20 Best Dog Birthday Party Ideas for Your Fur Baby
Throw your dog an unforgettable birthday party with these pup-tastic ideas.
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As the saying goes, we don't deserve dogs. Luckily, we get to have them! This year, celebrate yours with some extra love to commemorate another trip around the sun. Whether you celebrate your dog’s birthday or their gotcha day, it’s the perfect opportunity to go all out with treats and belly rubs. After all, they deserve it! So skip the new bone, and celebrate in style with these dog birthday party ideas.
Whether you want a quiet gathering or a big birthday bash, these party ideas can work for any size gathering. We've included suggestions for party decor like balloons and banners, plus dog toys and games to play with the birthday pup. And, of course, who could celebrate without plenty of dog-friendly birthday treats?
A word to the wise: If you do throw a puppy party with multiple attendees, especially multiple dogs, make sure you’re thinking ahead. Include party snacks and specialty drinks for your human guests, and be sure to provide plenty of dog treats so that there’s no competition for food. To keep everyone safe and happy, only invite dogs that are well socialized and comfortable with crowds. And clearly label which food is for your guests — nobody wants an unexpected vet visit, or to take a bite out of a dog biscuit!
Take a Walk in the Water Park
If you have a water-loving pup, invite their friends over for a "pool" party! Even if you don't have a swimming pool, set up a sprinkler and an inflatable kiddie pool and let the dogs splash to their hearts’ content.
What's a party without balloons? This set comes with foil letter balloons in silver, gold or rose gold, plus paw print balloons, two decorative banners AND a matching party hat. Get the paw-ty started and let everybody know whose special day it is.
Hold a Costume Contest
Who says it has to be Halloween for your dog to wear a costume? Invite all of your dog’s friends in their best getups for a birthday costume party. Don’t forget to take some doggie pictures for Instagram!
This playful toy set gives you everything you need to celebrate your dog in style, from plush toys to a birthday cake hat.
RELATED: 30 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers That You and Your Pet Will Love
Blow Some Bubbles
Give all of your guests a bottle of bubbles to blow, or set up an automatic bubble machine. Fill the yard with bubbles and let your dogs go crazy chasing them! It's a low-cost dog birthday party idea that will guarantee your pups have a blast.
Skip the Candles With Birthday Cake Treats
These tasty treats are like Funfetti cake for dogs — minus the candles. They're birthday cake-inspired, flavored with peanut butter, vanilla and carob. The best part? They have only six ingredients.
Relax at a Puppy Spa Day
Did you know that some dogs enjoy a massage just like people do? Host a spa-themed party and give your dog a massage — it can help increase circulation and decrease anxiety for your pup.
What pup doesn’t love a new dog toy? This cake-shaped stuffie is both festive and fun.
Build an Obstacle Course
What’s a party without games? For a backyard bash, try making a doggy obstacle course with children's play tunnels to run in and a hula hoop to jump through. If you're feeling adventurous with some DIY, you can even use PVC pipe to make weave poles for dogs to run between.
You can’t have a birthday without birthday cake! This kit provides everything you need to make a dog-friendly cake: A reusable mold, cake and frosting mix and a birthday candle. All you have to do is cook it in the microwave, and voila!
Have Buckets of Fun
If your dog loves to chase balls, collect a bucket of tennis balls and find somewhere with a hard surface. Drop all the balls at once so they bounce everywhere and watch your dog go nuts trying to catch them all!
Bake Homemade Dog Treats
For a fun change of pace, try making your own dog treats as a special gift! You get the peace of mind of knowing every ingredient that goes into them, and your dog will love their special birthday snack.
Take the stress out of your dog birthday party by cutting down on the cleanup. This set of party supplies adorably features dogs in party hats and includes plates, a tablecloth and napkins. They'll let you set the table and the birthday vibe at the same time!
Serve Dog-Friendly Scoops
If you’re hosting a summer party, what better refreshment than some dog-friendly ice cream? Brands like Van Leeuwen and Ben and Jerry’s make pints just for pups. Look for something that doesn’t have a lot of dairy or sugar to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
RELATED: 30 Fun Summer Party Ideas That Are Fun for Everyone
Add a sprinkle of sparkle into your pup's party with this adorable set of three glittery party hats. This idea is perfect for pet lovers with multiple fur babies.
Set Out Themed Snacks
The people at your party will need something to eat, too! Try themed (human) food like these adorable pug cupcakes, hot dogs, puppy chow or brownies shaped like bones.
Personalize your party with a customizable banner with your dog’s face on it! We love that you can add your choice of party hat.
Do a Birthday Bandana Swap
Why not have a bandana party? Have everyone bring a bandana and do a swap, or set out some DIY supplies for people to make or decorate their own. Provide scissors, fun fabrics and craft supplies like paint or ribbon to decorate them.
Make or order a “bark"-cuterie board of different dog treats, like biscuits and blueberries. Let your dog sniff around and choose which treats they want to eat. Make your own matching charcuterie board with meats and cheeses for your guests.
If you usually feed your dog kibble, try preparing a lick mat for their special day. Fill it with treats like peanut butter, canned pumpkin or lightly scrambled egg. It gives them both mental stimulation and a delicious meal — a win-win!
Sarah Vincent (she/her) covers the latest and greatest in books and all things pets for Good Housekeeping. She double majored in Creative Writing and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, where she sat in the front row for every basketball game. In her spare time, she loves cooking, crafting, studying Japanese, and, of course, reading.
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