Do you know when your furry friend’s birthday is? If you bought your four-legged companion from a breeder or adopted him from a friend or neighbor whose pet had puppies, you may be able to pinpoint the exact date. If you adopted Fido from a shelter, mark your calendars for August 1st, which is DOGust Day, the universal shelter dog birthday. That’s when all shelter dogs celebrate their special day! No matter when you put your pawprint on the calendar, you can do some pretty cute and fun things to keep your tail swinging. Continue reading for some great doggy birthday ideas from a vet in London, ON.

What Are Some Good Birthday Gifts For Dogs?

If you asked your pooch what he wanted, toys would probably be at the top of the list. Man’s Best Friend remains fond of classic toys like rope pulls and plushies, but there are many clever new options available as well.

Snuffle Mats: These are an excellent choice for many dogs because they provide fun, stimulation, and rewards! Pick ones that are tough enough to hold up to some chewing.

Chew Toys: Chewing is actually beneficial for Fido. It strengthens his muscles, eliminates plaque and tartar from his teeth, and promotes saliva production. This also helps puppies with their teething pain. The trick is to get toys that are safe and appropriate. Rawhide, for example, may be hazardous for some dogs because it can break into little pieces, creating choking hazards. Check with your veterinarian about this.

Smart Toys: As technology has improved in recent years, Fido’s buddies in the tech industry have ensured that his toys have kept pace. You can give your dog smart balls that respond to his motions or laser pointers that activate at particular times.

Fun Fountain: Do you have a yard where your furry pal can run and play? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to keep him cool during the hot summer days.

Doghouse: Speaking of yards, if you have one, you couldn’t go wrong with a doghouse! Fido should live inside, but he’ll enjoy having a place of his own outdoors.

Automated Ball Launcher: Does your canine buddy enjoy chasing tennis balls? Fido may be able to entertain himself for hours with this one! Just make sure to get the right size. Big dogs can choke on balls designed for little dogs!

Puzzle Toys: You may also buy toys that require Fido to retrieve a prize from a hole. There are some really cute versions of this! Your canine partner can fetch donuts from a box, chipmunks from a log, and aliens from a spaceship.

Stuffies: Many of our canine companions enjoy stuffed animals! However, there are a few limitations. Some puppies get quite excited about these, pulling out the stuffing and squeaker and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, you do not want your canine buddy swallowing these! Purchase durable toys and watch Fido while he plays with them.

GPS Tags: Fido may not be delighted about this, but we certainly are. These are another great tool for keeping an eye on your canine companion. This is perfect for people who have dogs who tend to escape. You should do some research before purchasing these. There are other options available, but they vary slightly in terms of battery life, range, technology used, and, of course, price. You may also use air tags or anything similar.

Paw Buttons: You may have seen these online. Essentially, these are pads that you can program with words like ‘Walk’, ‘Treat’, or ‘Toy.’ You’ll then show Fido how to communicate by standing on the pad. Some dogs can pick this up fairly well! (One puppy experienced an existential crisis, but that’s another topic.)

New Doggy Bed: Is Fido’s current dog bed worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is a fantastic opportunity for a new one! Get your furry pal a new bed to look adorable in as he is dreaming of bacon and squirrels. 

Pupscription Boxes: This is a great option for dogs who go through toys faster than you can replace them. Every month, Fido will get his own box of treats in the mail.

How Old Is My Dog?

This frequently baffles people. Many people assume that a year in Fido’s life is roughly equivalent to seven human years. This probably started from people comparing the average human lifespan (70) to that of a pup (10). However, this is not the case.

As a rule of thumb, Fido’s adorable first year is about equivalent to fifteen human years. That second year is about equivalent to nine human years, bringing your pooch to around 34 in people time. Following that, each year of Fido’s age ranges between three and five human years.

However, that is not a hard-and-fast chart. Keep in mind that bigger dogs mature faster than smaller dogs. A Saint Bernard can become a senior at the age of eight. However, a Pomeranian may not attain its golden years until the age of ten!

The AKC provides a comprehensive guidance on their website. That being said, you should always contact your London, ON veterinarian about your canine buddy’s aging process.

How Do I Celebrate My Dog’s Birthday?

Dogs, like humans, have individual preferences. Your major duty here is to just pick something that your furry pal will appreciate! There are no restrictions here; you can keep things simple by giving Fido a new toy or special treat. Alternatively, you can go all out and have an entire party.

All dogs will enjoy extra snuggles and fun with their owners! Spend more time with Fido! Here are some additional ‘pawsible’ options.

• Dinner: There are numerous dog-friendly restaurants and delis. Find a cute neighborhood restaurant and treat your dog to a special dinner.
• Drive-Thru: You can always bring Fido to the drive-through. Many eateries provide secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, serves puppuccino.
• Shopping: Does your pooch behave nicely in public? Take him to the toy store and allow him to select his own toy. It could be great to see how happy and proud Fido is when carrying his new toy.
• Hiking: Use a trail finding app to identify a new spot for you and Fido to explore. Simply consider your pet’s safety first! If Fido isn’t up for a strenuous hike, try something else instead.
• Puppy Playdates: You might also throw a puppy party and invite Fido’s friends. Just keep in mind that certain activities may not be suited for every dog. This may not be the ideal option if your furry pal is fearful or aggressive around other dogs. Dogs with compromised immune systems may be unsuitable for playdates. For further information, please contact your veterinarian.

Whatever you pick, make sure to capture some adorable photos of your furry bestie. You can’t have too many adorable pet photographs!

Schedule An Appointment With Our Veterinarian In London, ON

Is your cute pet due for a check-up, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your London, ON pet hospital, we are always here to help!