What better way to celebrate your furry pal’s special day than by spending the day together, honoring your bond? When your pet’s birthday rolls around, you naturally want to spoil them and shower them with love, attention, and gifts. But, when you’re doling out gift-wrapped treats and toys, keep a few things in mind to ensure your pet safely enjoys their special day. Our Wellness Animal Hospital team offers five safe ways you can celebrate your four-legged friend’s birthday.

#1: Spend time doing what your pet loves

Is there one thing your pet loves more than anything? Maybe your dog bounces off the walls when they see you pull your hiking boots out of the closet, or your cat does a feline version of the zoomies when their fishing pole toy comes out. Whatever activity your pet treasures most should be the one you spend plenty of time doing. Some ideas include:

  • Scheduling a playdate with other pets or people
  • Exploring a new park or trail
  • Playing hide-and-seek 
  • Performing tricks for treats
  • Participating in a sport
  • Going for a car ride that ends in a fun location
  • Creating games that appeal to your pet’s natural instincts (e.g., sniffing, digging, scratching, climbing)

Block off a chunk of the day to spend doing whatever activity your pet enjoys most, and use that time to strengthen your bond and lavish them with attention. 

#2: Whip up a special treat for your pet

What’s a birthday without cake? While your typical fudgy frosting-covered devil’s food cake is a no go for your furry pal’s birthday, you can whip up your own special treat easily. Get creative in the kitchen, and bake a cake for your dog or cat, or make a few dozen pet- and people-friendly cupcakes or cookies to pass out at a birthday party. Avoid recipes that contain sugar, chocolate, and high levels of fat, since these items can give your pet an unpleasant birthday experience. 

A stuffed Kong is a simple treat to make for your pet, and you can pack it full of all their favorite goodies. Yogurt, spray cheese, peanut butter, and other tasty treats can be combined in endless ways for a long-lasting snack. 

#3: Schedule professional pictures with your pet

Although collecting keepsakes of the special times you share with your pet is more of a gift for you than your furry pal, having professional pictures taken is a wonderful way to commemorate the day. Help your pet look and feel their best with a pre-photo pampering session, and groom their coat to a lustrous shine. Consider asking the photographer to take a variety of photos, including posed portraits and action shots. 

Once you receive your edited pictures, you can order large canvases to hang on the wall, a plush throw to curl up under, or simple prints to create a scrapbook of the many moments you and your pet have shared.

#4: Pamper your pet

Nothing makes your furry pal feel better than a spa day. Spend your pet’s birthday pampering them and showering them with love by giving them a relaxing massage, thorough brushing, and comforting cuddle on the couch. Simply spending time with your pet is an excellent gift in itself.

In addition to quality time, your pet may enjoy unwrapping a physical gift. If your four-legged friend loves to shred paper, loosely wrap a toy, bag of treats, bed, or new collar in some wrapping paper scraps for them to unravel. Avoid using ribbon to adorn the present, though, as overeager pets may ingest the string accidentally, which could lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction.

#5: Protect your pet’s health for another year

One of the best presents you can give your pet for their birthday is the gift of good health through regular preventive care. By scheduling annual or biannual wellness visits, you can preserve your pet’s health with:

  • Physical exams
  • Lifestyle-appropriate vaccinations
  • Early screening tests
  • Oral health evaluation and treatment plan
  • Diet and nutrition plan
  • Behavior assessment
  • Grooming discussion
  • Parasite screening and prevention

Wrapping up a wellness exam is the perfect way to celebrate your furry pal, and it can help usher in many more birthdays together.

Give your pet the ultimate birthday gift by scheduling their annual preventive care appointment. Contact our Wellness Animal Hospital team to set up your furry pal’s next visit.