9 Fun ways to celebrate your pet’s birthday
Birthdays can be so much fun! Celebrating with family and friends, delicious food, party games and if you are lucky some special gifts and pampering. As humans we celebrate these milestones each year. Do you celebrate your pet’s birthday? We have some creative ideas to ensure they don’t miss out on all the fun!
If you don’t know your pets birth date, simply celebrate the day you brought them home or the first day you met. Pets don’t mind, they just love the special attention!
1. Buy them a special present
We love to spoil our pets and what better excuse than their birthday to buy them a special present. For dogs, a new ball, chew toy, teddy or comfortable bedding to snuggle up to. For cats, a new scratching post, tower, toy to chase or sleeping box.
Pocket pets will always love a new chew toy, a homemade cardboard castle to play in, a burrow to hide and sleep in or ball to play with. For birds, a new ladder, swing, nest box or exercise toy to add entertainment to their cage. There are lots of puzzle toys designed for different pets too.
2. Buy or bake them a birthday cake
There are plenty of recipes on-line for pet friendly cakes if baking is your thing. You can also purchase dog friendly cake mixes and special bone shaped baking tins on-line. There are some speciality bakeries out there that offer canine friendly cake options and treats too.
A simple way to make a cake is by stacking together some of your pet’s favourite treats or some new toys. Frozen dog treats are another great option, especially in the warmer months. Check out of blog post for recipes.
3. Pamper them on their birthday
We all love a bit of pampering. You can pamper your dog from home by giving them a wash, dry and brush. Cats and pocket pets will enjoy a brush and cuddle. Or leave it to the experts and book an appointment with a professional groomer to give your pet a full pampering session. They can get a haircut at the same time. There is no doubt their pampering session will end with lots of bonus cuddles and pats from the family when they finish looking great and smelling fresh.
4. Play games with them
Our pets are happiest when they get some special time with their cherished family members. Playing a few games with them is the perfect way to celebrate their birthday. A simple game of fetch, hide and seek or tug-a-war can be fun for dogs. For tennis ball lovers, empty out a giant bag of tennis balls and watch them delight in running around after them. Most dogs also love water, so if it’s a hot day having a plastic pool filled with water can add entertainment for your hot pup.
Cats love batting around empty toilet rolls, chasing a piece of moving string or running after a torch light. Bubbles can be fun to pop and chase too. For pocket pets, just lying on the ground and letting them sniff and explore around you can be fun. Set up an obstacle course with some hidden treats or teach them a game of bowling by setting up some bowling pins and watch them nose-bonk them down.
No pet is too old to be taught some new tricks. Even cats can be taught to fetch, sit and high five. Pocket pets can be taught their name, to turn in circles, stand and jump through hoops. Your pet will love the extra attention! Remember to have fun, keep training sessions brief and reward them for their efforts.
5. Take your dog on an adventure
Every dog loves their daily walk. Why not take them somewhere special on their birthday? Explore a new walking track, dog friendly park or beach. Give them plenty of time to sniff around, explore and enjoy the fresh air. Don’t forget to bring along some water, poop bags and maybe a ball or frisbee to fetch along the way.
6. Donate to a good cause
You can make a donation to your local charity in your pet’s name. It’s one way to be thankful for your pet’s health and happiness. Donating to a pet related charity can help less fortunate pets improve their lives. It’s a great way to honour your pets birthday in the name of others in need.
7. Have their portrait taken
There are plenty of pet photographers that can take a photo of your furry pal. Photos can be taken in a studio setting, outdoors or some will even come to your home. You can also arrange to have a portrait hand painted or drawn of your pet. Your pet’s portrait could be all about them or include human family members too. Whichever portrait type you choose, it will be cherished forever.
8. Set up a playdate
Does your pet have a few pals that they enjoy running around and playing with? They may have developed friendships during obedience classes, down at the local park or from friends and family members with pets. You could arrange a special playdate at home, your local park or somewhere special that your pet likes to go to.
9. Host a birthday party
Birthday parties aren’t just for humans. If your pet is outgoing and friendly and likes the company of others, a birthday party can be a great way to celebrate their special milestone.
If your pet prefers the company of humans, you may be best to have a people only party, with a few close family members and friends. This way they will be the centre attention and get all the pats, cuddles and treats that their heart desires. If your pet has a few close furry pals, you could invite them over for a small party. Its best to keep it a tight group and make sure owners know they need to stick around for supervision. Don’t invite pets they have never met as this could ruin the day if they don’t get along.
You can serve a pet friendly cake, treats, play some games and even give out goodie bags filled with treats, toys and a thank you note. If you are going to be hosting a party outdoors, make sure there is plenty of shade and water to keep everyone cool and hydrated. Both pets and kids need constant supervision to keep everyone safe.
Once the party is over, make sure your special birthday star has a chance to relax and wind down in a soft comfortable bed. You might need to do the same! Consider reducing their evening meal to account for all their special treats at the party.
Your pet’s birthday is the perfect excuse to spoil your special furry family member. It can be as simple as extra attention and cuddles to a special gift, portrait or party. Whatever you decide, you know your pet will love it!