How to Show Your Dog You Love Them This Valentine’s Day

Grab a cozy blanket, wriggle into your favorite pjs and snuggle away a chilly February day with your furry bestie watching a flick, binging some Netflix or reading a book. What to view? We love these movies where the dog doesn’t die! Need a new blankie? This one is extra soft in faux fur and doesn’t scream “doggo”. Don’t forget pjs for your pet!

Find designer advice on picking the perfect winter dog blanket.

The depths of February can bring on the blues for you and your pet and the expectations that accompany Valentine’s Day can be a drag. Why not escape for the Valentine’s Day weekend with your dog to a pet-friendly destination? It can be a day trip to someplace fun or an overnight for a real change of view. What matters is that you get to share an adventure.

Find more pet-friendly winter destinations here.

Travel safely by securing your dog in a car seat, like Solvit Deluxe Pet Safety Seat, before you hit the road. Then, make them feel like a Fido fashionista decked out in a warm sweater, sporty hoodie or cute tee that matches yours!

Start the day off on the right paw by having your well-mannered dog join you for brunch or lunch at a restaurant that has a pet-welcoming patio. Call ahead to get clear on the rules and then manage expectations as your pet might not last beyond your first French 75. Be the best dog parent ever by prepping your pooch with some petiquette lessons.

When it comes to how to show your dog you love them, sometimes the best ways are the simplest. If the weather permits, schedule extra walk time on Valentine’s Day with your dog. Intentionally select a scenic location that allows pups the opportunity to take in new sights, sounds and smells. And consider going with a hands-free leash, like Tuff Mutt’s Hands-Free Bungee Leash, that’s designed to offer you more stability on rough or rocky terrain.

Find dog-friendly hiking trails here.

Valentine’s Day can be the ideal time to introduce your dog to a new trick. You’ll get to spend extra time together, and your dog can show off their new skills. Win-win, right?

Start with our step-by-step training guides to basics like sit, stay, heel and roll over. Need a bigger challenge? This training guide can help you and your pup prepare to master all 10 skills they’ll need to qualify as a Canine Good Citizen, a top honor from the American Kennel Club.

Set aside an hour or so to treat your dog to a head-to-tail massage to ease any sore muscles or achy joints. Help them relax with the soothing massage techniques explained here, while playing some music and speaking in a calm, encouraging tone during the experience. Make it extra luxe with some swanky treats like Bonne et Filou Strawberry All-Natural Handmade Macaron Dog Treats.

You may also want to consider booking a “spa day” for your dog at a local dog grooming salon with a reputation for pampering pooches. Of course remember to factor in an hour to tend your own paws!

The way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach. Say the word “treat” and most dogs will happily coming running your way. For this Valentine’s Day idea, don your apron and make some homemade, healthy doggy nibbles. Try our DIY dog treat recipe for pet-friendly conversation hearts here.

Whatever you choose, remember a little goes a long way. Be careful not to overfeed your pup their Valentine’s Day dog treats to avoid weight gain or tummy troubles. Break the treats into small pieces and play hide-and-seek to get your dog to work their nose and make it a fun adventure.