Do you know when your dog’s birthday is? If you got your canine companion from a breeder or from a friend or neighbor whose pooch had pups, you might know the precise date your furry pal was born. If you adopted your canine companion from a shelter, you might want to put a mark on your calendars for August 1st, which is DOGust. That’s 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 Fido’s tail going and just make sure he has a great day. Continue reading for some excellent doggy birthday ideas from a Tampa, FL veterinarian.
What Are Good Gifts For My Dog’s 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. However, there are many innovative options available as well.
Here are a few suggestions:
Puzzle Toys: You may also acquire toys that need Fido to retrieve his prize out of a hole. There are some very cute versions of this! Your cute pet can retrieve donuts from a box, chipmunks from a log, and aliens from a spaceship.
Automated Ball Launcher: Does your canine companion enjoy chasing tennis balls? These devices can keep Fido entertained for hours. You’ll also be entertained by watching your pet play with these. Just be sure to get the correct size. Large breeds can choke on balls intended for smaller dogs.
Chew Toys: Chewing is actually good for Fido. It strengthens his muscles, removes plaque and tartar from his teeth, and increases the flow of saliva. 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 serious choking concerns. Ask your veterinarian about this.
Snuffle Mats: These are a great option for our canine pals, since they give amusement, stimulus, and treats! Just choose strong ones.
Stuffies: Many of our canine companions enjoy stuffed animals! However, there are a few caveats. Some puppies become a bit too passionate about these, ripping the stuffing and squeaker out and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, you don’t want Fido to swallow this stuff. Get durable toys and keep an eye on your pet while he plays with them.
Smart Toys: As technology has advanced in recent years, Fido hasn’t been left behind. You can acquire balls that react to his movements or laser pointers that trigger at specific periods.
Paw Buttons: You may have seen these online. This is certainly an unexpected discovery in the ever-increasing range of dog goods. Essentially, they are pads that you may program with certain words like ‘Walk’, ‘Treat’, or ‘Toy.’ You will then teach Fido how to communicate by stepping on the pad. Some dogs actually pick this up quite well! Others? Not so much.
New Bed: Is Fido’s present dog bed worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is an excellent opportunity to get your furry bestie a new one!
Pupscription Boxes: This is an excellent solution for dogs who go through toys quicker than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will receive his own box of treats in the mail. As you can imagine, seeing Fido get his box of goodies is always going to be cute.
Fun Fountain: Do you have a yard for Fido to play in? Get him a kiddie pool or a fountain to keep him cool on hot summer days.
GPS Tags: Fido may not be thrilled about this one, but we definitely 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 study 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 use Air Tags or anything similar.
How Do Dogs Age?
Many people believe that one year of Fido’s life is about equal to seven human years. This misconception may have arisen when people compared the average human lifetime (70) to that of a pup (10). However, that is not the case.
Fido’s super adorable first year is roughly similar to fifteen human years. That second year is about equivalent to nine human years, bringing your dog to a similar age of around 34. After that, your pup’s annual age changes range from three to five human years.
However, it is more difficult than that. Big dogs mature faster than little dogs do. A Saint Bernard can officially be a senior at the age of eight. However a Pomeranian may not reach their golden years until they are ten!
The AKC has a solid guide on this available on their website. That said, you should always consult with your Tampa, FL veterinarian regarding your four-legged friend’s aging, and get some specific care tips to help keep him happy, healthy, and comfortable in his golden years.
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.
Take Fido For A Hike: Try using a trail finder app to discover a new location for you and Fido to explore. Many pooches love going to new spots!
Head to the Park: Does your pet love going to the dog park? This is a fun way to spend time with your dog 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 in the Tampa Bay area. Find a nice neighborhood eatery and treat your dog to a special dinner.
Drive-Thru: You don’t have to eat inside with your canine companion. You can always take Fido through a drive-through. Many restaurants have special secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, offers a puppuccino.
Shopping: Is your pooch 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 furry pal is when carrying his new toy.
Keep in mind that these activities will not be appropriate for all dogs. If Fido is afraid or aggressive, this might not be a smart choice. Dogs with impaired immune systems may not be suitable for playdates. Contact your Tampa, FL veterinarian for additional information.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Tampa, FL Veterinary Hospital
Is your pet due for an exam, vaccines, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Tampa, FL pet hospital, we are always available to assist!
