The Ultimate Dog Birthday Guide: Gifts, Recipes and More

Show of hands if you spend more time, effort and money throwing your dog a birthday party than your own. Yeah, us, too (and proud of it!). For many of us, celebrating your dog’s birthday can be a very involved process: You need the perfect theme, the perfect decor, the perfect (homemade!) birthday cake, the perfect outfit (a dog birthday hat is a must) and the birthday gift (all the dog toys!) for your pup to rock on their big day.

There’s so much to consider, pet parent party planners might be unsure where to start. That’s where this dog birthday guide comes in handy.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to make your dog’s special day as fun, as delicious and as memorable as possible—whether you decide to keep the celebration low-key with a homemade dog-friendly birthday cake and a special birthday gift, or you go all-out and throw a big, extravagant party with all their furry friends in attendance.

Wanting to throw a birthday bash this year? Here’s a handy list of dog birthday party to-dos, from decorating and baking the cake to choosing their birthday outfit and more.

When planning a dog birthday party, decide on the theme first. This could be a color scheme (like Barbiecore or Pantone’s Color of the Year) or a certain activity (pamper puppy party, anyone?). Maybe you love watching a specific TV show together (like “The Bear” or “Yellowstone”), or you want to embrace your favorite music festival (Pupchella, FTW). Once you’ve decided, then you can choose the most appropriate invitations, decorations, treats, outfit and more.

More inspiration:

• How to Throw a Party for Puppies
• How to Throw a Football-Themed Party
• How to Throw a “Bark Mitzvah” Party

Of course, for any puppy birthday party, you’ll need party decorations and party supplies. Blow up some balloons, put up some banners and sprinkle the space with streamers. (Skip the confetti, though; curious dogs might eat it.)

Don’t stop there: You’ll also need a photo-worthy backdrop! You can tape or tack up colorful wall streamers and a banner for an eye-catching backdrop. Or, if you don’t have a wall available, build your very own backdrop for your photo booth. (It’s easy; we promise.)

Let the birthday boy or girl shine on their big day with a special ‘fit.

Choose a festive dog bandana, or, for the puppers who don’t mind slipping into something more, pick up a birthday-themed shirt or a head-turning dress.

Whether you spoil your pup with their next favorite toy, a bag of tasty treats or a box full of goodies with all their favorite squeaker toys, they’re sure to love anything you give them.

It wouldn’t be a birthday without the birthday cake! And we have not one but two dog birthday cake recipes for dogs:

Treat canine guests to some tasty small bites. From sweet to savory dog cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, pies and more, here are some of our favorite dog-friendly treat recipes:

• Mini Peanut Butter ‘Mousse’ Pies
• Carob-Covered Strawberries
• Frozen Fruity ‘Pupsicles’
• Pretty-Pink Flower Pup-Cakes
• Disney Doggy Donuts
• Pup-Friendly Hot Dogs
• Cheeseburger Dog Treats

Don’t feel like baking? Save some time and get treats delivered to your doorstep, instead.

In addition to having some toys available for dogs to play with, entertain your guests (both dog and human) with a game or two.

Some party game ideas include:

• Play a twist on Pin the Tail on the Donkey called Give a Dog a Bone
• Play a round of trivia, where guests must answer questions about the guest of honor
• Create an obstacle course
• Bob for dog-friendly fruits, like blueberries and strawberries
• Play doggy scavenger hunt by hiding treats around the house or yard
• Turn your backyard into a dog water park

Have everything you need for the big day? Great! Now, all that’s left to do is have a spa day.

For your pre-party pamper, give your pup a facial, massage and/or pawdicure.

Finally, it’s time for the best part: shopping! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite dog gifts, party hats, birthday bandanas, birthday outfits, chew toys, birthday treats and more.

Want more? Head over to the Birthday Shop for all your celebration needs. Happy birthday!

Planning a bday paw-ty for your pup? Have any advice, tips or want to share photos from their party? Drop a comment or tag @Chewy on social!