12 Best Dog Birthday Party Ideas to Celebrate Your Pup's Big Day
It's time to pawty!
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People say that every dog has its day and while they may not technically mean a birthday, it's a special time worth celebrating! After all, if people get to have cool parties, don't our favorite pets deserve them, too? (Um, yes, of course they do.) When it comes to thinking of the best dog birthday party ideas, you don't have to stray too far from the things humans love: Delicious treats, thoughtful presents, and fun activities all will do the trick.
Ree Drummond's dogs certainly aren't strangers to celebrating—her furry friends get plenty of birthday love. "It's nice to have one time of year to celebrate all the dogs," she says. "And dog parties are fun for the whole family!" And guess who agrees? Her daughter, Alex! When her pup George celebrated his first birthday, they had a big backyard bash complete with dog-friendly cake and decorations.
Other dog lovers are right there with the Drummonds: Pet birthday parties are getting more and more popular each year! So if you're ready to give it a go, here are a dozen dog birthday party ideas to get you started―from the doggone cutest decorations to treats pups and people will bark about the fun for years to come! And if you don't know when your dog was actually born, no worries: Just pick a day and remember it next year. 😀
More ways to spoil your furry friend:
- Alex Loves This Fun Splash Pad for Dogs
- This Dog Treat Maker Should Be on Your Wish List
- Did You Know These Surprising Facts About Basset Hounds?
Put Up Pawty Decorations
Nothing says party like a place full of puppy-inspired decorations. Take a cue from Alex and Mauricio and put up fun balloons and banners to really make it festive.
Serve Ice Cream
Didn't you love ice cream parties as a kid? Well, your pup will, too! And now since so many different brands make dog-approved ice cream, you can feel good about giving them a treat to make them feel extra special.
Accessorize the Birthday Dog
Dress your dog in a decorative hat or birthday bandana for the big day. Extra points if you give the accessories a personal touch, like your dog's name or age. They'll look so cute in pictures!
Bake Dog Birthday Treats
These Peanut Butter Pupcakes by Chungah Rhee from her blog, Damn Delicious, are the perfect pet-safe treat for your dog. They're packed with canine-friendly ingredients like pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and oats.
Give Custom Cookies as Pawty Favors
What could be better than cookies? Cookies shaped like your dog to give to guests, that's what! Simply send in a photo to get your own dog custom made. You can make cookies with this cutter for human guests and a separate batch for dog guests!
Let Them Chew Cake
If you're a little worried about them eating too many treats, give them something else to chew on―like a toy in the shape of a birthday cake! That way, they can keep celebrating way after their big day is over.
Organize Dog-Friendly Games
Just like you would at a kid's party, it's so much more fun when there are games to play. Whether you have one pup or a whole pack coming over, make sure you have something to occupy their time and energy like balls and toys or even a small obstacle course!
Breakfast in a Dog Bed
If you really want to pamper them, give them a special treat or bring them their favorite kibble in bed on the morning of their birthday! It's a great way to kick off the festivities. And of course, you can gift them a new dog bed.
Spend Quality Time
What do our pets really want most? Our undivided attention! Rena Dentman, founder of Instantaneous Pet Service, says it best: "One of the best ways we can pamper our dogs is to spend more quality time with them and build on our relationship.”
Gift Them an Upgrade
Every birthday doggo deserves a gift! Most dogs wear a tag on their collar, but most owners rarely buy a new one. Celebrate your pup's big day with a new accessory that they can proudly show off every day.
Take Your Dog on an Outing
Dr. Jerry Klein, the chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club, says taking your dog on an adventure is the ultimate gift. "Head to the pet supply store with your dog is a fun outing. All the sights and smells provide mental stimulation and the opportunity to socialize," he says.
Serve Pawgaritas
That's right: There's such a thing as margaritas for dogs! They went viral on TikTok and they're perfect for serving pups who want to party. You could make human versions, too. Heck, they make dog piñatas if you really want to lean into the theme.
Erica Finamore is the Features Editor at Food Network Magazine and The Pioneer Woman Magazine, covering home décor, shopping and entertaining. You can follow her on Instagram @Decorofthematter
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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