pets Archives

5 Paw-some Tips to Make Your Dog’s Next Birthday Party the Best Yet

Birthdays come around only once a year. And, just like humans, dogs deserve to have their birthdays acknowledged and celebrated. After all, who doesn’t want another happy occasion to celebrate, and who doesn’t like delicious cake?!

While some people might find celebrating a dog’s birthday strange, believe us when we say, it’s not! Your furry friend is an important part of your family, and he should be treated as such.

Whether you decide to celebrate your dog’s Gotcha Day or birthday, here are five paw-some suggestions to ensure your dog’s next birthday party is his best one yet.

1. Choose a “paw-ty” theme and run with it

Like every good birthday party, your dog’s b-day bash should have a theme. These can range from simple and classy to extravagant and over the top. Ideas include a summer luau bash, carnival party, Hollywood superstars shindig, or even a decade-themed celebration.

The best way to pick a theme is to think about your dog’s personality, as well as the guests you are considering inviting, and select one based on those factors. Regardless of what you opt for, make sure you go all the way with it!

2. Spice up the presentation

When it comes to planning a party, presentation is everything. Based on the theme you settle on for your pooch’s blowout, you can choose how to decorate your space. You can also choose a color scheme and use that for your party supplies, including tableware, balloons, streamers, party favors, and more. Some party supply and pet stores (and, ahem, certain online retailers) even have pet-themed plates, napkins, and banners. If you’re a DIYer, let your creative juices flow and make your own personal banners and signs in honor of your furry friend. And, of course, pet-themed floral arrangements add a splash of color and fun to any space.

3. Set up a doggy photo booth

Lights, camera, action! Nothing says making memories like taking pictures. Setting up a doggy photo booth is the best way to snap some unforgettable moments from your pooch’s special day.

One way to do this is to make your own backdrop, provide some props, and set a custom hashtag for when your guests want to post about your event on social media. You can coordinate this with your party’s theme, or keep things simple and low fuss with a more basic design.

4. Make the human experience just as fun

While the event will be centered on the adorable pups, you have to make sure keep their owners entertained too. That means making sure ALL attendees are well fed and amply hydrated, and have plenty to do.

dog birthday party with people having fun

Whip up some dog-themed party foods, such as like mini hot dogs and sandwiches cut in bone shapes. Of course, you can never go wrong with crackers, dips, and veggie platters, or a classic meat and cheese spread. For dessert, dog treats for the canines and cookies for the humans will do the trick — and, what do you know, you can get them both in one convenient package.

Regarding activities, feature pet-themed party games for your guests to play. A limbo contest, musical chairs, and a scavenger hunt are just a few that humans and dogs alike can participate in.

5. Buy your dog a present, or five

What dog birthday is complete without goodies for your furry friends?! Sure, your dog probably has a ton of toys already, but providing him with new things to play with will keep him occupied and happy for hours — and treating your dog to a new present has benefits to you too. Squeaky toys, hats, and bandanas are just a few items that would make the perfect gift for your guest of honor — and, what do you know, you can get all three in one convenient package.

Paws Up: 7 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

A 2023 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 65% of households in the United States include a dog, and 85% of those respondents consider their dogs a member of the family.

And it’s easy to see why, says Nancy R. Gee, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Dogs are amazingly adept at reading human social cues, such as body language and emotional states,” Gee says. “Dogs, unlike any other companion animal species, are extremely well suited to helping humans in so many ways, many of which we still don’t fully understand.”

Gee, who co-authored the research study “Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach” and co-edited the book “The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders,” says the stresses of the pandemic lockdown spotlighted our desire for canine companionship.

“Dogs and humans are both social creatures,” she explains. “When humans were forced into social isolation by the pandemic lockdown, we sought out much-needed social connection, and dogs were an obvious choice. We were lonely, and dogs came to our rescue!”

If you are (or plan to be) a dog parent, National Dog Day is the perfect time to honor the special four-legged companion in your life. Held annually on Aug. 26, National Dog Day was founded by animal advocate Colleen Paige in 2004 as a way to encourage dog adoptions.

Are you looking for a late summer pick-me-up for you and your pooch? Here are seven ways to celebrate National Dog Day.

1. Host a dog day ‘do’

Invite a few other dog parents or dog-friendly folks to an outdoor party in your backyard. Or spread the word for an Aug. 26 meet-up at your favorite dog park.

Gee points out that dogs can serve as a “social lubricant” during these divisive times. “We can just talk about the dog in front of us and our own pets and not focus on those other more emotionally charged topics,” she says.

