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Whether they’re rejoicing at a visit to the dog park or a new squeaky toy—or just your daily return home from work—dogs know how to celebrate. So why not take a page out of their book and celebrate your dog’s birthday in style this year?
It’s the perfect excuse to bring your human and canine pals together, and we’ve got everything you need to throw your pup the best birthday bash. Games? Check. Presents? Check. Dog birthday cake? Definitely check.
Whether your perfect party is a playful outdoor romp or an extravagant indoor affair, we’ve got you covered with suggestions for decorations, dog-friendly desserts, and activities to let your pooch be the ultimate party animal. And if you’re not sure when your pup’s birthday is, don’t worry—you can always make one up yourself, or go with August 1, the Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs.
Here are some tips to get the (dog) party started.
Get Your Dog a Stylish Birthday Outfit
Nothing says “birthday” like a party hat, and there are lots to choose from. But there’s no need to confine yourself to tradition. Why not celebrate the birthday pup with a dapper bandana? Or dare we suggest a crown? You could even go all out and create a costume competition. Don’t hold back—your dog’s birthday only comes once a year, after all!
Frisco Personalized Birthday Bandana
Leave no one in any doubt about whose big day it is with this customizable birthday bandana from Frisco. Add your pup’s name, then choose from three sizes and a variety of fonts. If blue isn’t your dog’s style, opt for cheery pink instead.
Buy on ChewyFrisco Happy Birthday Dog Crown
Treat your dog like royalty for a day with this majestic crown, a sparkly gold plush number with adjustable ear loops. We like that it’s made of soft polyester—no sharp cardboard edges here, and no cleaning up shredded paper when your pup decides they’ve had enough of being called “your birthday majesty.”
Buy on ChewyFrisco Birthday Cake Hat
Now you’re talking—go full Mad Hatter with a wearable confection that can grace birthday and unbirthday celebrations alike. Ear straps and a cord with an adjustable toggle help this stay on your party pup’s head, though it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the birthday dog while he’s wearing it. (As tasty as it looks, it isn’t edible or sturdy enough to function as a toy for any chewers out there.)
Buy on ChewyConfetti Birthday Hat
This festive dog birthday hat is a classic, though with some very nice upgrades. An adjustable chin strap with ear holes secures colorful polyester, while delightfully fluffy trim adds that birthday touch.
Buy on ChewyChoose a Party Game for Your Birthday Dog
No birthday party is complete without activities, and there are tons to choose from. Does your dog love balls? Consider a doggy ball pit. Just fill a puppy playpen or swimming pool with plastic balls (or tennis balls) and watch the colors fly! Or set up your very own dog obstacle course. Sure, not all dogs will immediately get the concept—but joyful chaos as humans and pups struggle together is sure to make for funny videos and giggle-inducing memories.
These are some of our favorite ideas to get your pup’s party started.
TRIXIE Agility Dog Training Ring
Set up this outdoor training ring and let the games begin! This kit is suitable for dogs of all sizes, so every pooch at the party can give it a go. It can be raised or lowered to accommodate pups with different comfort levels, and it comes with a handy booklet, so no experience is needed to join in the fun.
Buy on ChewyCool Pup Splash About Dog Pool
Does your dog have a summer birthday? Let the birthday pup and co. make a splash in this portable PVC swimming pool. Our favorite feature? It inflates as you fill it with water, so you don’t have to huff and puff while the party goes on without you. Choose from two sizes—both of which fold down small for easy storage.
Buy on ChewyOutward Hound Zip & Zoom Indoor Agility Kit
This indoor agility kit from Outward Hound is a solid option for anyone planning an indoor bash or just working with limited space. The seven-piece kit comes with weave poles, a high jump, and a small tunnel, plus a booklet with useful tips. It’s not the hardest-wearing option for serious trainers—but it’s perfect for pups (and people) looking to laugh their way through the basics at a smashing pooch party.
Buy on ChewyHDP Collapsible Agility Dog Training Tunnel
This collapsible 18-foot agility tunnel is guaranteed to get tails wagging. Made from waterproof, tear-resistant, and static-free nylon, it can accommodate all but the very largest party pups. Durable steel rings and metal grommets with stakes make it a sturdy option for outdoor fun.
