As Valentine’s Day draws nearer you could be thinking about a couple of things. Maybe you’re tracking the gift you had ordered for your someone special, or maybe you’re daydreaming about the various secret admirers you are sure to have doting on you this year. Another fine possibility is, you must be planning a long romantic walk to the fridge with Snoopy. Luckily, you have found the furry love of your life who loves you unconditionally all 365 days of the year. Interestingly, a news survey found that 1 in 5 people will preferably spend Valentine’s Day with their pet dog. To know more interesting facts and ways to spend this special day with your ‘fur-ever love’, keep reading Dog Valentine’s Day.
“Roses are gray, Violets are gray, I can’t see colors,
But I’ll still love you every single day.” – DOG
Dog Valentine’s Day Celebration Ideas
You will always be that ‘one in a million’ in the eyes of your dog. So, he definitely deserves all the special attention and love, and a memorable Valentine’s Day with you. Here are some fun ways to spend Valentine’s Day with your beautiful dog.
- Go on a Trip: The outdoors and dogs are made for each other. No matter what the occasion, there’s nothing like a holiday if you wish to celebrate with your dog. What’s more, your best buddy will happily accompany you wherever you go, no matter which location you choose. With your dog, you will always have no complaints and no fuss, because roaming free is what dogs are born to do.
- Go Hiking: Don’t worry if you and your dog need to postpone a trip plan for a while, since hiking is always a great alternative. It is brief and goes well even when not planned. Moreover, hiking involves a long energetic walk in a natural environment which dogs totally love to their hearts content. While exploring new curves in the trails and freely running on footpaths for the entire day or overnight, you and your dog can have so much fun together. You get to lie under a tree and enjoy meals in the fresh air.
- Camping: Dog lovers can easily come across these beautiful pet-friendly campsites in various parts of their country. These campsites are little pieces of paradise just a few hours away from your city. With acres of farms, or the hills around, or a lake in the woods, there’s seriously nothing else I can suggest for an outdoor celebration with your dog. A campfire, a BBQ and a roof of stars, what more could one ask for. Some of the ways to simulate camp like experience while staying indoors is a DIY terrace or backyard camp.
- A Dog-Human Party: Dogs provide us with companionship and infinite amounts of love, so, the least we can do as dog owners is to flatter them, especially in front of their dog and human friends. Yes, you can love your dog and your budget at the same time to creatively arrange a party. Remember, the key ingredient is fun. Having said that, a tropical pool-party will definitely make you and your dog go bananas for sure. Enjoy and glorify your day on Instagram (well, of course!) and beyond.
- Make it a Spa Day: Dogs, just like kids, love to be pampered. More importantly, grooming your dog will help to build the bond between the two of you. You can do it yourself at home beginning with a pre-planned day which includes, exercising (tire your dog to set the scene), body massages (ears, shoulder, belly, paws, head), pawdicure (pedicure in dog lingo), warm bubble baths, drying and brushing, then ending with a fabulous treat together. Alternatively, you can book a spa for the two of you at a dog-friendly spa centre.
- Play an extra hour: One of the simplest ways to make a ‘special someone’ feel more special is to spend more time with them. Spare an extra hour or possibly take the day off from work to spend the day with your dog. Procrastinate your ‘to-do’ list once in a way and surprise your beloved dog who waits for you to get home every day.
- Visit-a-Vet: This may sound bizarre here, but I strongly believe that, you must care for the heart that loves you. If you haven’t visited your dog’s vet lately, this might be a great day for a casual heart check-up and to know more about your dog’s heart-health. On another note, you can know and test your dog’s heart rate at home even without a stethoscope. Yes, you read that right! Do this: To check your dog’s heart rate, put your hand on the inside of the rear leg at mid-thigh. You should feel the femoral artery pulsing near the surface. It’s easier to find it if your dog is standing. Count the number of beats you feel during a 15-second period and multiply by four to get the beats per minute (bpm).
