Ah Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year. Unless of course, you don’t have a significant other and it’s going to be just you and your dog.
Your pooch loves you all year round so what better time to repay the favour and let them know how special they are to you then February 14th?
What should I get my dog for Valentine’s Day?
While there are no laws in place that state you have to buy your dog a Valentine’s Day present, after the year we’ve all had, it makes sense. Buying a V-Day gift for your pup will let them know you care and make you feel like you’re getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit.
So, what should you get them? Well, you can’t give your dog chocolates and a bunch of roses probably won’t go down too well either but there are plenty of wonderful gifts that fit in with the loved-up nature of the day. Consider:
- A brand-new collar, red of course
- A heart-shaped chew toy
- Dog-safe chocolate drops
- A Valentine’s Day inspired dog bandana
- Some Pawsecco – a dog friendly alternative to bubbles
Whatever it is share the love, Fido will just be glad to know you care!
10 ways to have the best Valentine’s Day with your dog
Okay, that’s the present sorted but what will you do on the day itself? You couldn’t go for a candlelit dinner in a fancy restaurant even if you wanted to so here are ten top tips for spending February 14th with your pooch.
1. Make a dog-friendly meal
“If music be the food of love, play on” or so said the bard. If the way to your pup’s heart is through their stomach then why not make their day by cooking up a delicious dinner that your dog will love?
Remember, chocolate, while the staple food of Valentine's day, is highly toxic to dogs. If you're wondering what to do if your dog eats chocolate, be aware that home remedies are not often safe or successful. So needless to say, you should aim to cook something that will be perfectly healthy and safe for your pup instead!
Try cooked chicken or beef with no added salt, spices, or fat. Add it in with their usual kibble (while you eat the human version at the same time). Candle light and romantic music are optional...
2. Have a doggy movie marathon night
What could be better than dimming the light, grabbing the popcorn and cuddling up with your pup under a blanket? Watching a marathon of dog-inspired films, that’s what! Marley and Me, Hacki, Turner and Hooch, Bolt. The list goes on.
3. Hit the dog park
It may be cold and wintery out there but your dog will love heading out to the dog park for some outdoor fun to spend quality time with you. Take a ball and get ready to indulge in your dog’s favourite pastime, an extended game of fetch.
4. Have a photo shoot
We’ve all seen those loved-up photo shoots that couples do when they announce their engagement. Why not try a tongue-in-cheek version with your dog? Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show the world that you and your pup were made for each other. The soppier the better; think chalk boards with the date you adopted your pooch, matching outfits and as many heart-shaped items as you can find!
5. Teach your dog a new trick
You may not realise it, but dogs absolutely love learning new tricks. Whether it’s because they’re spending time you, getting extra treats or having a healthy dose of mental stimulation, your dog will love learning something new. Grab some treats and check out our top tricks to teach your dog.
6. Volunteer with your dog
After a particularly rubbish day, there’s nothing like coming home to your loving pooch to put a smile back on your face. If you want to share the love this Valentine’s Day, consider volunteering locally with your dog. From letting your pup comfort children with autism to visiting care homes, you and your pup could bring smiles to those who need it this Valentine’s Day.
7. Serenade your pup
There’s no one in the world who appreciates you in the same way that your dog does. Why not serenade Fido with a selection of dog-friendly hits. Think “how much is that doggy in the window”, “who let the dogs out” etc.
8. Donate to a dog’s shelter
Does your pup already have far more toys than they can realistically play with? Maybe they have more raincoats than they could ever wear. Rescue centres are always in need of blankets, bad weather clothing, unopened bags of food or tubs of peanut butter and sturdy toys. If you have an excess or you just feel so grateful for your furry friend, you’d like to help some other dogs in need, then consider donating. If you’re super generous the shelter workers may even let you play with the pups.
9. Give your dog a mani-pedi
You can leave the heavy duty trims to the professional groomers but if you fancy giving your pup a treat why not indulge them with a manicure and pedicure? There are plenty of dog-friendly polishes out there and Fido will feel like the belle of the ball. Although this might be better suited to lazy Lhassa Apsos rather than rambunctious Rottweilers.
10. Get a puppaccino
Even if the local coffee shops are closed, you can still recreate the barista experience from the comfort of your own home. Firstly, make yourself a coffee, and then add a dash of cream or hot milk to water and put into a plastic cup for your pup to sip out of. Bonus points if you can also create a café style set up in your kitchen or garden and get your household to serve drinks!
So, there you have it! The perfect way to spend February 14th when your significant other has fur! Happy Valentine's Day.
