How to Throw a Birthday Party for a Dog

Sure, dogs don’t know it’s their birthday—and yes, they wouldn’t know it’s a party in their honor. But if they love having fun and you love your dog—why not make him one, anyway? A birthday is a great excuse to do it. The following steps will help get the celebration kicking.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog treats
• Birthday cake
• Refreshments
• Decorations

1. 

   Decide on where you would like to have the party—in your house, in your backyard, a doggie daycare—or maybe the off-leash dog park.

2. Invite friends, relatives and neighbors with dogs if the party is at your house. If it’s at a doggie daycare, the guests will be your dog’s “classmates” and their guardians. Of course get permission first—might not be cool to just show up at the daycare with balloons and a cake. If it’s at the dog park, invite your dog’s regular dog park buddies and their humans, and other people you know with dogs.

3. Pick out invitations. Since it’s a party for dogs and will most likely be informal (we would hope), E-vites are a good idea. Be sure to specify in the invitation that guests don’t have to bring a gift—or what gifts are off limits to your dog (rawhide bones, chocolates, and so on).

4. 

   Decide on the refreshments. For humans, anything goes. For dogs, make sure it’s canine-friendly. You can buy dog treats or there are plenty of recipes for dog biscuits and cookies online. Dog specialty bakeries have festively decorated treats and even party packages. To go with the refreshments, you'll need some drinks. Make sure the tap water is flowing.

5. 

   Pick out a birthday cake. Again, a dog specialty bakery is a good place to get one. You can find these in most cities or online. Doggie cakes can be all meat or contain dog-friendly ingredients such as carob or yogurt. There are also recipes for dog cakes from scratch and dog cake mixes.

6. Have toys on hand for the dogs to play with and plenty of balls (at least one for each dog guest) if the party is outdoors. Agility equipment such as ropes and a doggie tunnel are always fun additions.

7. 

   Plan very few organized activities, if any. It might be difficult with a bunch of canines. There should be plenty going on, anyway, to keep both the two- and four-legged entertained.

8. 

   Buy some inexpensive little dog bowls and fill with doggie party favors for your canine guests to take home or have celophane bags filled with treats. Dog bakeries and specialty stores sell these as well.

9. Line up a videographer. You can’t let this shindig pass without capturing it on DVD for lasting memories. One of your friends or relatives can probably do it, unless you want to hire a professional.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog was a stray or from a shelter and you don't know his exact age, make his birthday the day you took him home.
• A caricature artist would be fun to have on hand. Nobody could resist a cartoon drawing of their dog.
• If there will be children attending, make sure anyone who brings a dog is aware. Dogs that aren’t used to being around kids can be unpredictable.
• A party might not be for every dog. Only have one if your dog is not people and/or dog aggressive and enjoys being around people and other dogs.