Every dog has their day - their birthday, that is! Even rescues have a birthday now that August 1st has been coined DOGust First, the Universal Birthday For Shelter Dogs. The average dog only has about 13 birthdays in their lifetime, so it’s important to take this opportunity to make your pup feel special. Whether you know your pup’s exact day of birth or you’re celebrating with us on August 1st, here are 8 ways to honor your special birthday boy or girl.

1.Bake Or Buy A Special Birthday Treat

It wouldn’t be a birthday without a birthday cake! While most human sweets are too sugary for our four-legged birthday boys and girls, you can try your hand at a low-fat, low-sugar recipe that excludes chocolate, raisins, and other dog-toxic ingredients. Or, try ready-to-eat birthday cake flavored dog treats or an adorably frosted peanut butter birthday dog treat.

2.Make Presents Easy To Unwrap

Celebrate your dog’s big day with birthday cake slice toys or the special birthday edition of their favorite Lambchop toy. While dogs lack the thumbs to efficiently unwrap presents, you can simply wrap a toy in a sheet of tissue paper so it’s for them to tear open and enjoy.

3.Give Your Dog A Birthday Card

Though your dog may not be able to read, writing a card can still be a wonderful birthday tradition. You and your dog’s other family members can reflect on why you love your dog so much, what made the past year special, and what you’re looking forward to in the coming year. Have fun reading the messages aloud to your dog - they understand more than you know!

4.Create a Photo Album

While your dog may be the star of your phone’s camera roll, printed photo albums still have the ultimate sentimental value. Collect all of your favorite dog photos, from the very first photos you took when you brought them home, to all of your favorite memories leading up to today. Add stickers, captions, and dates to bring those memories to life.

5.Schedule A Vet Visit

Seeing the vet probably isn’t your dog’s idea of a fun birthday outing (unless they really, really love going to the vet!) But it’s a smart time to think about how you’ll keep them healthy in the years to come. For many of us, a milestone birthday can be the start of their senior years and the perfect time to commit to making the most of their second act. Consider working with your vet to set goals like helping your dog lose weight, get more exercise, or eat better - of course, you can get started after that special birthday treat.

6.Get a New Dog Bed

Your dog’s birthday might be the perfect time to shop for a new dog bed. Over time, many dog beds become flattened, uncomfy, and unsupportive. Some can be revived in the washing machine and dryer, but eventually will need to be replaced. Consider opting for a supportive, orthopedic bed, especially if your dog is entering their senior years. Even if they haven’t yet shown any signs of slowing down, their joints will one day thank you.

7.Send A Gift To Your Local Shelter

While you enjoy celebrating your rescue pup, take a moment to honor the shelter dogs near you still waiting to find their forever family. Consider making a donation in your dog’s name to their alma mater shelter or your favorite nearby animal organization. A monetary donation, a few hours of volunteer work, or items purchased from their online wish list can make a difference in helping to make the day special for another birthday pup.

8.Pawty Your Dog’s Way

Dogs may not understand when it’s their birthday, but they know when they’re loved and understood. For some dogs, the perfect birthday may mean being surrounded by family and friends with a big birthday bash. For others, it might mean meeting up with puppy pals at the local park. And for others, the best birthday might be a weekend trip to a dog-friendly beach, digging in the mud at a lake, or enjoying a quiet picnic at sunset with their favorite human. Think about when your dog is at their happiest and plan a day that makes them wag their heart out.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.