How to Throw Your Dog a Birthday Party: 5 Simple Insta-Worthy Tips

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a dog mom at heart and I’m constantly going above and beyond for my pup. Bailey is a 3 year old golden retriever and basically the light in our family’s lives. She is the sweetest dog ever, and so adorable that I have a hard time not taking a bajillion photos of her and being super extra all the time. So alas, every year so far I’ve found myself throwing her a mini dog birthday party on her birthday, and I think I can honestly say she loves it. I think there’s a misconception that treating your pup on their day has to be this huge elaborate and pricy deal, like an actual event that has to be planned. Well I’m here to tell you It doesn’t have to be! I’m extra, but not that extra. Props to all the people out there that have the means to do it though, I still think that’s super cute. For me, however, I’ve found it relatively simple and cheap to do. I’ve narrowed it down to five simple steps that I’ve done every year thus far. It’s a special photographic opportunity and memory for us, and a special moment for her as well. Let me tell y’all what I do!

1. Cake and Treats:

 There are so many options here. You can make a homemade cake for your dog with pet friendly ingredients, simply stack treats and peanut butter together, or even buy a dog-friendly cake pre-made. Your pup is going to be so excited to eat it, and it’ll set a cute celebratory mood for any photos. I’ve done all of these options in the past, but I think homemade is often the cheapest route as it usually calls for ingredients already in the household. Although, this year I just ordered a boxed mix off Amazon for times sake, and added some treats around the cake as well.

I’ll list some of my favorite options and recipes here:

Recipes: Broma Bakery

Southern Parm 

Boxed and Pre-made cakes:

2. Birthday Bandana and Hat:

Speaking of celebratory moods, a bandana and/or hat really add to the look as well. Lucky for me, my dog isn’t bothered by this stuff. I think I could honestly put anything on her and she’d just sit there like an angel. However, if your dog doesn’t like stuff on their head, don’t torture them just for photo’s sake. I think most dogs are okay with bandanas, but again I think the same rules apply. For the hats I just went to my local Dollar Tree and picked up a pack I liked. I ordered her birthday bandana on Amazon, however, I’ve also used any of her others in the past to save money as well!

Here’s the bandana I ordered plus some other options:

3. New Toys and Treats:

I think it’s fun to pick up a couple new toys for your dog on their birthday if it’s in the budget. I know how excited Bailey gets, especially cause she goes through them very quickly. For me, it’s like the same concept as putting a bone in her stocking on Christmas Day. I like the idea of her getting a gift and special treatment like the rest of us. I also love picking up some treats, birthday themed if I can! Bailey definitely loves her grain-free buddy biscuits because they’re easy on her tummy! I also treated her to these banana split flavored treats this year. I told you this post was extra, and if it’s not your thing, I apologize haha. 

Toys I got Bailey:

Treats I got Bailey:

4. Background Decorations:

 I always like to put up some sort of decoration up that signifies a birthday. Bailey also shares her birthday with my sister so I don’t feel too wild buying all of this because it’s also for my sister. But if it’s too much for you, of course this is optional! I made a DIY banner that I used the first two years for free with old construction paper, a sharpie and some yarn. So cute and it won’t break the bank. This year, I wanted to go all out and got these blow up balloons from Amazon on sale for so cheap. They ended up looking great! Another even cheaper option is to swing by your local dollar store and pick some balloons up. I’ve noticed mine has been coming out with trendier options! To be completely honest, this step is really just for photographic purposes. Your dog obviously won’t care about them, but I love this extra step.

P.S. I love how all the gold looks round my golden floof!

Here’s the balloon set for so cheap! Plus banner ideas:

5. Sing Happy Birthday and Spend Time with Them!

Okay you’ve done enough for yourself, you’ve probably taken a million photos and set everything up the way you like. Now let them eat their cake/treats and spend time with them! This day really is about your dog, and chances are if you’re reading this you’re obsessed with your dog like me, so make it extra fun for them. Take them on a walk, go to the dog park, and give them all the scratches they deserve!

Hope you enjoyed this post and give your pup a little extra TLC next time it’s their birthday 🙂

 

With Love,

Jenna