Celebrating Your Canine Buddy’s Birthday

Do you know when your canine companion’s birthday is? If you got your canine friend from a breeder or from a friend or neighbor who had pups, you might know the precise date your pet was born. If you adopted your pooch from a shelter, mark your calendar for August 1st, which is DOGust, the official shelter dog birthday. That’s when all of the rescued puppies celebrate their big day! No matter when you make your pawprint on the calendar, there are some really charming and entertaining things you can do to keep that tail moving. Read on for some wonderful doggy birthday ideas from a local Sandstone, MN veterinarian.

What Kind Of Toys Should I Get My Dog For His Birthday?

If you asked Fido what he wanted, toys would likely be at the top of the list. Man’s Best Friend still appreciates basic simple toys like rope pulls and plushies, but there are many innovative options available as well.

Here is a collection of suggestions.

• Chew Toys: Did you realize that chewing is actually good for Fido? It strengthens his muscles, removes plaque and tartar from his teeth, and increases the flow of saliva, which also helps rinse his mouth. For puppies, this also relieves the pain of teething. The trick is to get safe, appropriate toys. Rawhide, for example, might be problematic for some dogs because it can shatter into little pieces, posing choking concerns. You should check with your veterinarian on this.
• Puzzle Toys: You may also acquire toys for Fido that require him to remove his prize from a hole. There are some very cute ones! Your dog can retrieve donuts from a box, chipmunks from a log, burgers and fries from a bag, or aliens from a spaceship.
• Stuffies: Many of our canine companions enjoy stuffed animals! However, there are a few caveats. Some puppies become very passionate about these, ripping the stuffing and squeaker out and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, you don’t want your canine friend to swallow this stuff. Get durable toys and keep an eye on Fido while he plays with them.
• Smart Toys: As technology has advanced in recent years, Fido’s fans in the tech sector have kept up. You can acquire balls that respond to his movements or laser pointers that turn on at specific moments.
• Automated Ball Launcher: Does your canine companion enjoy chasing tennis balls? With these devices, Fido may keep himself entertained for hours. You’ll also be entertained by watching pets play with these, which is incredibly adorable. Just be sure that you get the correct size. Big dogs can choke on balls intended for smaller dogs!
• Snuffle Mats: These are a great option for many dogs since they give amusement, stimulus, and treats! Just choose strong ones.
• Fun Fountain: Do you have a yard for your furry buddy to play in? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to keep him cool on hot summer days.
• New Bed: Is Fido’s present puppy bed worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is an excellent opportunity for a new one!
• Pupscription Boxes: This is an excellent choice for dogs who go through toys quicker than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will be getting his own box of treats in the mail. We probably don’t have to tell you how cute it is to watch him open his gifts.
• GPS Tags: Fido may not be thrilled with this one, but we are. These are another excellent tool for keeping tabs on your canine companion. This is ideal for folks who have dogs who are prone to escaping. You’ll want to do some investigating before buying these. There are various options available, but they differ slightly in terms of battery life, range, technology employed, and, of course, cost. You may also get Air Tags or anything similar.
• Paw Buttons: You may have seen them online. This is certainly an unexpected discovery in the ever-increasing range of dog goods. Essentially, these are touch pads that you may program with certain words like ‘Walk,’ ‘Treat,’ or ‘Toy.’ You will then teach Fido how to communicate his wishes by stepping on the pad. Some dogs actually pick this up quite well! (Of course, your mileage may vary.)

How Old is My Dog?

This is one that frequently puzzles people. Many people believe that one year of Fido’s life is about equal to seven human years. This may have originated when people compared the average human lifetime (70) to that of a pup (10). That actually is not the case.

A pup’s first year is roughly similar to fifteen human years. That second year is about equivalent to nine human years, bringing your pooch to around 34 in human years. Fido’s annual age growth per year ranges from three to five human years. However, it is more complicated than that. Big dogs mature faster than little dogs do. A Saint Bernard can officially be a senior at the age of eight, while a Pomeranian may not reach their golden years until they are ten!

The AKC has a solid guide on this available on their website here. That said, you should always consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s aging timeline.

How Can I Celebrate My Dog’s Birthday?

Dogs, like humans, have individual tastes. You’ll want to choose something your puppy will enjoy. Of course, all dogs will welcome having more snuggles and playtime with their owners. There are no limits here; you can keep it simple and give your dog a new toy or special treat. Alternatively, you can go all out and have a complete party.

Here are some of the ‘pawsible’ alternatives.

Go For A Hike: Try using a trail finder app to discover a new location for you and Fido to explore. Just put your pet’s safety first!

Head to the Park: Does your canine friend love going to the dog park? Spend an enjoyable time with your furry buddy and his companions. This might also be a pleasant opportunity for you to get together with some of your friends.

Dinner: There are many dog-friendly eateries and delis. There are even dog-friendly establishments! Find a nice neighborhood eatery and treat your pooch to a special dinner.

Drive-Thru: You don’t have to eat inside with your canine companion. You can always take Fido through the drive-thru. Many restaurants have special secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, offers a puppuccino.

Shopping: Is your dog well-behaved in public? Take him to the toy store and let him choose his own toy. It might be very lovely to observe how happy and proud your pet is when carrying his new toy.

Puppy Playdates: Many pooches would love the opportunity to run and play with their pals. Just Keep in mind that these activities will not be appropriate for all dogs. If your furry buddy is afraid or aggressive, this might not be a smart choice. Dogs with impaired immune systems may not be suitable for playdates. Contact your Sandstone, MN veterinarian for further information.

Book An Appointment At Our Sandstone, MN Veterinary Hospital

Is your pet due for an exam, vaccines, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Sandstone, MN pet hospital, we are always available to assist!