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How to throw a dog birthday party

How to Throw a Dog Birthday Party

Type of party | Preparation | Activities | Gifts and party favors | Birthday cake

Dog birthay party

Whether your puppy is approaching their first birthday or your senior pooch is about to celebrate 10 years of being with you, commemorating their milestone with a party is a fun way to show you care.

Going all out isn't just good for your social media feed. An extravaganza is a great way to bond with your dog and try out some healthy treats and fun activities.

If you’ve never thrown a party for your dog before, not to worry. This guide is for you. We’ll look at how to throw a dog birthday party that is safe, fun and full of festivity.

Choosing the right party for your dog

Before you don your party hat and hang the streamers, you need to determine what type of party is the best fit for your dog.

Ask yourself the following questions as you plan the big day:

Is my dog social? ˇ

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If your dog suffers from social anxiety or reactivity, a party with many other dogs, a new setting or lots of human friends won’t be the right fit. Instead, limit the group to a small number of close dog or human friends who all interact well, or focus on spending quality time with just your dog and immediate family. Also, consider throwing the party at home. If, however, your dog loves hanging out with other pups and humans, limit your guest list to those who share their love for socialization. Ask the other dog parents if they think their pup will enjoy a group event. The goal is to make the day enjoyable for everyone involved.

How old is my dog? ˇ

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If your dog is in or approaching their senior years, they may prefer a calm party at home with slower-paced activities. If you have a puppy, you'll want to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations and appropriately trained for their age before inviting over other well-trained and vaccinated furry guests. Think through what activities would be the best match for your dog's age.

What does my dog enjoy? ˇ

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Different dogs naturally have different energy levels, which might influence what they enjoy doing. For energetic dogs, a day full of activities is a good choice. For a dog who prefers a slower pace, lots of time spent snuggling and a leisurely stroll might be more enjoyable.

What time of year is it? ˇ

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If your dog’s milestone falls during the peak heat of summer or the cold of winter, think through your location and evaluate potential weather conditions. In these scenarios, an indoor party might be best.  Also take fleas and ticks into consideration and remind guests that, for safety reasons, all pets should be on flea and tick prevention.

What are the rules? ˇ

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If you plan to host your pup's party outside your own home, choose a dog-friendly location that will provide a safe and secure environment for everyone in attendance.

Getting prepped for your dog's birthday party

You've reserved your venue or decorated your home or backyard with canine-themed banners, but what else should you do to prepare for a dog party? Check off the following before the guests arrive:

Take your pup to the groomers ˇ

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Grooming will help your dog look their best on their big day (and all those social media posts that will occur). Besides that, grooming is a great way to help ensure that their skin and coat are healthy as you celebrate another year of your dog's life. Nothing says "I love you" like looking out for their health and happiness.

Practice those tricks ˇ

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Try signing up for positive reinforcement dog training if you haven't already. This training can help ensure that your dog is ready for socialization if you plan to invite other guests and can help them remain comfortable and confident during the festivities.

Pick out the perfect outfit ˇ

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If your pup is comfortable with clothes and enjoys getting dressed up, get them a festive birthday outfit. There's no better excuse to pull out the tutu or tux or throw on a personalized birthday bandana. Remember, pet costumes or outfits should be removed as soon as your dog becomes uncomfortable and always before your dog is introduced to other dogs as they can become a hazard during playtime. 

Choosing activities for your dog's birthday party

When choosing activities for your dog's birthday party, focus on safety, your dog’s and their guests’ ages and lifestyle and, as a bonus, activities that can also benefit the canine attendees’ physical, mental and social health. If other dogs and humans will be present, you'll want activities that help them bond with you and their party guests. Also, let the other pups’ parents know what activities you're considering to ensure that everyone's dog is a good fit for the planned group activities and ready for the day.

Fun party activity ideas include the following:

Go swimming ˇ

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Invite guests to your backyard pool or head to a nearby pet-friendly body of water for a swim. Make sure that you pack your dog's swim safety gear and choose a dog-friendly place for your swim. This is the perfect way to celebrate dogs who adore the water. If you are celebrating with your dog one on one (or with only human friends and no other dogs around), set up a "treasure hunt" for toys and treats. This is great for mentally stimulating your pup so as they search for their favorite treats or a new birthday toy.

Take a special walk ˇ

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A walk might not seem like a birthday treat to you, but a slow sniff-walk can be a delight for your pooch. Let their nose lead the way rather than hurrying your pup along your normal route. This can be a wonderful activity for senior pets who might not be up to a rigorous day.

Go on a group hike ˇ

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One of the best ways for your dog and their pup friends to bond is by going on a group outing together. Find a dog-friendly trail and invite your friends. This is also an excellent way to burn off those extra calories from birthday treats.  

Dog birthay party
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Make sure that your dog and any invited pups are appropriately trained, fully vaccinated, and up to date on their flea, tick and heartworm preventives. Ask pet parents to bring their own food, water, bowls and bottles so everyone stays well fed and hydrated. Be sure to rinse pets off once any water play has ended.

Picking gifts and party favors

No party is complete without birthday gifts and party favors for the guests.

There are numerous dog gifts designed specifically for celebrating your pup's birthday.

Try to choose gifts you know your dog will love but will also offer added wellness benefits. If you have a chewer, for example, get them a tough chew toy to help them put their energy to constructive use. Does your dog love to snuggle? Get them a stuffie to keep them company (but be sure you’re around to supervise).

