February has many pet holidays. Of course, if we were to ask Fido what his favorite is, he’s probably go with Doggy Date Night. The official date was the 3rd, but any night can be a great Doggy Date Night. It’s important to carve out some quality time with your canine buddy. After all, Fido really wants nothing more than to spend time with you! In this article, a local Neshoba County, MS veterinarian lists some great ways to get that cute tail wagging.
Is Doggy Date Night Real?
Doggy Date Night may sound silly, but it actually is aimed at reminding people to pay attention to their pets. Our canine companions are loving, affectionate, intuitive, and 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. (And, of course, the occasional piece of bacon.) What he really craves is spending time with you. After all, you’re the center of his world!
Hanging out with Man’s Best Friend has benefits for you as well. Dogs are good for us physically. Studies have shown that Fido helps keep us fit, reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack, and even lowers our blood pressure. He’s also a wonderful friend and companion, who will stick by you no matter what.
What Does One Do For a Doggy Date Night?
Want to spoil your four-legged pal a bit? The best option will really depend on your dog’s size, health, and personality. A Boxer may very much love to go for a hike, but that’s probably not a good option for a Pomeranian.
Doing something special for your pup doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. What matters is that Fido feels loved and safe … and maybe a little spoiled.
Here are a few ‘pawesome’ Doggy Date Night suggestions from your veterinarian:
Take Your Dog To The Pet Store
Why not take your pup shopping? Dogs need playthings for entertainment, comfort, and chewing. Many pet stores have started welcoming in their canine customers. It’s always cute letting Fido pick out his own toy!
Spa Session
Fido may not be very excited about going to the groomer’s, but he definitely enjoys that salon-fresh feeling. Don’t forget the pawdicure! Overgrown claws can cause all sorts of issues for your furry friend. You’ll also want to keep those paw pads protected by applying paw balm or wax. Ask your Neshoba County, MS veterinarian for specific grooming tips.
Dinner And A Movie
If there’s one thing Fido always enjoys, it’s yummy treats. You can definitely buy something, but you can also make your own. Just stick with things that are safe for your four-legged buddy to consume. If you want to share something, opt for plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat.
After you’ve finished eating, settle in for some snuggles and TV time. Why not pick something Fido has starred in? There are lots of great ones to choose from. Beethoven, Bolt, Dog, A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs are all good ones. If you’re up to a tearjerker, Old Yeller or The Fox And The Hound will fit the bill. You may need tissues for those, though.
Adventures With Fido
Our canine pals love going to new places. Check out a new park or trail with your furry friend. There are lots of pretty spots within a one-tank radius. Apps like BringFido can help you find those hidden gems you and your pup can explore together.
Doggy Play Date
Dogs are very sociable: after all, they run in packs in the wild. Fido will both enjoy and benefit from spending time with their pals. Consider arranging a group playdate for Fido and his buddies. Just make sure your pet’s friends are all current on vaccinations and parasite control.
Doggy Scavenger Hunt
Did you know that dogs’ sense of smell is about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours? Hide some small treats and snacks for your furry buddy to find. Just remember to pick them up after.
Puppy Training Session
Petucation is important for safety and manners. Many dogs also enjoy it. Fido does look really cute when he’s being proud of himself. Start with the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Once your pooch has these mastered, teach him some fun tricks. Be sure to give him a special toy or treat after!
Fun Games
Many classic children’s games can be pupgraded to become pet-friendly. Hide and Seek is a good one. You can also tailor the classic Three Cups game for Fido.
Just keep in mind that none of these suggestions are one-size-fits-all. If Fido is fearful, reactive, and/or aggressive, then we definitely wouldn’t suggest taking him to a pet store or park.
Should I Take My Dog On A Date?
Finding the right match can be a bit daunting, to say the least. We’ll leave debates and discussions about the perils of dating to others. However, if you’re seeing someone, we would definitely recommend introducing them to your dog.
Of course, whether or not taking Fido with you on a date is a good idea depends on where you’re going. Taking your pet to a park could make for a fun date. A museum? Not so much.
Dogs That Don’t Have Dates
There are far too many sweet pups in shelters, waiting to meet that special someone who will indulge them, love them, and, of course, celebrate Doggy Date Nights with them. If you’re considering adopting a dog, you have our support!
Of course, choosing the right dog is like choosing your romantic partner: it’s about finding the right fit! You may want to do some breed research.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Grooming Needs
- Intelligence
- Exercise Needs
- Size
- Shedding Levels
- Character
- Potential Health Issues
- Trainability
- Ability to get along with other pets
- Noise Levels
- Child-friendliness
Mutts can also be a great choice. They often offer the best of both worlds! If you’re looking at adopting a shelter dog, you may very well find that most of the adoptable pooches are mutts. Spend some time with your potential pet, and get to know him a bit. A dog that is the perfect match for one family may just not be the right match for another.
That all said, it’s also important to listen to your heart. Sometimes people just know when they’ve found the right pet. The main thing is to make sure that you are ready, willing, and able to care for Fido for the rest of his life. Don’t be afraid to ask your Neshoba County, MS veterinarian for advice, either. We’re happy to help!
In Conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun reminder about the importance of spending quality time with your canine companion. There’s no end to the possible options. Grab your pup’s favorite toys, treats, and leash as you head out for an evening of tail-wagging fun. Whether you’re hitting up the local dog park or checking out a pet-friendly restaurant patio, doggy date night is sure to be a hit with your four-legged companion.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Neshoba County, MS pet hospital, today!
