Top Doggy Date Night Ideas

February 3rd was Doggy Date Night! Of course, it’s probably safe to say that if it were up to Fido, every day would be Doggy Date Night. Your canine buddy really wants nothing more than to spend time with you! Indulge those adorable requests for belly rubs and playtime. The time we have to spend with our four-legged friends is precious, and often goes by much too fast. A local Pickerington, OH vet lists some great ways to get that cute tail wagging in this article.

Doggy Date Night: A Pawspicious Occasion

Though it is undoubtedly one of the funner pet holidays on our calendar, Doggy Date Night isn’t as silly as you may think. This is actually a reminder of how important it is to spend quality time with your dog. Our canine companions are also incredibly loyal: they not only go above and beyond for us, but have even put their lives on the line for us. Fido doesn’t ask for much, aside from food, walks, and comfy shelter. 

This isn’t just for your pet’s benefit, though. Hanging out with Fido is good for you, too! Studies have shown that our canine buddies help us both mentally and physically. They keep us fit, lower our blood pressure, and reduce our stroke and heart attack risks. They also help soothe anxiety, stress, and depression. Dogs have definitely earned that honorary title of Man’s Best Friend! 

Our take? We actually recommend carving time out for your pet every week. 

Doggy Date Night: Pawsome Ideas

Getting that cute tail going doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. What matters is making sure your canine pal feels loved and safe. 

Without further adieu, here are a few ‘pawesome’ suggestions from your veterinarian:

Doggy Scavenger Hunt

Many pups love sniffing out treats and treasure. Fido is a natural at scavenger hunts: his sense of smell is about 10,000 to 100,000 times greater than ours. Hide some small treats and snacks for your pup to find. Just remember to pick them up afterwards.

Continued Petucation

Many dogs actually like learning. You’ll need to start with the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. However, once your pup has mastered these, teach him some fun tricks and give him a treat afterward. Classic tricks like Shake or Gimme Paw will never stop being cute. 

Dinner

If there’s one thing Man’s Best Buddy Always enjoys, it’s food. You can buy something special for Fido. Just make sure to stick with foods that are safe for him. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat, is always a good choice. You can also make some homemade biscuits. Look online for recipes.

Game Night

One of the cutest things about dogs is the fact that they are super playful. A new toy will definitely fit the bill, but you can also have fun with your pet by giving some classic children’s games a pupgrade.  Hide and Seek is a good one. You can also make the classic Three Cups dog-friendly.

Night At The Movies

This is a perfect night to watch a movie that features Man’s Best Friend. You’ll find a lot of great ones out there. A few of our favorites include A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs. Old Yeller is a good fit if you’re up for a tearjerker. Just be sure you have plenty of tissues.

Take Fido To The Drive-In

drive-in theaters may never return to the levels of popularity they had in their 50’s era heyday, but they are making a comeback. Many are showing classic movies. This is a fun way to spend time with Fido.

Of course, this is only an option if the drive-in allows dogs, and if your car is comfortable enough for Fido to enjoy his time.

Take Fido Shopping

Many pet stores have started welcoming in their canine customers. It’s always cute to let Fido pick out his own toy in a pet store.

Of course, this should only be an option if your canine pal is calm and well-behaved in public.

Beauty Session

Your pet may not be thrilled about going to the salon, but he will definitely feel clean and fresh afterward. Don’t forget the pawdicure! Nail trims are very important. Overgrown claws may sound minor, but they can actually cause all sorts of issues. Use paw balm or wax on Fido’s toe beans to keep them moist and protected.

Adventures

This one is somewhat weather-dependent, unless of course your four-legged friend likes the cold. If it’s nice out, take Fido to a new park or trail!  

Puppy Playdate

There’s no law that says you have to keep Doggy Date Night for just you and your pet. Invite that special someone along, or make time to catch up with your bestie.

Fido may also enjoy some company. Dogs are really sociable, and both enjoy and benefit from spending time with their pals. A puppy playdate is bound to brighten up your pet’s day. Have some friends bring their dogs over, and arrange a potluck-style meal. Good times!

Photo Shoot

Our canine buddies are very photogenic, and they always look great in photos. Take some adorable pictures of your pet!

Ideally, we’d recommend doing at least one of these activities with your dog every week.  Of course, you’ll need to consider your dog’s size, health, and personality when choosing a suitable activity. A Golden Retriever might love a hike, but a Chihuahua probably would rather play Fetch in the living room. Ask your Pickerington, OH vet for more information. 

Dogs Without Dates

Unfortunately, many dogs have no one to care for them, or spoil them with doggy date nights. If you’re considering bringing a new pooch into your home, this is a pawesome time for it. Of course, in some ways picking a pet is like choosing a romantic partner. At the end of the day, it’s really just finding the right fit! We recommend doing a bit of breed research. 

Here are a few of the factors you’ll want to consider: 

• Size
• Grooming Needs
• Character
• Potential Health Issues
• Trainability
• Intelligence
• Exercise Needs
• Ability to get along with other pets
• Noise Levels
• Child-friendliness

If you’re interested in a specific breed, search for rescues that specialize in the breed you’re interested in. You may find the perfect pooch waiting for you. Don’t restrict your search to local areas: many rescues will transport pets.

Let’s not forget about mutts! Mixed-breed dogs often offer the best of both worlds. Finally, remember to listen to your heart. You may think you want a Lab Retriever, only to fall in love with a Poodle instead.

Just think things over carefully first. Adoption is forever! Make sure you are ready, willing, and able to care for Fido for the rest of his life. If this isn’t the right time, you can still help by sharing the word about adoptable pets. Ask your Pickerington, OH veterinarian for more information. 

In Conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun reminder about the importance of spending quality time with your canine companion, and doing something extra for him, to show your appreciation for the love and friendship he offers. Have fun with this! There are endless options. 

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Is your canine companion due for an exam? Contact us, your local Pickerington, OH pet hospital, anytime!