Do you know the exact date of your canine buddy’s birthday? If you got Fido from a breeder, or maybe from a friend or neighbor whose pooch had puppies, you might know what day your pet was born. If you adopted your pup from a shelter, set your calendars for August 1st, which is DOGust, the official shelter dog’s birthday. That is when all of the rescued pups celebrate their big day! No matter when you celebrate with your furry pal, there are some pretty cute and fun things you can do to get that tail going. Continue reading for some excellent doggy birthday ideas from a local Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian.
What Are Some Good Gifts For Fido?
If you asked Fido what he wanted, toys would probably be at the top of the list. Man’s Best Friend always appreciates traditional simple toys like rope pulls and plushies. Of course, there are many new options available as well.
Here are some suggestions:
Puzzle Toys: Dogs can also play with puzzle toys where the prize has to be pulled out of a hole. There are some adorable variants on this! your canine buddy can get donuts from a box, dragons from a volcano, or aliens from a spaceship.
Stuffies: Many of our canine friends adore stuffed animals! However, there are a few drawbacks here. Some puppies become extremely enthusiastic about these, ripping out the stuffing and squeaker and attempting to devour them. Needless to say, these are not items you want your pooch to swallow. Get long-lasting toys and keep a watch on Fido while he uses them.
Smart Toys: Fido has not been left behind as technology has advanced in recent years. You can get balls that react to his movements or laser pointers that go off at specific periods.
Fountain: Do you have a yard for Fido to play in? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to help him cool off on those warm summer days. This is also really cute to watch.
Snuffle Mats: These are an excellent choice for many dogs since they give Fido three of his favorite things all at once: amusement, stimulation, and treats!
Chew Toys: Did you realize that chewing is beneficial for Fido? It strengthens his muscles, removes plaque and tartar from his teeth, and increases saliva production. This also helps puppies cope with the pain of teething. The goal is to find safe and appropriate toys. Rawhide, for example, can be problematic for some dogs since it can break into little pieces that might be choking dangers. Check with your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian about this.
Automated Ball Launcher: Does Fido enjoy chasing tennis balls? These ‘pawesome’ devices will keep your pooch entertained for hours. It will also provide entertainment for you: watching your pet play with these is bound to be adorable. Just make sure you purchase the correct size. Big dogs can choke on balls designed for smaller dogs.
GPS Tags: Fido may not be pleased about this one, but we are. These are another excellent tool for keeping track of your dog. This is fantastic for folks who have dogs who are prone to escaping. You should do a little homework before getting these. There are various types available, but they differ slightly in terms of battery life, range, technology employed, and, of course, prices. You might also use Air Tags or a similar product.
Paw Buttons: You might have seen these online. This is a completely unexpected development in the ever-increasing array of dog goods. Essentially, these are pads that you program with certain words like ‘Walk’, ‘Treat’, or ‘Toy.’ You’ll then teach Fido how to communicate by stepping on the pad. Some dogs pick this up remarkably well! Of course, results may vary.
New Bed: Has Fido’s current dog bed worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is an excellent time for a new one!
Pupscription Boxes: This is an excellent alternative for dogs who go through toys faster than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will receive his own box of delights in the mail. And, as you probably guessed, you also get to watch the cuteness as your pooch realizes he has mail.
How Old Is My Dog?
Many people believe that one year in Fido’s life is about equal to seven human years. This could have come about from individuals comparing the average human lifespan (70) to that of a puppy (10). That is not the case, however.
Here are some general rules of thumb:
- Fido’s first year is roughly similar to 15 human years.
- That second year is roughly equivalent to 9 human years, getting your canine buddy to a similar age of around 34 people years.
- Fido lives roughly five human years per year from the age of three onwards.
However, breed also matters. Big dogs age faster than little ones. A Saint Bernard may be a senior at the age of eight, but a Pomeranian may not reach their golden years until the age of ten!
The AKC has a great guide available on their website here. That being said, you should always consult your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian regarding Fido’s aging timeline.
How Do You Celebrate Your Canine Companion’s Birthday?
Dogs, like humans, have individual preferences. You will want to choose something that your dog will enjoy. Of course, all dogs will love additional cuddles and playtime with their humans. Beyond that, well, the options are nearly endless:
Here are some of the ‘pawsible’ choices:
Drive-Thru: You don’t have to dine in with your canine companion. You can always take Fido through a drive-through. Many restaurants have special secret menus for Men’s Best Friends. Starbucks, for instance, offers a puppuccino.
Trip To The Park: Does Fido love going to the dog park? Spend an enjoyable afternoon with your pup’s friends. This might also be a fun opportunity to catch up with some of your pals, too, especially those with pups of their own.
Special Dinner: Many eateries and delis welcome dogs. There are even establishments that cater to Fido! Find a cool location and give your canine companion a special dinner.
Take Fido For A Hike: Use a trail finder app to find a new area for you and Fido to explore. Put your pet’s safety first!
Dog Party: You can also host a puppy party for your furry pal’s friends. Get toys and treats, and let Fido romp and play with his buddies. Keep in mind that these activities will not be suitable for every dog. If your dog is afraid or aggressive, this may not be the best approach. Dogs with impaired immune systems may also be unsuitable for playdates. For further information, ask your veterinarian.
Shopping: Does Fido behave well in public? Take him to a toy store and let him pick his own toy. Seeing your pet proudly holding his new toy can also be super cute.
Make An Appointment At Our Mt. Airy, MD Veterinary Hospital
Is your pet in need of an examination, immunizations, or parasite control? Please reach out to us at any time. As your Mt. Airy, MD pet hospital, we are always ready to assist!
