Why throw a birthday party for your dog? The real question is why not? Your dog is part of the family, so doesn’t he deserve his own day?

Dog birthday parties are a great time to get together with fellow dog-loving neighbors and friends.

If you have adopted a shelter dog or own a rescue dog you may not know Fido’s actual birthday.

That’s no problem. Celebrate the date you adopted him or just designate any date and dedicate to him.

Make creative invitations decorated with paw prints or bones and don’t forget to mail them out two to three weeks in advance so everyone has plenty of time to put you on their schedule.

Of course, you will want to have the party at a dog-friendly place. This could be your house, backyard, or even at a local dog park.

The sky is the limit on what you can have at Fido’s bash. Consider baking your own dog birthday cake.

You can easily find pet friendly recipes online. You will also be able to find hundreds of recipes and ideas for homemade dog treats.

Don’t forget to limit Fido and his friends to a small piece of cake or a small limited amount of treats or you will find out the true meaning of party pooper.

To get everyone involved, brainstorm and have activities planned. For all the water-loving canines, add a kiddie pool for them to splash around in.

You can have contests like the longest sit-stay and best costume.

A owner and dog costume birthday party could give Fido’s event a different twist. Be sure that all decorations are pet safe or up high out of all the four-legged guest’s reach.

If you want your party to be memorable, have small gift bags ready for all of Fido’s friends. They don’t have to be expensive, include things like a treat, a ball, or inexpensive leash.

It might be fun to take pictures with a digital camera and email them to all the guest or post them to your Facebook page.

It no time flat, you will be the talk of the neighborhood and Fido will always have plenty of playmates.

Birthday parties are not just for humans any more. Dog parties will be fun for you and your furry pal.

Be creative and be prepared to have a blast. You’re now ready to paw-ty.

Remember, every dog deserves to be treated like a show dog.

Tony Barker

The BARKer Shop