What to serve the humans? Hot dogs, of course. And for dessert, pick up a basket of treats that features an assortment of cookies and three different kinds of dog treats. Pawsome!

2. Take a hike

Group activities are fun, but what if you’d prefer some one-on-one time with your pet? Skip the crowded dog park and take a long walk together in a park or other natural setting.

“Biologically speaking, interacting with a dog has been found to reduce blood pressure and other indicators of stress, such as cortisol,” Gee notes. “Psychologically speaking, interacting with a dog has been found to reduce depression, anxiety, and elevate mood.”

When you combine those perks with fresh air and exercise, you’re doing a lot of good things for your health. However, staying hydrated is essential for both of you. That’s why you need a handy personalized dog water bottle to take with you on your adventure.

3. Cozy up on the couch

Since National Dog Day falls during the — ahem — dog days of summer, staying inside in an AC-controlled environment could be a better choice.

You can create your own National Dog Day movie marathon with classic films such as “My Dog Skip,” “Air Bud,” “Homeward Bound,” “Turner and Hooch,” “The Adventures of Milo and Otis,” “Benji,” and “Lassie.”

Make things extra cozy by cuddling up with your fur baby and a personalized fleece blanket. It can include your dog’s name and its phonetic pronunciation, as well as your choice of three humorous “definitions” that range from “Shoe chewer” to “Best friend.”

READ: 14 Best Gifts for Every Kind of Dog Lover

4. Get tricky

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Dogs are eager to learn, and they love to please their humans. All you need is some time, patience, and tasty treats.

While you work on the first two requirements, these organic dog treats have got you covered for the third. Your dog will flip (or sit…or shake…or roll over) for these all-natural, oven-baked snacks that, at least as far as Fido can tell, taste like peanut butter cookies. And you’ll rest easy knowing they contain no wheat, corn, or soy.

5. Take a dog nap

Cat naps are great, but let’s face it, dogs have got the napping thing down, too. Plus, they are so adorable when they act like they’re running or bark while they’re dreaming.

Naps are also beneficial for humans. In fact, new research shows that brief daytime naps can boost our brain health.

A special napping pillow for your furry friend is a great way to celebrate National Dog Day. This personalized dog bone pillow can be embroidered with your pet’s name, and when things get a little too, umm, hairy, you can unzip the cover for washing.

6. Keep them safe

According to the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, one in three pets will get lost at some point in their lifetime, and without an ID, 90% will not return home. Microchipping and pet identification tags help your precious pet get back home safely.

You can make a new personalized collar part of this year’s National Dog Day celebration. This snappy plaid model can be imprinted with your dog’s name and your phone number, eliminating the need for a separate ID tag. The fabric collar comes in your choice of four colors.

7. Adopt a dog

Whether you’re looking for a new adventure buddy for yourself or a furry companion for your four-legged friend while you’re at work, your local animal shelter may have the perfect canine.

Check out your shelter’s website for photos and descriptions of their current guests, and then pay an in-person visit to see who has that special spark.

Of course, you’re going to want to celebrate the new addition to your family, and this important day, so have a “gotcha day” gift basket waiting for the pooch when he arrives at his new home. It includes cute toys, rawhide-free chews, carob chip treats, and a darling bow tie and bandana — all in a reusable woven rope tin.

How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet

Typically, to love a pet is to lose a pet. But even though these animals tend to have much shorter lifespans than humans, we choose to have them because of the deep bond we form with them and the unconditional love they provide. And with 70 percent of American households — or about 85 million homes — owning a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, the majority of us understand these benefits firsthand.

Most pet owners have such a deep relationship with their pets that when they lose one, the emotions they feel can be profound and hard to put into words. But dealing with the loss of a pet is no different, or less important, than remembering a person who has left us.

Light After Loss Episode 20: Coping With the Loss of a Pet

In a recent “Light After Loss” Facebook Live episode, Modern Loss’ Rebecca Soffer hosted a discussion with E.B. Bartels, author of “Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter,” a narrative nonfiction book about loving and losing animals. Here are some key moments from their conversation.

What are some things can we do for ourselves after the loss of a pet?