- A New Friend: Dogs are pack animals. If your budget and space offers the opportunity, you can consider having a new friend for your dog by adopting a dog for your dog. In this way your dog will have a dog companion to play and tumble his way around in your absence.
- Donate in your dog’s name: Your dog already has the best gift-YOU. There are millions of dogs still waiting for their forever Valentines in various dog shelters, eagerly anticipating the day to come when their forever family makes them feel wanted and loved. So, give a little love to those who need it the most. You can always donate one of the two most important resources that every shelter counts on: basic resources or your time. Of course, you can donate a small amount in cash as a minor gift in your dog’s name with the hope that next Valentine’s Day, every animal will have found their one true love.
- Volunteer Together: Not all are fortunate enough to have a Valentine, so you and your dog can volunteer to share the Valentine’s Day spirit. Well, most organizations request a certification in advance, so initiate the process by researching. To spread the love in the best way, consider taking your well-mannered doggo to a home for the old, a shelter for the destitute and people with special needs who usually don’t get many visitors. Spending time with a new wiggly, tail-wagging friend is sweeter than any candy in this world.
“Dogs never lie about love.” – Jeffery Masson
Also read – Tips for First Time Dog Owners That is Very Important to know
Dog Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
- A Dog Scrap Book: You probably have thousands of photos of your dog, but do you have a dog scrapbook for your little fur ball? Well, you may be unable to keep your tiny monster from running away, but his memories you surely can. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to capture the love you and your dog share. This way you can document his growth and bring those special moments to life when shared. Some fantastic DIY ideas for a scrapbook/album for your dog can easily be: A dog paw prints card, a photoshoot using props like a chalk board that shows your dog’s adoption date, collage of his first excursion, his birthday pics (of course!), stealing cake during family celebrations instant clicks, etc. You can boost up the lovey-dovey-ness with pretty artistic work around these candid pics. Remember, you’re creating a wonderful memory with your dog, while he enjoys chewing the empty glue bottle besides you. Click!
- Stainless Steel Bowls with stand: If you’re still using plastic or fibre bowls for your dog, STOP right now and get him a stainless steel bowl, or a ceramic bowl if you wish to consider something more fancy. Also, raise the bowl or get a set that comes with adjustable stands to elevate the bowls according to your dog’s height. Raised bowls reduce the strain on a dog’s neck, hips, shoulders and joints; and are better for older dogs, especially those with arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, joint disorders, sore joints or spinal conditions.
- Bake-with-Love: Sadly, your dog can’t have any of your Valentine’s Day chocolates, but you can bake a tasty cookie that you both can enjoy. Just combine 1 ½ cups quick oats, 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup honey and 1 cup caramelized ripe bananas. Mix the ingredients well. Spoon out the dough on a baking tray and give them heart shapes while gently pressing with your fingers. Bake at 350 degrees, then let them cool and enjoy these with your amor.
- Collar Tag Set & Fun Toys: A personalized accessory is always on a Valentine’s Day list. Dog name tags look stylish and hip. If your dog doesn’t have a name tag collar, this is the best occasion to gift him one. I cannot stress enough on the importance of a collar tag for a dog, all I can say is, you need to be prepared for events that could separate your dog from you. If he has a tag, he’s more likely to be returned to you. Additionally, you can get a Frisbee or chew bone for Max to add to his collection of toys.
- Teach a New Trick: You might have noticed that your dog loves to run, play, jump, and chew his toys. This is because dogs love to be engaged in some or the other activity. When you are teaching your dog a trick or even a basic obedience command, you keep his mind engaged, and he loves that. Truly, quick training sessions are SO MUCH FUN for your dog. It provides mental stimulation, and strengthens your dog’s mind and your bond with him even more. All you need to do is, just grab some treats your dog loves, and teach him a ‘hi-five’ or ‘jump’ easily in 10-minutes. Remember to give him breaks in every 10-minutes interval and keep it stress-free. Even if Fido didn’t learn the new trick, make sure he had fun.
Wishing All The Dog Lovers A Very Happy Valentine’s Day
Share this very interesting article with all the dog lovers out there.