My dog recently celebrated his birthday.
I was actually surprised to learn how many dog owners celebrate the birthdays of their beloved pets by throwing Dog Birthday Parties and serving Dog Birthday Cakes.
Here are the fun facts…
Plus all the details for you to have your very own Dog Birthday Party!
Happy Birthday, Destin!
Yesterday was Destin‘s 3rd birthday. (Which, by the way, happened to be same day that Tenor finally wrapped up his last round of puppy vaccinations at 5 months of age.)
This got me wondering:
How many dog owners actually celebrate their dog’s birthday?
Here’s what I found…
Who Celebrates A Dog’s Birthday?
> According to a Psychology Today, 56% of of dog owners say that they celebrate their dog’s birthday.
> According to a National Pet Owner Survey of 1,019 pet owners, 50% actually celebrate their pet’s birthday, while 79% give their pets holiday or birthday presents. Common gifts: “a play toy” or “snacks”, followed by “clothing”.
> According to an American Pet Association Poll of 17,121 pet owners, dog owners celebrate their dogs’ birthdays in the following ways (in this order):
- Give dog a special treat
- Make dog a special meal
- Give dog a cake
- Give dog a new toy
- Give dog ice cream
- Give dog a new bone
- Sing or wish dog happy birthday
- Give dog a party with other dogs or pets
- Take dog to favorite place
- Take photographs
Check out The Ultimate Guide To Throwing A Dog Birthday Party. They cover everything here… from who to invite… to party locations… to foods to serve… to specific activities all dogs will enjoy!
Here are even more novel games, activities, decorations, and fun tips for planning Dog Birthdays & Parties.
Dog Birthday Party Supplies
Thinking of going the “party” route with your dog?
Here are some excellent resources for Dog Birthday Party supplies:
- Build-Your-Own Dog Gift Basket
- Party City’s Party Pups Section
- Dog Birthday Supplies On Amazon
- Etsy’s Unique Dog Birthday Party Items
Don’t worry if you want to throw a party, but you’re fretting over things like: who would actually come (and who wouldn’t), who would get along (and who wouldn’t), and which activities the dogs would actually enjoy (and which ones would be duds).
You could always throw an online dog birthday party instead! Yep, Internet-savvy dogs will paws-itively enjoy interacting with fellow canines and sharing bow-wow’s online.
How? Just create a Facebook group celebrating your dog’s birthday!
All The Birthday Trimmings For Dogs
Of course, you’ll want to serve up some one-of-a-kind doggie treats on your pet’s special day.
Check out these dog birthday cakes you can special order — or make yourself! (Then again, you could always just stick a candle in your favorite dog-friendly food and call it a Birthday Cake!)
These dog gift bags, wrapping paper, and curling ribbon supplies are just what the doggie ordered — each stamped with paw prints, in honor of the occasion.
…And don’t forget the card!
These edible dog greeting cards will be appreciated by your canine friend — if not for the sentiment, then for the flavor!
Dog Birthday Bandanas
Are dog birthday hats not going to work for your dog?
Consider a dog birthday bandana instead!
Since dogs are used to having things around their necks (like dog collars), dog bandanas are typically worn with ease as well:
I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn’t think of.
I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I’ve been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube).
My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what’s ‘normal’ and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year!
When I’m not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! Many of them have upwards of 200K shares.
