Your dog is part of your household. They are always there, ready to shower you with love and affection. A birthday celebration is the perfect way to return the favour and have a fun family day!
Even if it’s only a mini party at home or a little extra attention, there are plenty of ways to make this an unforgettable day. Here are a few ideas for creating a fun birthday:
- Plan an adventure. Treat your dog and your family to some quality playtime at your dog’s favourite park, a dog-friendly nature reserve, or the beach.
- Buy him/her a new toy. You can even wrap it up and watch him tear it open.
- Bake him a dog-friendly meat cake. A shepherd’s pie with mash, peas, mince, and gravy is sure to be a winner. Here’s an easy recipe.
While we’re on the subject of treats, avoid anything with chocolate in it as this is toxic for dogs. Mushrooms, certain nuts, and anything in the onion family (including garlic and chives) are also big no-nos. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other foods your canine can enjoy.
Here are a few human foods that are safe for dogs and can easily be whipped up in a special home-made cake – or some tasty doggie treats:
- Peanut butter
- Oatmeal
- Salmon
- Cooked chicken
- Cooked meats
- Pasta and rice
- Carrots
- Apples (without the cores or seeds)
- Potatoes
Lastly, make it memorable! Don’t forget to commemorate the day with a few photos, a video or two, and plenty of fun selfies together. If you really want to go all out, you could even consider hiring a photographer to capture the day so that you’ll have professional pics to add to your wall or family photo collection.