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If you’re feeling down, planning the ultimate dog’s birthday party is a surefire mood booster. In fact, just looking at photos of dogs celebrating a birthday bash will immediately subtract 20 points off your rage-o-meter.
We’ve found everything from “pupcakes” and decorations to special fancy duds that help your dog enjoy their special day in style. Let’s get this doggy birthday train of joy started!
1. You gotta have a pupcake
Hit the easy button with a boxed cake mix designed just for dogs. For an Instagram-worthy photo-op, you can order a custom dog birthday cake from a ridiculously cute Dog Bakery in your town (or on Etsy). Or, for all you extra ambitious dog owners, try your hand at baking one of our dog birthday cake recipes.
Bake your own bone-shaped treats with these dog-themed baking molds, and you automatically get a dog parent gold star.
If you and your dog have more of a hankering for ice cream, stores like Petsmart carry specialty ice treats made just for dogs. Pick out your pup’s favorite flavor: peanut butter, vanilla, or birthday cake are all good choices.
If dog cake and dog ice cream don’t sound particularly appealing, assemble some goodie bags filled with dog treats, dog toys, and a surprise for your human guests. Everyone likes to go home with party favors!
2. Dog approved cake alternatives
If your dog is on a diet or has allergies, why not try an “alterna-cake?”
You can make a cake-shaped tower of their favorite dog treats glued together with dog-friendly icing, or a tempting pile of their favorite toys. Looking for the easy button again? How about a cake-shaped plush dog toy for some zero-calorie fun.
3. Party hats for party dogs
via: Live Laugh Dogs
A party theme appropriate birthday hat or bandana is such a cute way to identify the birthday dog. Browse Amazon, Etsy, or any pet store for the hat that suits your dog best.
Feeling extra crafty? Go the DIY route with materials you probably have lying around the house.
4. Get the whole squad together
It’s not a party without guests! Share your dog’s special day with all of his closest friends.
If the weather is nice enough, have the party outside. A kiddie pool will keep things cool, but be sure to have plenty of water bowls on hand for all the furry friends.
Don’t forget special party invites for your guest list of canine guests.
It’s a paw-ty indeed.
5. That special outfit or accessory
source: Yorkie Lucy
If hats aren’t their thing, or if everyone else in attendance will be wearing them, try a show-stopping dress or snappy tie.
Is it your dog’s first birthday? Make him the star of his puppy party with a custom hat and bowtie combo. It’ll make him stand out and create some priceless snapshots.
6. Do up the decor
You’re going to want pics, so why not put together a fun setting with cute dog party decorations? Picking a party theme will make it easier to choose party decorations, not to mention invitations, party games, goodies, and accessories for your best friend.
A photo booth is a fun addition to your dog’s birthday bash. Pick up a set of dog-approved photo booth props from Target, and you’re good to go.
7. Party at the dog park
Host your dog’s special day at a dog park so he can frolic and bask in the fresh air with his doggy friends. Or consider an alternative dog-friendly venue to spice things up (think: the beach or a pet-friendly restaurant).
Your dog’s crew will have a ball at any leashed-in, dog-friendly space where everyone can play.
8. The dog theme can be subtle
Choose a color palette and go to town. It doesn’t have to be dog/paw-themed. It’s possible to have a classy dog birthday party.
Some dog party themes we’re crazy about:
- a summer luau bash for your mellow, Jimmy Buffett-loving dog
- a carnival party for your fun-loving dog
- a Hollywood Stars party for your diva dog
- a fairytale theme for your puppy princess
- a retro 50’s/60’s/70’s/or 80’s party to celebrate your dog AND your favorite decade
9. The not-so-subtle theme approach
Scooby Doo? Don’t mind if I do.
Go all out with a quirky and unforgettable dog party theme. Go ahead—let your creativity shine, and run with whatever off-the-wall theme your heart desires.
If this party looks like it’s either themed “cool dogs” or some kind of 21 run, then bring on the Bowser beer!
10. Get your dog a present—or 500
Best. Day. Ever. Get a couple of new tennis balls (or fill the kiddie pool with them) to try out something new.
Other fabulous presents your dog would love:
11. Confetti!
Party supplies are a must for your dog’s birthday.
Use a biodegradable confetti option for guilt-free fun.
Get some number balloons, colorful streamers, and tableware to mark the occasion. You can also pick up a few custom garland kits here.
12. Take it very, very seriously
As seriously as this dog is taking his birthday.
As pet parents, we want to make every day a special one for our canine buds. There’s no doubt about it—we’re loving all the creative ways dog owners are celebrating man’s best friend.
So, happy birthday to all the dogs out there! Feel free to celebrate seven times a year. They deserve it.
