Your dog is a special member of your family. So it’s time to raise the “woof” when their birthday rolls around with the best dog birthday party ever. We’ve got plenty of dog birthday party ideas on how to make sure your furry friend has a great celebration, from fun puppy games to delicious dog-safe treats.
Trust us, your human friends will be all too happy to bring their canine companions over for a day of funny photo opps and creative paw-ty decorations. And of course, it’s not a celebration without some gifts. Luckily, we’ve included plenty of ideas for dog gifts your pet will be so excited to play with.
No matter what kind of dog you have — an independent one, a super-smart one, a little one, or a big one — there’s sure to be something here they’ll love. Most dogs will be excited just to have some time with you, but you can make it a particularly exciting day for them with some new toys and anything else that makes ’em wag their tail. The nice thing about a dog birthday party is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Your four-legged friend will love you no matter what!
1
Create Personalized Birthday Party Invitations
$17 at Shutterfly$8 at AmazonCredit: Shutterfly
First things first, you’ll need to invite your party guests. Sure, you could send a text to your favorite fellow dog parents, but these customizable invitations are so much cuter. The price is for 10 invitations.
2
Put Up Dog Birthday Party Decorations
$18 at AmazonCredit: Zohokie
No party — or “pawty” — is complete without decorations! This set from Amazon comes with balloons, banners, a scarf, party hat, and a poster with room to write out things like your dog’s favorite treats and toys. It also makes for an adorable photo prop.
The Starving Chef/Felicia Vargo
3
Keep Them Hydrated With an Ice Cube Cake
We love this creative take on a birthday cake that’s also a fun activity for dogs! You can learn how to make this DIY cake for your dog’s birthday from The Starving Chef.
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4
Make a Birthday Cake Using a Pet-Safe Kit
$25 at Chewy$18 at WalmartCredit: Pooch Cake
Every birthday party needs a cake! Luckily, you can grab this set, which comes with everything you need: dog-friendly cake mix, a bone-shaped silicone mold, and even some ice cream that’s safe for dogs.
RELATED: Homemade Dog Treats Perfect for Your Pup’s Birthday Party
Juana Mari Moya//Getty Images
5
Throw a Dog Pool Party
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, invite all the pups over for a dog pool party. You can even throw some tennis balls or dog-friendly floats in the water for extra fun. Even if you don’t have a built-in pool, you can blow up some kiddie pools and let the dogs splash around.
6
Gift a Birthday Dog Toys & Treats Box
Now 35% Off
$28 at ChewyCredit: Chewy
It’s not a party without presents. According to reviewers, this box comes with everything your dog could want for their birthday, like chew toys, treats, and a stylish reversible bandana. “Our 11-year-old pup loved her birthday box!” wrote one reviewer. “It was filled with all sorts of goodies, which she enjoyed pulling out one by one. She really had a great time as she sampled the treats and played with the toys. She even enjoyed tearing the cardboard box apart at the end of the party!”
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Fernando Trabanco Fotografía//Getty Images
7
Create a Dog Photo Booth
Make some memories with a photo booth at your dog’s birthday party. You can grab a backdrop on Amazon and some fun accessories like glasses, bow ties and hats for humans and dogs alike. If you really want to go all out, you could hire a pet photographer, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a DIY approach and using your phone.
Bellyfull
8
Whip Up Watermelon Pupsicles
For some oh-so-adorable frozen treats for your pup’s birthday party, head to BellyFull for this watermelon pupsicle recipe. They take just a few ingredients and some silicone molds.
9
Buy (Or Make!) a Birthday Bandana
$7 at ChewyCredit: Frisco
How adorable is this? This bandana lets everyone know who the guest of honor is and also makes for the cutest photos.
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10
Set Up a Dog Obstacle Course
One way to make sure everyone gets their zoomies out is to set up a fun backyard obstacle course. You can make do with what you have around the house or grab an agility training set from Amazon that comes with collapsible tunnels, adjustable hurdles, and more.
meaghanbrowning//Getty Images
11
Start a Game of Tug-of-War
If your dog loves nothing more than playing tug-of-war with their toys, they’ll be thrilled with a special birthday game of tug-of-war with their fellow pups. You can grab an extra-long rope toy on Amazon to ensure everyone can get in on the fun.
12
Hang a Piñata Full of Treats
$24 at Amazon$22 at WalmartCredit: Blue Panda
Remember how much fun piñatas were at birthday parties when you were a kid? Now, you can bring that same excitement to your dog’s birthday with this unique piñata. You can stuff it with tennis balls or treats and then encourage the dogs to tug at the hanging strings by putting a little peanut butter on them. Genius!
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K_Thalhofer//Getty Images
13
Play Hide-and-Seek
Another activity that the dogs are sure to love is a rousing game of hide-and-seek. You can hide treats or toys around the yard (or in a room) while the dogs are sequestered somewhere else. Then, bring them all out and let them start sniffing around.
Hello Ruby Doodle
14
DIY a Beer Mug Cake for Your Dog’s “21st” Birthday
If your dog is turning 3, that’s 21 in dog years! Hello Ruby Doodle shared her dog’s 21st birthday cake from a local bakery, which was made with venison, beef, and peanut butter flavors. Genius!
15
Print Custom Pet Photo Can Coolers
Now 15% Off
$7 at ZazzleCredit: Zazzle
Get the humans into the party spirit with these personalized can coolers adorned with your dog’s adorable face. Will your friends make fun of you for being a crazy dog mom? Yes, but you should get these anyway!
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16
Treat Your Pup to a Doggy Spa Day
Humans have spa parties, why not dogs? You can hire an animal massage therapist to give massages or a groomer to give the dogs a simple service like a trim. After all, your pup and their friends deserve to be pampered!
Bryant Scannell//Getty Images
17
Hold a Dog Costume Contest
Another fun activity for your dog’s birthday party is a costume contest. Have all the pups come in their finest outfits and let people vote for the best costume. The winner gets an extra treat!
RELATED: The Cutest Doggy Costumes on the Planet
18
Print Paw Keepsake Cards for Guests
Now 27% Off
$4 at Amazon$10 at WalmartCredit: Pearhead
Here’s a party favor pet owners will truly treasure. This set comes with everything you need for easy paw print keepsake cards. In addition to having guests take their pet’s prints home, you could also ask everyone to make a print for you to keep as a guestbook of sorts.
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Hello Ruby Doodle
19
Put Together a Dog Treat Bar
Hello Ruby Doodle shared plenty of ideas for dog birthday parties, including a treat bar. You can stock it with all the essentials: jerky, peanut butter treats, biscuits, and more. This helps ensure that everyone can enjoy a treat, even if they have allergies.
20
Play Birthday Fetch With Squeaky Tennis Balls
$5 at ChewyCredit: Frisco
Will your dog like these balls more than they like their regular tennis balls? Maybe not, but they’re so festive that the humans in the house are sure to get plenty of smiles from these birthday gifts for Fido.
RELATED: 30 Best Interactive Toys to Keep All Dogs Busy and Entertained
