Honoring Fido’s Birthday

Do you remember when your furry’s buddy’s birthday is? If you adopted your canine companion from a breeder or from a friend or neighbor whose pooch had puppies, you may be able to pinpoint your furry pal’s exact day of birth. If you got Fido from a shelter, you can mark your calendars for August 1st, which is DOGust, the official shelter dog birthday. That is when all of the rescued puppies celebrate their special days! No matter when you place that pawprint on the calendar, there are some really charming and entertaining things you can do to get that tail moving. Continue reading for some fantastic doggy birthday ideas from a San Antonio, TX veterinarian.

What Types of Toys Should I Get My Dog for His Birthday?

If you asked Fido what he wanted, toys would most likely be at the top of his list. Man’s Best Friend always appreciates basic simple toys like rope pulls and plushies, but there are many innovative options available.

Here are some suggestions:

Chew Toys: Did you realize that chewing is good for Fido? It keeps his muscles strong, removes plaque and tartar from his teeth, and increases saliva flow. It also helps puppies with their teething pain. The key is to purchase safe, appropriate toys. Rawhide, for example, can be problematic for some dogs because it breaks into small pieces that constitute choking hazards. You should consult your veterinarian about this.

Puzzle Toys: You can also get toys where Fido has to pull his prize out of a hole. There are some pretty adorable versions of this! Your canine friend can fetch chipmunks out of a log, donuts out of a box, or aliens from a spaceship.

Stuffies: Stuffed animals are always very popular among our canine companions! However, there are a few restrictions here. Some pups become a bit too excited by these, ripping the stuffing and squeaker out and attempting to eat them. Needless to say, these are not items you want your canine companion to swallow. Choose sturdy, long-lasting toys and keep a watch on Fido when he plays with them.

Smart Toys: Fido hasn’t lagged behind as technology has advanced in recent years. You can get balls that respond to his movements or laser pointers that trigger at specific periods.

Automated Ball Launcher: Does your furry enjoy chasing tennis balls? These can keep Fido entertained for hours. Just make sure you purchase the proper size. Large dogs can choke on balls designed for smaller dogs.

Snuffle Mats: are a great option for many dogs since they offer amusement, stimulation, and treats! Simply choose the most durable options.

Do you have a yard for your dog to play in? Get Fido a kiddie pool or a fountain to cool off with on those scorching summer days.

GPS Tag: Fido may not be thrilled about this new technology, but we are. These are another fantastic tool for keeping an eye on your furry. This is fantastic news for folks who have dogs who are prone to escaping. Before acquiring these, make sure to do some research. There are various models available, but they differ slightly in terms of battery life, range, technology employed, and, of course, price. You can also use Air Tags or a similar product.

You may have seen paw buttons online. This is a completely unexpected development in the ever-increasing array of dog goods. These are pads that you program with certain words, such as ‘Walk’, ‘Treat’, or ‘Toy.’ You will then teach Fido to use the pad to communicate. Some dogs pick this up exceptionally well! Of course, your mileage may vary.

New Bed: Is Fido’s present doggy bed worn down to a few lumpy bits of padding? This is an excellent time for a new one!

Pup subscription boxes: This is a terrific solution for dogs who go through toys faster than you can replace them. Fido will receive his own monthly box of delights in the mail.

What Age Is My Dog?

This is a common source of confusion for people. Many people believe that one year in Fido’s life is about equivalent to seven human years. People may have begun this by comparing the average human lifespan (70) to that of a puppy (10). That is not the case, though.

As a general rule of thumb, Fido’s first year is approximately similar to 15 human years. That second year is roughly equivalent to nine human years, bringing your canine friend to a comparable age of around 34. After that, it evens out a bit: Fido will have around three to five human years per doggy year from the age of three onward.

However, it isn’t always that straightforward. Big dogs age faster than little dogs do. A Saint Bernard can be considered a senior at the age of eight, although a Pomeranian may not reach that age until ten.

The American Kennel Club has a guide on this available on their website. That being said, you should always consult with your San Antonio, TX vet regarding your pooch’s aging timeline.

How Do I Mark My Dog’s Birthday?

Dogs, like humans, have unique tastes. The most important thing of course is that you’ll want to choose something your pooch will like. There are no rules here; you can simply give your canine pal a new toy or a special treat. Or, go all-out!

Here are some of the ‘pawsible’ alternatives:

Take A Hike: Try using a trail finder app to discover a new location for you and Fido to visit. Just prioritize your pet’s safety. Not all pooches are cut out for vigorous hikes. 

Bring Fido To The Park: Does your canine buddy love visiting the dog park? Enjoy a wonderful afternoon at a nearby one with your furry friend and his mates. This might also be a pleasant method for you to reconnect with some of your pals.

Doggy Dinner Date: Dogs are welcome at many restaurants and delis. There are even establishments that cater to our canine pals! Find a pleasant local hangout and treat your canine pal to a special meal.

Drive-Thru: You don’t have to eat with your pooch. You can always take Fido to a drive-through. Many restaurants provide special secret menus for Man’s Best Friend. Starbucks, for example, serves puppuccino.

Shopping: Is your canine friend well-mannered in public? Take him to a toy store and allow him to choose his own toys. It’s adorable to see how happy Fido looks when he is proudly holding his new toy.

Keep in mind that these activities are not going to be appropriate for every dog. If your canine companion is afraid or aggressive, group activities may not be a smart choice. Playdates may also not be appropriate for dogs with impaired immune systems, or for puppies who haven’t yet completed their initial round of vaccines. For additional information, speak with your San Antonio, TX veterinarian.

Make An Appointment With Our San Antonio, TX Veterinary Hospital.

Is it time for your pet to get a checkup, immunizations, or parasite control? You are welcome to contact us at any time. As your San Antonio, TX pet hospital, we are always here to help!