Legitimize your feelings. A lot of people internalize the comments we frequently hear (“It’s just a dog”) and end up trying to talk themselves out of the deep grief they are feeling by saying “It’s not like it was a family member or a friend.” Losing a pet is as legitimate a loss as any other, and so, just as with all other types of grief, don’t “should” yourself, or try stifle or contain it.

loss of a pet with looking at photos of dog

Ask people to witness your grief. It can feel good to go through your memories and curate an album to share online. This gives you time to create some space to reflect on the relationship. Once you do this, ask people to share their own memories of your animal — you may get stories that you might never have learned about. And consider turning the album into a printed scrapbook. (This is also a great way to help kids process their grief.)
Reach out and connect with other people who get it — even online. On the third Sunday of each month, Perfect Paws Pet Ministry hosts a Zoom gathering with people all over the world to celebrate and remember their pets.

What are some mourning rituals we can do for our pets?

There aren’t a lot of set rituals for mourning pets, which is both good and bad. On the one hand, it can feel uncomfortable after the loss of a pet if you don’t know what to do. On the other, this can free us up to figure out what feels right for us.

Here are five ideas for how to mourn a pet.

Adapt the rituals you might do for a human death to your pet: have a wake, sit shiva, or even ask friends to come by the night before an animal is euthanized to say goodbye.
If you have other pets in the house, let them see your pet after it has died. This allows them to process what has happened and say their own goodbyes. It’s also important for them to view your grief and sit with you during it.

loss of a pet with woman holding small dog

Spend time with other animals. As any pet owner knows, this can be very therapeutic. Petting dogs release oxytocin in the brain, and even watching fish can lower your blood pressure.
Consider burying your pet in a pet cemetery (or, at least, making a habit of visiting them wherever you are to feel close to your animal). No animal is buried in a pet cemetery out of obligation; rather, they are there because of the people who want to celebrate them even in death. You can leave offerings like squeaky toys, their favorite food, or even an old shoe they used to love gnawing on. Wherever you travel around the world, you can visit a pet cemetery and feel the same love others felt for their pets that you felt for yours.
Write an obituary. This healing exercise can help you process your emotions and put all your favorite memories in one place, so that years from now you have something to go back and read. This is another good activity to do with children.

How can we help those who have not experienced the loss of a pet better understand what we’re going through?

Ask that person to remember what if felt like to experience a hard loss in their life, be it a breakup, divorce, or death. Even if they can’t imagine being so attached to a cat, for example, it will make it easier for them to put themselves in the pet griever’s shoes.

What should we do about people around us who aren’t helpful in our grief?

Don’t waste time trying to convince someone of your grief who doesn’t want to try to understand. Millions of people around the world are open to connecting with each other through the love and loss of their pets. (And remember to extend that mindset to people who don’t “get it” with other types of grief, too.)

This article was authored by ModernLoss.com, which offers candid conversation about grief and meaningful community throughout the long arc of loss.

12 Best Gifts for Every Kind of Dog Lover

gifts for dog lovers with woman holding treat

With nearly 70 million American households owning a dog, chances are you either have a slobbery four-legged friend roaming around your home or know someone who does. Whichever category you fall into, you know what a special breed dog owners are: They consider their pet a member of the family, and always want what’s best for them — so it makes sense that when it comes time to buy them a present, you remember those furry companions.

“A dog lover appreciates a canine-focused gift because they are our babies,” says Teena Graf, a dog care professional from Cos Cob, Connecticut. “We always want other people to love our pups like we do. Including our pets is a great way to say you understand and care.”

But just as there are hundreds of kinds of dogs to choose from, so, too, are there seemingly innumerable kinds of gifts for dog lovers to dig through. Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork to come up with all types of pup-centric presents — from paw print blankets to puppy-themed water bottles to personalized pooch picture frames.

Here are 12 top gift ideas for dog lovers. Woof, indeed.

For mom

Dog Mom Gift Box

Dog moms spend so much time grooming, walking, and caring for their furry friend that they often forget to take a moment for themselves. Help her pamper herself by giving her this gift box filled with such items as an eco-friendly soy wax candle, handmade soap, and vanilla lip balm. With treats for Fido, too, this bundle will put a smile on both their faces.

For dad

Bottom Sniffer Dog Beer Gift Set

If your dad is like most of the dads we know, then chances are he has an odd sense of humor — and that means he will sure get a kick out of this present. This doggy beer is non-alcoholic and non-carbonated, but is totally refreshing to pooches. Your pops will delight in sharing a cold one with his best four-legged friend.

For everyone

gifts for dog lovers a DOG able® in a Basket

A-Dog-Able Dog Flowers

Whether your bestie is laid up with the flu or you want to wish your mom a happy birthday, gifting one of these baskets, with an adorable pup fashioned from flowers, will lift spirits.

