How to make a special dog party. Cat too!

12 Jan by Debbie June Rickman Laughlin

Are you going to throw your pet a birthday party?

Tips to help make the day as special as your pet: 

Dog party or cat party

Safety 
1- First Party time is not the best time to introduce unfamiliar pets to your own. Try to make your Pet guest list consist of those with whom your Pet is familiar.

2- Consider your party location and remember to invite only as many Pets and people that can realistically and comfortably co-exist. Inviting small children can be an additional concern—if you’re going to do it, make sure they know how to handle pets gently and won’t be frightened by a group of them.

3- If you are inviting Pet guests who aren’t spayed and neutered, let other party guests know. If you’re hosting an outdoor party for dogs, bring waste bags and remind guests to leave the location in the same condition that it was in prior to the party.

4- Wherever you choose to have the party, make sure that it is safely enclosed and that four-legged guests can’t slip through any cracks!

5- Have a contingency plan in the event of bad weather. Lastly, make sure you always have first aid items on hand as well as easy access to veterinarian phone numbers and locations, complete with driving directions. Be prepared!

The Guest List 
A birthday or adopt anniversary is no fun unless it’s shared by friends.
Invite all your kitties for a day of early play, a belly full of treats and then, what else?

• A cat nap of course! You can create a special space in your house just for napping, but remember, it’s kitty’s special day, so let her sleep wherever she may. If your dog is familiar with and favors certain dogs from your neighborhood or from the dog park, consider getting them all together for a day of fun.
• A park where Pet owners can mingle and dogs can explore on leash is the perfect environment for such activities. Don’t forget to bring along your puppy treats and share them with the bunch!
• The size of your Pet’s party is completely up to you, but consider your Pet’s demeanor when compiling a guest list. Is your Pet very social? Or does she prefer quiet time to herself? Answering these questions will help you choose whether to invite only immediate family or every pooch from the dog park!

Invitations
Now it’s time to let the world—or, your party guests at least—know about your Pet’s birthday party! Simple hand-written notes on Pet-themed invitations will do the trick. Or, take advantage of electronic invites to alert your guests about the festivities.

What to Serve
1. Water: Clean, fresh water should always be available for all of your Pet guests! And make multiple bowls available so that everyone can access it when they need it. Also consider customizing affordable dog bowls as a take home gift for your Pet’s guests!

2. Treats: Consider cooking a special meal just for your dog or even baking up some natural, good eat treats for him. Check out these tasty recipes for your Dog or Cat! Not much of a cook? There are plenty of all-natural treats on the market that are good for your dog and good for good times. You can also consider purchasing Kong toys to fill with cheese or peanut butter and providing one for each guest. Training treats will come in handy as rewards for Best Dressed Pet or Best Trick contests.

Remember the pet birthday themed birthday party paper goods for your human guests. For cats: Cats crave catnip. One whiff of the stuff can turn them into frolicking, silly clowns—the perfect mood for partying or celebrating their special day. To make the special day even more special—consider growing your own catnip. You can buy and cultivate seeds in your own home or purchase a kit just in time for the happy adopt anniversary or birthday! 

What to Wear