For an extra-special treat, consider a monthly subscription to PupBox. This is a great pick for year-round fun, and your pup will receive a special birthday-themed box on their birthday. For the busy dog parent, a subscription box is a perfect way to ensure that your pup has a steady supply of toys to help keep them active and happy. 

To make the day extra fun for your guests, purchase some clear glass jars and fill them with fun toys, treats and goodies. These jars will add to the festive look of your party and give your guests a great keepsake. To help ensure your party favors are safe for everyone, find out if any of the dogs on your invite list have food sensitivities or allergies and make sure toys are appropriate for each dog’s breed size

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Hats & outfits

Gifts

Cakes & treats

Bonus Tip! Make a healthy, delicious, dog-friendly birthday cake

As pet parents, it can sometimes be tricky determining when your dogs need medical care. Unlike humans, pets aren’t able to simply tell us how they’re feeling. They are also very good at masking their pain. You must be diligent and monitor their actions—which can prove no easy feat for busy pet parents. 

Identifying the need for treatment can be even more complicated when it comes to ailments like eye infections. Dogs’ eyes are very sensitive. A small amount of eye discharge can be common for many canines and may not indicate an infection. Some common causes for your dog’s eye discharge include the following: 

  • Dry eye 

  • Allergies 

  • Dust or debris 

  • Inflammation 

Consult your vet to determine if your dog needs treatment for their eye discharge. Your vet may prescribe drops to help alleviate these symptoms. However, the symptoms may persist—just like in humans. It is also important to know whether these symptoms are due to dog eye allergies vs. an infection. Read on to find out more about common discharge and dog eye infections.  

How can I tell if my dog’s eye discharge is normal?  

It can be normal for your dog to have a little bit of eye discharge—especially after sleeping. Humans also commonly experience mucus buildup after waking. The difference is dogs can’t simply grab a moist tissue and wipe it away. Normal eye discharge usually appears in small amounts as a crusty buildup in the corners. 

Some breeds are more prone to dog eye discharge than others. Canines like Chihuahuas, Pugs and Boston Terriers have eyes that protrude prominently, which may lead to more tearing and tear staining than other dogs. It’s important to monitor them closely and consult your vet if there are changes in the amount, consistency, or color of your dog’s eye discharge. 

What causes my dog to get an eye infection?  

Several factors can cause an eye infection, including the following: 

  • Viruses 

  • Bacteria 

  • A foreign body in the eye 

  • Fungi 

  • Trauma to eye 

  • Allergens 

  • Secondary to glaucoma or dry eye

Different causes of a dog eye infection can require varying solutions. It is important to visit your veterinarian to find the root issue. 

How can I tell if my dog has an eye infection? 

If you notice any change to your pup’s eyes, seek medical attention— eye infections can worsen rapidly. Some common dog eye infection symptoms are: 

  • More discharge than normal 

  • The discharge is yellow-green or pus-like in color 

  • Their eyes are red and swollen 

  • Their eyes are crusted over 

  • Your pet is pawing or rubbing their eyes and won’t open them 

  • Watery discharge and tearing  

  • Sensitivity to light 

  • Painful or head shy

Is my dog’s eye infection contagious? 

It can be, depending on the underlying cause. If the eye infection is caused by a foreign body, trauma, or allergies, it’s not contagious. However, if it is caused by a virus or bacteria, the discharge from your dog’s eye infection makes it possible to pass it to another pet—or even a human. Conjunctivitis—also known as pink eye—can be passed from dogs to humans and vice versa in very rare cases.  

If one of your pets has an eye infection, separate them from other pets until they’re better. They shouldn’t share bowls, chew toys or bedding until the dog’s eye infection treatment has cleared symptoms. It’s also recommended to regularly clean your dog’s bowls, bedding and toys using hot water to kill germs.  

Will my dog’s eye infection go away on its own? 

It’s not likely. It’s never a good idea to wait to seek treatment, particularly for eye issues. Eye infections can be very uncomfortable and consulting your vet in the early stage of a dog eye infection can help bring your pet relief. Serious complications can develop if you wait too long to seek treatment, including eye rupture and risk of blindness. 

Is my dog’s eye infection an emergency?  

It can be an emergency in some cases. It’s always best to consult your vet as soon as possible regarding an infection. Delaying treatment can cause the condition to worsen, which could lead to the need for surgery or possible blindness. 

How can I treat my dog’s eye infection? 

Seek veterinary care. If your dog doesn’t have a primary vet, Petco has veterinary services in store. Simply book an appointment at your closest neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center. 

Your vet will examine your dog to determine the appropriate course of treatment. If your dog’s symptoms are caused by dry eye or something other than bacteria or a virus, they may recommend warm compresses, over-the-counter ointments, or washes for the eyes. Our dog ear and eye care section may have just what you need.   

If your dog’s ailment is bacterial, your vet may prescribe antibiotics for dog eye infections. You can have them call in refills to our pharmacy to get them shipped conveniently to your door.  

If your dog finishes the whole round of antibiotics and the symptoms haven’t cleared, make sure you follow up with your vet. Avoid any home remedies—canine eyes are very sensitive, and you could risk seriously hurting or causing permanent damage to your dog.  

Throwing a dog party is a wonderful way to celebrate your dog. And with proper planning, it can be a fun, safe and healthy day to remember. 

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