Your pooch’s birthday can be just as exciting, and maybe even more, than your own. Your dog deserves their own big day to celebrate! Whether you throw a big party or reign in their birthday with just you two, it should be special! But how can you make it happen?

Here’s a guide on how to host the best birthday party or “gotcha day” for your pup!

Picking A Party Theme

No birthday party is complete without a theme! Although the traditional paw-printed party theme is cute, don’t be afraid to branch out! Just because it’s a dog’s birthday party, doesn’t mean it only needs to be dog-themed!

Get creative with the birthday bash with new themes like:

  • Scooby-Doo & the Mystery Gang
  • Halloween/Costume Competition
  • Hollywood Red Carpet

Birthday Supplies

Your pup will need a few things to make their special day fun, plus give you some adorable photo-ops! Getting some birthday toys, like a birthday cake chew toy, will be a great addition to your pooch’s day and for their furry friend guests!

Getting your dog, and their canine friends, a birthday hat will be sure to get an irresistible “awww” out of the party crowd! Another fun and adorable add to the party gear is a birthday bandana for your pup.

Psst, don’t forget the poop bags if you’re doing to a dog-friendly location for the party!

Dog-Friendly Venue

If you don’t plan on hosting the birthday bash at your own home, make sure to plan ahead and book a pet-friendly venue! Try out your local dog-friendly bar or restaurant and see if you can reserve a table there, but be sure to let them know it’s for your pooch!

If your doggie’s birthday party is in the warmer months, try scouting out your local dog-friendly park patio for your pup’s special day! If your park allows it, you can even bring out a grill and get a BBQ started!

Doggie Birthday Treats & Cake

The treats are arguably the most important part of a birthday party. So what should you do about dog-friendly treats and cake? Check out your local dog bakeries for some yummy and fresh baked goods for your pup! Or you can easily find birthday treats or dog-friendly cake mix online!

St. Louis Dog Bakeries:

  • Dog Haus Bakery– They have everything you need for some doggie treats! From biscuits, dipped bones, to decorated sports ball treats, Dog Haus has an assortment of sweets!
  • Mister Finley Pet Bakery– This bakery has all-natural treats for your dog and their furry friends! They even have a doggie pizza for your pup to dive into!
  • Four Muddy Paws– Want some freshly baked treats, dog-friendly cake, or cupcakes? Look no further! This bakery even has a birthday club for your pet to join!

Dog-Friendly Activities

Now that you’ve planned the birthday party, what is your dog going to do? If your dog is having their furry friends in attendance, you likely won’t need many activities planned because they’ll play with each other. But if you want to do something special, then you can think about adding in:

  • A kiddie or dog pool for them to splash around in
  • Sprinklers to run-in
  • A ball pit (try using a kiddie pool filled with bigger plastic or tennis balls)
  • An obstacle course (you can easily DIY one with things like PVC pipes, water bottles, traffic cones, and cardboard boxes)

Birthday Favors

Make sure you thank your party guests for attending, human and dog alike! Party favors are a great way to show your appreciation. Check out these party favor ideas for attendees!

Birthday Wind Down

Your pup is probably going to be tired after a long day of celebrating with you. Give your dog some quiet time to wind down and relax after their fun-fill day! After all, there’s nothing better than a long, cozy nap after being a party animal.