Hey Woofa’s,

It’s Billy’s 12th Birthday today – YAYYYYY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILLY – WE LOVE YOU!

I speak to many dog parents throughout my working week.

And they all love their four legged family members to bits.

And yes some of them even celebrate their dog’s birthdays.

Nothing wrong with that I say!

Our dogs are part of our family, they spend just as much time with us if not more, than anyone else.

They give us unconditional love!

Why wouldn’t we celebrate their birthday too.

SHOULD I CELEBRATE MY DOG’S BIRTHDAY?

If you ask me, I say a big fat YES!

Celebrate your dog’s birthday for sure.

If you don’t know when your dog’s birthday is, then celebrate their ‘Gotcha Day’!

The day you brought them home and they became part of your family.

We celebrate Billy’s birthday.  This year he’s getting three new chew balls (because some of his are finally falling apart), he’s getting a rope toy and some dog chocolates, AND I’m making him a doggy birthday cake.

Ways to celebrate your dog’s birthday could include:-

1. Making Your Dog A Dog Friendly Birthday Cake – You don’t have to make it from scratch, although if you want to there are plenty of dog friendly recipes out there.

I bought Billy’s birthday cake mix from Petbarn.  I’m sure there’s other pet shops that sell them.

And this one is done in the microwave in about 3 minutes I think, so it’s easy as well.

2. Buy Your Dog A Present – Yes it can be that simple.  Go on line or to your local Pet store and simply buy your dog a present.  Something they will love.

If you’re allowed to take your dog to the Pet store then take them and allow them to pick their birthday present.

You could buy them their favourite toy, a new bed, a new blanket, a dog jacket, a treat, dog chocolates…………..there’s plenty of ideas.

You know your dog best so you’ll know what they love.

3.  Take Your Dog On An Outing To Their Favourite Place – Billy is not a dog park dog, but he does love going to my parents place as their back yard is bigger than ours and he can run around til his heart is content.

There’s new smells, and he loves checking them all out, he also leaves a deposit on their lawn every time!!!!

You could take your dog to the Dog Park if that’s their thing, or the Dog Beach, for a big walk, whatever it is they love to do, do it with them.

4.  Take Extra Time To Spend With Your Dog – Dog’s are easily pleased.  They’re not fussed on presents etc they just love spending time with us.

So if it’s not in your budget to buy anything or to go anywhere, just spend extra time playing with them.

Play their favourite game it’s that simple.

5. Throw Your Dog A Party – I’ve never thrown a dog party because it’s easier not to.  If your dog is a social bug and has a few friends from the dog park then this could be for your dog.

If they have play dates with one or two other dogs, then invite them over for a play date at your house with your dog.

There’s heaps of ideas on how to throw a dog party on-line.   You can make it simple or extravagant or anything in between.

You get the idea.

The most important thing you can do for your dog’s birthday, is spend it with them.

Spoil them and make sure they have a great day.

They give us such unconditional love and they don’t ask for much back.

Celebrate them.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Should you celebrate your dog’s birthday or Gotcha Day – ABSOLUTELY.

Celebrate it in a way that makes them feel extra special.

They deserve it.

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY BILLY – WE LOVE YOU!

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – WHETHER YOU CELEBRATE YOUR DOG’S BIRTHDAY AND HOW YOU CELEBRATE IT?