Celebrate Valentines Day with Your Dog

For many, Valentine’s Day is a symbol of love and a day to stop, remember, and appreciate all those we cherish in our life. Whether you do or don’t have a special someone this year to celebrate with – you do have your dog. And what’s a better way to celebrate unconditional love than with your furry best friend!? If you don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day or would prefer to spend it with your canine companion – here are some excellent ways you can celebrate that both you and your pooch are sure to adore.

Bake Heart-Shaped Doggy Biscuits

Baking homemade treats for your furry friend is such a fun way to express your love and admiration for them – especially if you already love to bake. A great part of making Fido biscuits from scratch is that you get to know what ingredients went into making them (giving you some peace of mind as a pet parent). Not to mention, if your dog is like any other dog on this planet, they love treats, and ones made by you will be even better!

There are plenty of DIY doggy biscuit ideas out there, here’s just one of many you can make this valentines day:

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2/3 Cup Pumpkin Puree
• 1/4 Cup Peanut Butter
• 2 Large Eggs
• 3 Cups Whole Wheat Flour (possibly more if needed)
• Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. In a bowl mix the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until thoroughly combined
4. Gradually mix in 2 & 1/2 cups of flour
5. Add additional 1/4 cups of flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky
6. On a lightly floured surface, kneed dough until it comes together
7. Roll out your dough to about a 1/4 in thickness
8. With a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or one of your preference) cut out the dog biscuits and lay them on the previously prepared baking sheet
9. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown
10. Allow the biscuits to completely cool before serving to your furry friend

And if all else fails, you can always make a trip to one of your local dog bakeries!

Take Them to the Pet Store for a New Toy

Instead of running to the pet store and picking out something for Fido by yourself, take your pup along and let them choose the toys of their dreams. Let your canine sniff around the store checking out the different toys available, until something catches their eye. You can also present toys to your pooch and have them decide on their favorite.

Arrange a Doggy Playdate

Valentine’s day is considered a day to be centered around love – and who has more love in their hearts than our furry friends? Invite some of your pet parents over so your dogs can have a sweet playdate. Or if your pup has a best friend or “love interest” in their life (the poodle down the street), schedule a one-on-one playdate with your canines. This type of healthy socialization is great for your pup’s mental growth and it’ll simply just make them happy to play with another pooch.

Go on an Adventure

Whether you and your pup are pro-explorers or you barely make it out of your neighborhood – going on an adventure will surely get your pooch’s tail wagging. You could go to a new dog park, talk a walk downtown, or check out a trail you’ve never been to. Not only is this excellent exercise, but it’s also super beneficial for your pup’s mental health by stimulating their brain with new sites, smells, and sounds. It’s also a super way to bond more with your four-legged friend, making your relationship even stronger.

Donate to a Favorite Dog Charity on Behalf of Fido

Another great way to share the love this valentines day is by donating to one of your favorite dog charities. You can complete the donation on your pup’s behalf or from both of you. Your canine may not know or be directly affected by this kind act, but so many other furry friends could be – and if your dog knew that, they’d be all paws in.

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is recognized all across the world, and no matter what your plans were this year – we’re betting spending them with your canine companion tops the list & Fido would agree.