, here are some great options from a veterinarian:
Beauty Session
Fido may not think of going to the salon as relaxing, but he will definitely appreciate feeling clean and refreshed afterwards. Don’t forget the pawdicure! You can keep those paw pads protected with a good paw balm or wax. Nail trims are very important as well: overgrown claws can cause all sorts of problems.
Adventures
Many of our canine pals absolutely love exploring new places. Try out a new park or trail you haven’t been to yet. There are plenty of great places near Dahlonega, GA!
Puppy Party
Consider arranging a group playdate for Fido and his pals. Dogs are very social and benefit greatly from spending time with their buddies. This is especially beneficial for puppies, as it can help with socialization.
Doggy Photo Session
Man’s Best Friend is very photogenic. You can just never have too many cute photos of your furry pal. Snap some cute shots of your furry friend.
Night At The Movies
Many dogs love to snuggle with their humans during TV time. This is the perfect time to watch a movie about Man’s Best Buddy. There are dozens of great ones to pick from, including A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs. You also can’t go wrong with animated classics, like 101 Dalmatians. If you’re looking for a tearjerker, you can try Old Yeller or The Fox And The Hound. Be sure to have plenty of tissues.
Take Fido To A Local Pet Store
Many pet stores now welcome canine customers. It’s always cute seeing Fido picking out his own toy in the pet store. This is a great way to brighten up your pet’s day. It’s also good for him overall. Dogs need toys for entertainment, comfort, and chewing. Of course, this is only a good option for pups that are polite and well-behaved in public.
Treasure Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to provide enrichment. Fido’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. Hide some treats and snacks for him to find. Just remember to pick them up afterwards.
Training
Has your canine pal finished his petucation? Start with the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Once your pet has mastered these, teach him some fun tricks. Many dogs enjoy learning. They also look adorably proud of themselves when they are getting praised for obeying. Be sure to give him a special toy or treat after the lesson.
Special Dinner
You can’t celebrate a pet holiday without a special treat. If you like cooking, why not make your own? Look online for recipes. Just make sure to stick with safe treats for your four-legged buddy.
Game Night
We love Fido’s playful nature. Play a fun game with him, such as Hide-and-seek. You can also make Three Cups dog-friendly.
Take Fido To A Drive In
Drive-ins may never return to the popularity they had in the 50’s, but they are making a comeback. Many are showing fun classic films. This can be a great way to spend some time with Fido. However, this is only an option if your vehicle is comfortable enough for Fido to relax in for a few hours. Be sure to pick up after your furry buddy if you walk him during intermission.
Tips From Your Dahlonega, GA Veterinarian: Choosing Doggy Date Night Activities
These are just a few options. You can also opt for double dates, group dates, or even take Fido along on a date of your own … assuming, of course, you’re going somewhere dog-friendly.
The suggestions above aren’t meant as a one-size-fits-all guide. It’s important to consider what is suitable for Fido, and also to go by what your pet enjoys. Safety first! If your dog is fearful, reactive, and/or aggressive, then we wouldn’t recommend taking him to a pet store or park.
Dogs Without Dates
It is also a great time to consider the pups that are up for adoption, and waiting for that special someone who will indulge them, love them, and enjoy Doggy Date Nights with them. Are you considering adopting a dog? Selecting the right dog is similar to choosing a romantic partner: it’s all about finding the right fit!
We would recommend researching breeds before adopting a dog.
You may want to consider these factors:
- Potential Health Issues
- Trainability
- Ability to get along with other pets
- Noise Levels
- Exercise Needs
- Size
- Grooming Needs
- Intelligence
- Character
- Child-friendliness
Of course, we can’t forget about mutts. Mixed breeds are often the best of both worlds. They also make up the greatest percentage of dogs in shelters. If you’re looking to adopt a shelter dog, but are interested in a specific breed, look for rescues that work with that breed. It’s also important to listen to your heart. You may think you want a Golden Retriever, but end up finding the perfect match with a Shiba Inu.
Be sure you are ready, willing, and able to care for Fido for the rest of his life. Ask your veterinarian for advice, too. We’re happy to help!
In conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun reminder about the importance of spending quality time with your canine companion. There are a variety of things you can do with your dog. The important part is to carve out that time with your furry best friend regularly.
Have you recently adopted a dog? Is your canine pal overdue for an appointment? Contact us, your local Dahlonega, GA pet hospital, if you have questions about your dog’s health.