Buy on ChewySelect a Show-Stopping Dog Birthday Cake
Dog desserts have come a long way in recent years, and now there’s no need for your pup to miss out on the tastiest part of the party. Whether you’re a crafty home chef looking to make your dog’s cake from scratch or a get-it-to-go baker, we’ve got you covered for your dog’s big day.
Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Cake Mix & Frosting
Yes, that’s REAL. And it’s for dogs. Just mix the dry ingredients in the box with one egg, some water, and two tablespoons of oil, then bake for 20 minutes at 350º. The wheat-free ingredients are 100% safe for dogs, and there’s even a frosting pack included so your pup can enjoy the full birthday experience.
Buy on ChewyPooch Creamery Birthday Cake Flavor Ice Cream Mix
Cake not enough? Pooch Creamery understands. That’s why they’ve formulated this birthday-cake-flavored ice cream just for dogs. It’s made with lactose-free whole milk, so it’s suitable for all ages and breeds. All you have to do is add water to the powdered mix and freeze. Reviewers say to let it sit for a minute once you pull it out of the freezer, and the real pros add bananas for extra party power.
Buy on ChewyThe Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Happy Birthday Pup-PIE Dog Treat
Not ready to commit to a baking project? No problem—your dog’s birthday party can still be a smashing success with these adorable little pies from The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. There’s even a hole for a candle. Made with no dairy, soy, wheat, or corn, this vegan treat has a soft-baked texture and breaks into ten slices so your birthday pup can share with their guests (or not).
Buy on ChewyBocce’s Birthday Cake Dog Biscuits
With notes of peanut butter, molasses, and vanilla, these palate-pleasing birthday treats are flavor-packed for maximum festivity. Made from oat flour, peanut butter, and carob, they’re a wholesome way to celebrate your dog’s latest revolution around the sun.
Buy on ChewyDog Birthday Presents and Party Favors
And now the most anticipated moment of the whole shebang: dog birthday presents! Surprise your pup and their four-legged guests with birthday-themed party favors for all types of pooches—the chewers, the tuggers, the squeakers, and the snackers.
P.L.A.Y. Party Time Dog Toy Set
This birthday-themed play set has it all: plush toys, squeaky toys, and rope toys. It comes with a party balloon, a three-piece cake, a crown, a party horn, and a present that really opens. Each toy was made with two layers of fabric and features double-stitched edges for durability. As a bonus, they’re machine washable—so your birthday dog can slobber as much as they want.
Buy on ChewyOutward Hound Surprise Hedgies Plush Dog Toy
And now for party favors! We love the idea of toys that come with variations so each pup can take home something different. This box contains an adorable six-inch “grunting” hedgehog plush in one of four different styles: Sarah Sprinkles, Gary Galaxy, Melanie Melon, or Connor Cactus. See if your party pups can collect them all!
Buy on ChewyOutward Hound Surprise Tailz Dog Toy
More surprises await inside this toy from Outward Hound. Each ball contains one of three different plushies, but it’s up to your birthday dog to get it out. To play, just stuff the plush back in the ball and watch your pup go to town. The plushes themselves are made of crinkly material and no stuffing—so no mess.
Buy on ChewyFrisco Birthday Volcano Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy
This Jurassic blast from the past has everything you need to entertain your pup and guests on the big day. The volcano (complete with frosting and sprinkles!) is made of soft polyester, while the dinosaurs in birthday hats (we repeat, dinos in birthday hats) have squeakers to keep your dog entertained as she pulls them from the volcano. We don’t recommend this for heavy chewers—but if your pup likes to hunt for treasure, this one’s a birthday keeper.
Buy on ChewyBirthday Goody Box From Chewy
Can’t make a decision in the face of so much cuteness? Go for a little bit of everything with this Goody Box from Chewy. It comes with two toys, three bags of treats, and a celebratory bandana for your birthday dog—plus a free recipe.
Buy on ChewyFrisco Animal Print Dog Poop Bags
Last (and also least favorite): clean up. The inevitable result of a dog birthday party is, well, poop. Make sure the area you’re leaving behind is mess-free with these colorful animal-print poop bags from Frisco, which will at least keep the party atmosphere strong as you’re tidying up.
Buy on ChewyThere’s no better recipe for happiness than seeing your pup happy. We hope your dog’s birthday celebration brings you joy, tail wags, and enough good birthday vibes to last you until next year—when you can do it all over again!