For women

Pet Paw Necklace

This piece of jewelry, with the inscription “Pets leave paw prints on our hearts,” will serve as a lasting and tangible reminder of her favorite companion. Perfect for a special occasion or someone who has recently lost a beloved pet. For a more affordable but no less meaningful jewelry option, check out the All You Need Is Love Charm Necklace.

For pooches

gifts for dog lovers with Max Milo™ Best in Show Dog Gift Basket

Dog Gift Baskets

For the animals themselves, check out the Max & Milo Collection, with toy, treat, chew, and biscuit gift baskets curated expressly for those little balls of fur.

For kids

gifts for dog lovers with Cat Dog Kids Mismatched Socks

Cat and Dog Mismatched Socks

Getting kids to wear clothes that match can be a challenge, so why not get them articles of clothing that aren’t meant to go together? These adorable socks will keep their tootsies warm and show everyone how much they love their furry friends (felines too!).

For grandma

gifts for dog lovers with personalized picture frame

Good Dog! Personalized Photo Frame

A frame with a picture of their pup, Graf says, is one of those gifts for dog lovers that is always received well — and that goes double if it has the animal’s name on it. The wood grain frame fits many interior styles and is available in 4-by-6, 5-by-7, and 8-by-10 sizes.

For the top dog

gifts for dog lovers with dog mom hoodie

Dog Mom Sweatshirt

Who doesn’t love a comfy hoodie to throw on and wear while snuggling up to their furry friend? This one, which comes in a choice of seven colors, tells everybody who’s the boss in this doghouse.

For a family

Hug in Every Bite Dog and Treats Gift

Wondering what to get for a dog-owning household? Wonder no more. This sweet gift arrives with a variety of six Cheryl’s Cookies and a floppy-eared plush dog that is oh so cuddleable. Is cuddleable a word? It is now.

For your aunt

Paws On My Heart Personalized Blanket

Make cuddling up to their fur buddy an even cozier experience with a warm blanket. This one comes in several different styles, including fleece, sherpa, and quilted. Personalize it by emblazoning it with their dog’s name under a heart made of paw prints.

For your uncle

gifts for dog lovers with My Kids Have Paws Personalized oz. Travel Tumbler

My Kids Have Paws Personalized Tumbler

This 16-ounce cup that keeps on-the-go drinks hot or cold comes in six colors. Pop a photo of your family member and his dog on the side, and include the pup’s name for a truly memorable and useful present.

For a sibling

gifts for dog lovers with Woof Meow Personalized Pet Photo Sided Ornament

Woof Personalized Pet Photo 2-Sided Ornament

A holiday ornament with a pup photo is essential for any Christmas tree. Give this to Spot’s big brother or sister to hang wherever he chooses.

4 Tips for Gardening with Your Dog

Did you know that Responsible Dog Ownership Day is in September? For all you dog moms and dog dads out there, we know that you probably view every day as an opportunity to give your pet the best possible care. But in honor of this observance, we’re touching on one more task you may not have given much thought to: gardening with your dog.

Gardening with dogs with dog and flowers

Even though summer is ending and you may not be spending as much time in your garden as you did the past couple of months, there are certain plants and flowers that thrive in the fall — and if you’re like us, that means you’ll definitely head out to the garden at least a few more times before the cold sets in. And should your a-DOG-able pet join you as you head outdoors, here are four tips to help keep them safe.

1. Be mindful of fertilizer

Of course your plants need food to thrive, but just like you wouldn’t indulge in theirs, neither should your pets. In fact, if your dog consumes any fertilizer from your garden, it could really take a toll on their stomach. As a result, your best bet is to keep dogs away for a while after tending to your plants and flowers.

2. Steer clear of cocoa bean mulch

Although this type of mulch is known to produce a chocolate-like smell (yum!) and looks great in any garden, it, too, can cause trouble for your furry friends. Known to contain theobromine, which is toxic for dogs, this gardening product could lead to health problems (such as vomiting and muscle tremors) in your pets.

3. Clean up after yourself

Always make sure to put all gardening tools back in their proper place. Even though some may be small, they can still be sharp and harmful to dogs. The same goes for the plants and flowers themselves. If you haven’t finished your work but plan to return to it later, store leftovers at a height that your pets can’t reach; even if they are pet-safe plants, plants and pets may not always be a good mix if you’d like to avoid a mess!

4. Research plants and flowers first

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your dog is kept safe in your garden is research which plants and flowers are safe for pets. While you may be a fan of azaleas, hyacinths, or larkspur, certain parts of certain plants may be poisonous for dogs. Therefore, if you have a dog at home, your garden should always be filled with pet-safe flowers and plants only.