From classic celebrations on the 14th of February, to Galetine’s Day (designed to celebrate with friends on February 13th), there are now more ways than ever to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the ones you love – including the four-legged family members in your life!
If you’re spending this Valentine’s Day with your pet, read on for our top tips and ideas to celebrate and have a paw-riffic day with your dog.
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Take Them on a Long Walk
If your dog is anything like ours, nothing gets their tail wagging quite like a long walk outdoors. Grab their leash and set aside thirty or so minutes to enjoy a leisurely stroll, pausing every now and then to basque in the new sights and scents.
Treat Them to a New Toy (or Two!)
Pet store shelves are filled with fun and festive Valentine’s Day toys this time of year. Pick out a few you know your pet will love, or, even better, take them along with you to let them choose their favorite!
And If you don’t have time to stop in a store, online retailers like Amazon and Chewy offer plenty of holiday-themed options.
Pamper Your Pup
Nothing says I “wuf” you like some pampering. Treat your dog to a little R&R at home with a DIY paw massage using hydrating coconut oil, and, if they’re up for it, add some crushed oats to warm water in the tub for a quick and easy oatmeal bath to soothe dry winter skin.
After a paw massage and bath, you can even treat your dog to a paw-dicure by painting their toenails a fun holiday color – like bright pink or red – to really get them in the spirit. Just make sure it’s dog friendly nail polish, which dries faster and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
Stage a Shoot
After some pampering, your pup will be camera-ready! Capture memories to last beyond Valentine’s Day with an at-home photoshoot with your pet. For an easy DIY photo, grab some Valentine’s Day themed props – like fresh flowers, heart shaped toys and pillows, and pink and red balloons – and stage them in an area of your home with bright, natural lighting. Prop your phone up, set the camera on a timer, and pose with your dog for as many shots as you’d like!
Make a Bark-Cuterie Board
Photo Credit: Aint Too Proud to Meg
Just like the name implies, a bark-cuterie board combines all of your pup’s favorite snacks and treats into a pet-friendly charcuterie board, and is great for snacking on throughout the evening (just be sure to monitor your pup’s portions so they don’t get sick!).
To assemble your board, pair your pet’s favorite treats and dog-friendly dried meats (like chicken or beef) with fresh fruits and veggies, such as apples, carrots, and pup-approved proteins like peanut butter and fresh turkey.
Turn On The TV
Grab your bark-cuterie board and snuggle in for a night of pet-approved movies or TV shows. If you don’t have Dog TV or a pet filled film in mind, YouTube has plenty of options to keep your dog entertained for hours on end.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this year, your pup will be thankful just to spend some quality time with you. And don’t worry if you missed the mark this Valentine’s Day – National Love Your Pet Day is just around the corner on February 20th, so you can celebrate a bit later on with all of our tips and ideas mentioned above. Enjoy!
