Celebrate Fido’s Birthday

Do you know when your canine buddy’s birthday is? If you got your dog from a breeder or from a friend or neighbor who had pups, you might know the precise date he was born. If you adopted your canine companion from a shelter, mark your calendars for August 1st, which is DOGust, the official shelter dog birthday. That’s when all of the rescued puppies celebrate their big day! No matter when you celebrate Fido’s special day, there are some really charming and entertaining things you can do to keep that tail moving. Continue reading for some excellent doggy birthday ideas from a Louisville, KY veterinarian.

What Toys Should I Get Fido For His 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, but there are many innovative options available as well.

Here are a few suggestions.

Puzzle Toys: You can also buy toys that call for Fido to retrieve his prize out of a hole. There are some very cute versions of this! Your canine friend can retrieve donuts from a box, chipmunks from a log, fries from a fast-food bag, or aliens from a spaceship.

Stuffies: Many of our canine companions enjoy stuffed animals! However, there are a few caveats. Some pups become a bit too enthusiastic about these, ripping the stuffing and squeaker out and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, you don’t want your furry friend to swallow these things. Get durable toys and keep an eye on Fido while he plays with them.

Smart Toys: Fido has not been left behind as technology has advanced in recent years. You can buy balls that react to his movements or laser pointers that trigger at specific periods.

Automated Ball Launcher: Does your canine pal companion enjoy chasing tennis balls? Fido may keep himself entertained for hours with these devices. You’ll also be entertained by watching pets play with these, which is very charming. Just be sure to obtain the correct size. Big dogs can choke on balls intended for smaller dogs.

Snuffle Mats: Snuffle mats are a great option for many dogs since they provide amusement, stimulation, and treats! 

Chew Toys: Did you realize that 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. Just be sure to get safe, appropriate toys. Rawhide, for example, might be problematic for some dogs because it can shatter into little pieces, posing choking concerns. Ask your vet for advice on these.

Fun Fountain: Do you have a yard for your furry friend to play in? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to keep him cool on hot summer days. This can also make for some super cute pics!

GPS Tags: Fido may not be thrilled about this one, but we 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 homework before buying these. There are various options available, but they differ slightly in terms of things like battery life, range, technology employed, and, of course, cost. You may also use Air Tags or anything similar.

Paw Buttons: You may have seen them 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! Of course, the results may differ.

New Bed: Is Fido’s present dog bed worn down to a few lumpy pieces of padding? This is an excellent opportunity for a new one!

Subscription 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.

How Old is Fido?

This is one that frequently puzzles people. Many people believe that one year of Fido’s life is about equal to seven human years. This may have started due to people comparing the average human lifetime (70) to that of a pup (10). However, that is not the case.

Fido’s 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. Beyond that, the annual age per year ranges from three to five human years.

However, it is more complex than that. Big dogs mature faster than little dogs do. A Saint Bernard can officially be a senior at the age of eight, while a Pomeranian may not reach their golden years until they are ten!

The AKC has a solid guide on this available on their website here. That said, you should always consult with your Louisville, KY veterinarian regarding your furry friend’s aging timeline.

How Can I Celebrate Fido’s Birthday?

Dogs, like humans, have individual tastes. The big thing is to choose something your puppy will enjoy. There are no limits here; you can keep it simple and give your canine buddy a new toy or special treat. Alternatively, you can go all out and have a complete party. Of course, all dogs will welcome having more snuggles and playtime with their owners. 

Here are some of the ‘pawsible’ alternatives.

Take A Hike: Try using a trail finder app to discover a new location for you and Fido to explore. Simply put your pet’s safety first!

Shopping: Is your canine buddy well-behaved in public? Take him to the toy store and let him choose his own toy. You may be surprised at how happy and proud your pet is when carrying his new toy. This is of course always adorable to see.

Head to the Park: Does your dog love going to the dog park? This is a pawesome way for you to have a good time with your canine pal 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. There are even dog-friendly establishments! 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 the drive-through. Many restaurants have special secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, offers a puppuccino.

Keep in mind that these activities will not be appropriate for all dogs. If your canine friend is afraid or aggressive, this might not be a smart choice. Dogs with impaired immune systems may not be suitable for playdates. Contact your Louisville, KY veterinarian for additional information.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Louisville, Ky Veterinary Hospital.

Is your pet due for an exam, vaccines, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Louisville, KY pet hospital, we are always happy to help!