Top Doggy Date Night Ideas From Your Middletown, KY Veterinarian

There’s a special day coming up this month. February 3rd is Doggy Date Night! If it were up to Fido, every day would be Doggy Date Night. Your canine buddy really wants nothing more than to spend time with you! Read on as a local Middletown, KY vet lists some great ways to get that cute tail wagging.

What Is Doggy Date Night?

Doggy date night is one of the more fun pet holidays on our calendar. However, it really isn’t as silly as you may think. It’s important to spend lots of time with your canine companion. Hanging out with Fido is good for both you and your pet! 

Dogs aren’t just good for our spirits, they are even good for us physically. Studies have shown that Fido helps keep us fit, reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack, and even lowers our blood pressure. Fido doesn’t ask for much, aside from food, walks, and comfy shelter. However, he really craves spending time with you. After all, you’re the apple of your pet’s eye, and the center of his world!

What Should I Do For Doggy Date Night?

Want to spoil your furry pal a bit? Doing something special for your pup doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. What matters most is that he feels loved and safe.

The best option will really depend on your dog’s size, health, and personality. A Golden Retriever may very much love to go for a hike, but that’s probably not a good option for a Chihuahua.

Here are a few ‘pawesome’ suggestions from your Middletown, KY veterinarian:

Movie Night

Many dogs love to snuggle with their humans for TV time. Choose a movie that features Man’s Best Buddy. There are lots of great ones to choose from. Some of our favorites include A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs. If you’re up to a tearjerker, Old Yeller will fit the bill. Just make sure you have plenty of tissues.

Drive-In

Drive-Ins are making a bit of a comeback in some places. Many are showing fun classic flicks. This can be a fun way to spend some time with Fido. Of course, this is only a good option if you have a comfortable car. If you take your canine pal for a walk at intermission, be sure to pick up after him.

Take Your Dog To The Pet Store

Dogs need playthings for entertainment, comfort, and chewing. Many pet stores have started welcoming in their canine customers. It’s always cute letting Fido pick out his own toy!

Spa Session

Fido may not think of going to the salon as relaxing, but he definitely will appreciate feeling fresh and clean after. Don’t forget the pawdicure! Nail trims are very important: overgrown claws can cause all sorts of issues. You’ll also want to keep those paw pads protected. Paw balm or wax can help a lot.

Explorations

February isn’t always a great time to go exploring. However, if your canine pal doesn’t mind the cold, it can still be a great time to get him some exercise.  

Doggy Play Date

Our canine pals are very sociable, and really benefit from being able to spend time with their pals. Consider arranging a group playdate for Fido and his buddies.

Photo Session

We’ll never get tired of seeing adorable photos of our canine patients! Snap some cute pics of your furry pal.

Scavenger Hunt

Fido’s cute nose is quite remarkable. Your pup’s sense of smell is about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours! Hide some small treats and snacks for your furry buddy to find. Just remember to pick them up after.

Training Session

Did you know that many dogs actually like learning? You’ll need to start with the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. However, once your pup has these mastered, teach him some fun tricks. Be sure to give him a special toy or treat after class! 

Dinner

If there’s one thing Fido always enjoys, it’s yummy treats. You can definitely buy something, but you can also make your own. Look for recipes online. Just take care to stick with things that are safe for your four-legged buddy to consume.

Games

Fido is very playful, which is one of the things we love about him most. Try playing a fun game with your canine pal. Hide and Seek is a good one. You can also tailor the classic Three Cups game to make it dog friendly

Of course, none of these suggestions are one-size-fits-all. If your canine buddy is fearful, reactive, and/or aggressive, then we definitely wouldn’t suggest taking him to a pet store or park. Your pup’s fitness level and temperament also come into play.

Should I Take My Dog On A Date?

Single and dating? Finding the right match can be a bit daunting, to say the least. We’ll leave debates and discussions about the perils of online dating to others. However, if you’re interested in someone, we would definitely recommend introducing them to your dog. 

Of course, whether or not taking Fido with you is a good idea depends on where you’re going. Your canine pal may be a great companion for you if you’re going to a picnic at a park. Headed to a museum? Your pooch probably won’t be allowed in.

Dogs That Don’t Have Dates

This is also a good time to pay some attention to the pups that are up for adoption and are waiting to meet that special someone who will indulge them, love them, and, of course, celebrate Doggy Date Nights with them. 

In some ways, choosing the right dog can be very much like choosing a romantic partner. It’s really about finding the right fit!  

If you’re considering adopting a dog, you may want to do some breed research. 

Here are a few things to consider:

• Exercise Needs
• Size
• Grooming Needs
• Intelligence
• Character
• Potential Health Issues
• Trainability
• Ability to get along with other pets
• Noise Levels
• Child-friendliness

That doesn’t mean we are overlooking mutts! Mixed breeds often offer the best of both worlds. However, you may very well find a dog that is a mix of breeds you like.

A dog that is the perfect match for one family may just not be the right match for another. And if you’re planning to adopt, you may want to look for rescues that work with the specific breed you’re interested in.

That all said, it’s also important to listen to your heart. You may think you want a Golden Retriever, only to find yourself falling in love with a Shiba Inu.

Do a lot of research and a lot of thinking. Adoption is forever! The main thing is to make sure that you are ready, willing, and able to care for Fido for the rest of his life. Don’t be afraid to ask your Middletown, KY veterinarian for advice, either. We’re happy to help! 

In Conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun reminder about the importance of spending quality time with your canine companion. There’s no end to the possible options. You can go to a drive-thru, watch a movie, cook a special dinner, or have a quiet night of training and playing games.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Middletown, KY pet hospital, today!