Do you know when your dog’s birthday is? If you adopted your pooch from a breeder, or perhaps from a friend or local who had puppies, you may know the exact date of your pet’s birth. If you got your canine pal from a shelter, you may want to mark your calendars for August 1st: that is DOGust, the official shelter dog birthday. That’s when all of the rescued pups have their special days! No matter when you put that pawprint on the calendar, there are some really cute and fun things you can do to get that tail going. Read on for some great doggy birthday ideas from a local Dawsonville, GA vet.
What Sort Of Toys Do I Get My Dog For His Birthday?
If you were to ask Fido what he wanted, chances are, toys would be at the top of the list. Man’s Best Friend still enjoys classic simple toys, like rope pulls and plushies, but there are lots of new options out there as well.
Here’s a list of suggestions:
Automated Ball Launcher: Does your canine pal love chasing tennis balls? Fido can amuse himself to no end with these devices. You’ll also get entertainment out of it, as it’s super cute to watch pets playing with these. Just be sure to get the right size. Big dogs can choke on balls meant for smaller pooches.
Snuffle Mats: These are a good choice for many pooches, as they provide entertainment, stimulation, and snacks! Just opt for sturdy ones.
Chew Toys: Did you know that chewing is actually healthy for Fido? It helps keep his muscles strong, scrapes plaque and tartar off his teeth, and also stimulates the flow of saliva. For puppies, this also eases the pain of teething. The key is to get safe, suitable toys. Rawhide, for instance, can be dangerous for some dogs, as it can break into small pieces that then become choking hazards. You’ll want to check with your vet on this.
Puzzle Toys: You can also get toys where Fido has to pull his prize out of a hole. There are some really cute variations on this! Your pup can get donuts out of a box, pull chipmunks out of a log, or get aliens from a spaceship.
Stuffies: Many of our canine buddies love stuffed animals! However, there are a few caveats here. Some pups get a bit too enthusiastic about these, and will rip the stuffing and squeaker out and try to eat them. Needless to say, these materials are not things you want your canine pal swallowing. Get durable toys, and keep an eye on Fido when he is using them.
Smart Toys: Fido hasn’t been left behind as technology has boomed in the last several years. You can get balls that respond to his movements, or laser pointers that activate at certain times.
Fun Fountain: Do you have a yard for your canine pal to play in? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to cool off with on those scorching-hot summer days.
GPS Tags: Fido may not be too excited about this one, but we are. These are another great tool for helping keep tabs on your canine pal. This is a great thing for people with pups who are prone to escape attempts. You’ll want to do some research before purchasing these. There are several types available, but they vary a bit on things like battery life, range, technology used, and, of course, fees. You can also use Air Tags or something similar.
Paw Buttons: You may have seen these online. This is definitely an unexpected development in the ever-growing numbers of dog products. Basically, these are pads that you program with specific words, such as ‘Walk’ or ‘Treat’ or ‘Toy.’ You’ll then teach Fido to step on the pad to communicate. Some pooches actually pick this up remarkably well! Of course, results may vary.
New Bed: Has Fido’s current doggy bed been worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is a great time for a new one!
Pupscription Boxes: This is a great option for pooches that go through toys faster than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will get his own box of goodies in the mail.
How Old Is My Dog?
This is one that often confuses people. Many people think that one year of Fido’s life is roughly equivalent to seven human years. This may have started from people comparing the average human lifespan (70) to that of a pup (10.) That actually isn’t the case, though.
Here’s a general rule of thumb:
- Fido’s first year is about equivalent to 15 human years.
- That second year is about equal to 9 human years, bringing your pooch to a comparable age of about 34.
- At age three and up, every year for Fido is about five human years.
However, it’s also more complicated than that. Big dogs age more quickly than small ones do. A Saint Bernard may technically be a senior at just eight, while a Pomeranian may not hit their golden years until ten!
The AKC has a good guide on this posted on their website here. That aid, you’ll always want to check back with your Dawsonville, GA vet about your pup’s aging timeline.
How Do I Celebrate My Dog’s Birthday?
Dogs all have their own tastes, like people. You’ll want to pick something your pup will enjoy. Of course, all dogs will appreciate having some extra snuggles and playtime with their humans. There really are no rules here: you can keep it simple, and just give your pup a new toy or a special treat. Or, you can go all out and plan a full party.
Here are a few of the ‘pawsible’ options:
Go For A Hike: Try using a trail finder app to find a new spot for you and Fido to explore. Just put your pet’s safety first!
Head To The Park: Does your canine companion enjoy going to the dog park? Indulge your pooch with a fun afternoon of hanging out with his friends. This can also be a fun way for you to meet up with some of your friends.
Dinner: Lots of restaurants and delis are dog-friendly. There are even places that cater to Fido! Find a fun local spot and treat your pooch to a special dinner.
Drive-Thru: You don’t have to eat in with your canine buddy. You can always zip Fido through a drive-through. Lots of places have special secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for instance, has a puppuccino.
Shopping: Is your canine pal well-behaved in public? Take him to a toy store and let him pick out his own toy. It can be super cute seeing how happy and proud your pet is as he’s carrying his new toy.
Keep in mind that these activities are not going to be right for every dog. If your canine pal is fearful or aggressive, this may not be a good idea. Dogs with compromised immune systems also may not be good candidates for playdates. Ask your Dawsonville, GA vet for more information.
Make An Appointment At Our Dawsonville, GA Veterinary Hospital
Does your furry pal need to come in for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. As your Dawsonville, GA pet hospital, we are always here to help!
