While you show your pet you love them each day, celebrating your furry pal’s birthday or gotcha day can be a fun and meaningful way to honor their special place in your heart. Before you reserve the entire dog park and buy all the paw print decor at your local party supplies store, put yourself in your pet’s paws and consider what they would most enjoy. While a person’s birthday is often celebrated with a big party, lavish decorations, and gifts galore, your pet’s idea of a good time likely looks a bit different. Follow our Alpine Animal Hospital team’s tips to celebrate your pet’s birthday in a fun, safe, and memorable way that you and your pet will enjoy.  

#1: Treat your pet to some pampering 

Grooming is essential to your pet’s health and wellbeing, and a spa day will help them look and feel their best. If your pet enjoys professional pampering, book their appointment for a luxurious grooming session. However, if your pet is more comfortable at home, you can pamper them yourself. To give your pet the ultimate spa experience, include the following treatments: 

  • Massage your pet — You know how good a massage feels when you have a sore back or stiff shoulders, and a relaxing massage will feel equally good to your pet. Find a quiet spot in the house, have your pet sit or lie down, and use your fingertips to massage their muscles in a gentle, circular motion. 
  • Give your pet a bath — If your pet enjoys bathing, run them a warm bath, and use a pet-friendly shampoo that conditions their skin and makes their coat shine. 
  • Brush your pet — After your pet’s relaxing bath, dry them gently with a towel, and brush their coat from head to tail. Regular brushing keeps your pet’s coat looking good, and helps release dead hair, which reduces excess shedding, removes mats, and distributes their skin’s natural oils. 
  • Give your pet a paw-dicure — Long nails can become painful, and if your pet’s nails curve inward toward the paw pads, grab the clippers and trim the nails yourself. If you feel uncertain about trimming your pet’s nails, schedule an appointment with a professional groomer or our Alpine Animal Hospital team.

#2: Make your pet a special birthday treat 

No birthday celebration is complete without a special treat. Give your pet the best birthday ever by whipping up a drool-worthy treat. Search online for healthy pet treat recipes such as these yummy peanut butter pupcakes or carrot and catnip kitty treats, and delight your four-legged friend’s taste buds. If you have questions on ingredient safety, call our Alpine Animal Hospital team before concocting your pet’s birthday treat. In addition, remember that no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie allotment should come from treats, so keep portions reasonably sized. 

#3: Give your pet a great gift

A gift is a tangible symbol of one person’s affectionate feelings for another. While your pet cannot understand a birthday gift’s subtle meaning, they can certainly appreciate the surprise and the enjoyment a new toy or special item brings. Consider your pet’s preferences and give them a gift that will enhance their wellbeing, provide enrichment, or simply keep them entertained. The following pet-friendly gifts are sure to be a hit:

  • Treat puzzles
  • Chew or fetch toys
  • Dental chew treats
  • Orthopedic bed

#5: Spend high-quality time with your pet 

While gifts are great, what your pet values most is your presence. Give your pet some high-quality together time, sharing your four-legged friend’s favorite activity such as hiking a new trail, playing fetch, or receiving belly rubs. No matter what you and your pet do together, giving them your undivided attention strengthens the bond you share. 

#6: Protect your pet’s health year-round 

Good health is the gift that keeps on giving year-round, helping ensure you and your pet can enjoy many more birthdays together. Regular veterinary wellness exams are essential for your pet’s long-term health and allows our Alpine Animal Hospital team to identify health issues at their earliest stage, when your pet’s treatment options and overall prognosis are good. During your pet’s wellness exam, we will perform a thorough physical assessment and diagnostic testing, such as blood work, to monitor your furry pal’s health and ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and monthly parasite preventives that protect them from multiple diseases.

No matter how you celebrate your pet’s birthday or gotcha day, they are sure to feel extra special. To ensure your pet receives exceptional veterinary care, schedule their next wellness examination with our Alpine Animal Hospital team.