Vet-Approved Doggy Date Night Ideas

Did you know that February 3rd is Doggy Date Night? Of course, if it were up to Fido, every day would be Doggy Date Night. The fact is, your pup really wants nothing more than to spend time with you, so this is a great excuse to give that adorable little guy some extra TLC! Here are a few ideas from a local Manlius, NY veterinarian that will really get your doggo’s tail wagging.

Doggy Date Night: What Is It?

Date night for doggy is one of the best pet holidays on our calendar. It’s vital to spend time with your dog. Hanging out with Fido is good for you both! The benefits of spending time with dogs aren’t just emotional, they are also physical. Canines keep us fit, reduce our risk of heart attack and stroke, and even regulate our blood pressure, according to studies.

In case you hadn’t noticed, our puppy pals also happen to be incredibly loyal. They go above and beyond for us, and most would even put their lives on the line to help us. Apart from food, exercise, and comfortable shelter, Fido’s favorite thing in life is spending time with you. In no uncertain terms, you are the center of his world!

Doggy Date Night Ideas

Do something special for your pup. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. All that matters is that he feels loved and protected.

What you do to spoil your pooch really depends on his size, health, and personality. For instance, a Golden Retriever might love hiking, while a Chihuahua probably wouldn’t.

A Manlius, NY veterinarian shares some ‘pawesome’ suggestions below:

Movie Night at Home

Pick a movie about man’s best friend. There are plenty of great ones to choose from. Some of our favorites include Hachi, A Dog’s Purpose, Marley and Me, and Hotel for Dogs. If you prefer a tearjerker, Old Yeller should fit the bill. Just be sure to grab the tissues before you press ‘play.’ 

Trip To The Drive-In

Drive-in movies are making a comeback in some areas. They often show fun classic movies, which can be a great way to spend some quality time with your dog. Of course, this is only possible if you have a comfortable vehicle. And remember: if you take your pup for a walk at any point while there, don’t forget to pick up after him.

Visit The Pet Store

Our canine companions need plenty of playthings for entertainment, comfort, and of course, chewing. Many pet stores now welcome dogs to accompany their human customers. Why not let Fido pick out his own toy this time?

Spa Session

Fido may not view a trip to the salon as relaxing, but he would certainly appreciate feeling clean and fresh afterward. And don’t forget that all-important pawdicure! Nail trims are an essential part of a dog’s grooming routine. Overgrown claws can cause a lot of problems. You should also use paw balm or wax to help keep those paw pads protected.

Go On An Adventure

February may not be your first choice to go exploring, but if your dog doesn’t mind the cold, you can still get some exercise and outdoor play in. In fact, some breeds of dog – like Huskies – actually love the cold!

Doggy Play Date

Dogs are naturally social animals, so they really dig spending time with their friends. Perhaps Fido and his pals would enjoy a group playdate. 

Photo Session

What better way to commemorate the special bond you share with your canine companion than to snap some adorable photos. Not only will it be fun in the moment, but you’ll also capture some lifelong memories in the process!

Scavenger Hunt

Fido’s nose is nothing short of amazing. Your dog’s sense of smell is anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times better than yours! Take advantage of this fun fact by hiding a few small treats and snacks for him to find. 

Training Session

Many dogs find learning to be a fun and engaging activity. Once your pup has mastered the basics, like sit, stay, and lay down, try teaching him some more challenging tricks. Don’t forget to reward him afterward with a special toy or treat.

Treat Time

If there’s one thing just about every dog loves, it’s treats. You can buy some for Fido, or you can make your own. There are tons of great recipes online. Just be sure to stick with ingredients that are safe for your four-legged friend. Your local Manlius, NY vet can provide more specific guidance on this.

Play A Game

One of the best things about dogs is how playful they are. Entertain your pup with a game of Hide and Seek, or adapt the classic game of Three Cups to make it dog-friendly.

It’s important to note that the above suggestions aren’t one-size-fits-all. If your pet is fearful, reactive, and/or prone to aggressive behavior, we definitely wouldn’t suggest taking him to a park or pet store. Your pup’s fitness level and temperament also play a key role in the types of activities that are best suited for him. Talk to your Manlius, NY veterinarian if you have questions or are unsure.

Should I Take My Dog With Me On A Date?

Dating can be daunting for single humans. We’ll leave the discussions or debates about the dangers of online dating for another day. If you are interested in someone, however, you should definitely introduce them to your dog.

Whether you bring your dog along with you on a date will depend on what you have planned. For instance, Fido may make a great addition for that picnic in the park, but if you’re going to a museum, you’re probably better off leaving him home.

Dogs Without Dates

While we’re on the topic of matchmaking and dates, let’s not forget all the pups that are up for adoption. They’re looking for that special someone who will indulge them, love them, and celebrate Doggy Date Nights with them. If you’ve got the time, perhaps you could spend a few volunteer hours visiting and providing some much-appreciated attention.

Finding the right dog is a lot like finding the right partner: it’s all about the perfect fit!

As an experienced Manlius, NY vet, we recommend doing some breed research before adopting a dog.

Consider the following factors:

• Exercise Needs
• Size
• Grooming Needs
• Intelligence
• Character
• Potential Health Issues
• Trainability
• Compatibility With Other Pets
• Noise Levels
• Child-Friendliness

Mix breed dogs often offer us the best of both worlds. You may even find a dog that is a mix of the specific breeds that you prefer.

If you’re planning to adopt a dog, you may want to search for rescue organizations that specialize in the breed you’re interested in.

It’s also important to follow your heart. You may think you want a Golden Retriever, only to find yourself in love with a Beagle.

Do plenty of research and soul searching, and don’t be afraid to ask your Manlius, NY vet for advice. We’re here to help! The most important thing is to make sure you’ll be able take care of Fido for the rest of his life.

While it may not be a formally recognized holiday, Doggy Date Night is a fun reminder of the importance of spending quality time with your furry friend. Give a few of the above suggestions a try or do something that’s unique to your dog. There are certainly no shortage of options. Be safe and have fun!

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Don’t hesitate to contact us, your Manlius, NY animal hospital, today!