Dog birthday party: ideas to celebrate

Party ideas

• Few guests: two or three dogs that already know each other and get along.
• An outdoor spot with shade and fresh water, like a garden or a park with a dog area.
• A short time, early or at sunset: they tire quickly in the heat.
• A bandana or party collar instead of hats with elastic: they don't squeeze or block its view.
• Games: finding hidden treats, a small pool with a little water or a leashed race.
• A photo session before the party, while it's still calm.

What to put on the invitation

• The birthday dog's name, how old it's turning and a photo.
• Date, start and end time, and the place.
• Whether guest dogs must come on a leash, vaccinated and not in heat.
• Whether there will be water and treats for everyone, or each guest brings their own.
• A phone number to RSVP.

You can make it with a template on your phone and send it by WhatsApp: what matters is that it has these details.

Dog cake: an easy recipe

1. 1. Ingredients. 1 cup of oat flour, 1 ripe mashed banana, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter without xylitol and ¼ cup of water. For the topping: plain unsweetened yogurt.
2. 2. Mix and bake. Mix everything into a thick batter. Pour it into a small greased pan and bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. 3. Let it cool and decorate. Once cool, cover it with the yogurt. You can decorate it with banana slices or dog treats.
4. 4. Serve a small portion. It's a treat, not a meal: a thin slice for a small dog and a little more for a big one. If your dog has an illness or a special diet, ask your vet first.

What it shouldn't eat, not even on its birthday

• Chocolate and cocoa.
• Xylitol: a sweetener in gum, candy and some peanut butters. Check the label.
• Grapes and raisins.
• Onion, garlic and chives.
• Macadamia nuts.
• Cake for people: it usually has sugar, butter or chocolate.

If it ate something on this list, call a vet right away.

To keep the party safe

• Balloons, ribbons and wrappers out of reach: they can be swallowed.
• No fireworks, confetti or loud music.
• A quiet place where it can rest if it gets overwhelmed.
• Watch the games and separate the dogs if one gets tense.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of cake can a dog eat?

One made for dogs: oats, banana, egg and peanut butter without xylitol, topped with plain unsweetened yogurt. Not cake for people: it has sugar, butter and sometimes chocolate.

How do I make my dog's birthday invitation?

Use a template on your phone and add its name, age and photo, the date, start and end time, the place and a phone number to RSVP. Ask that dogs come on a leash and vaccinated.

How many dogs should I invite?

Few: two or three it already knows and gets along with. Many dogs together get stressed and fights are more likely.

Related guides

• Mexican dog names: ideas for boys, girls and every personalityMexican dog names with meaning: boy, girl, food, Nahuatl, funny and chihuahua names, and how to teach your dog its name.
• Dog parks in Mexico City: where to walk and let your dog off leashFenced off-leash dog areas in Mexico City, parks for leashed walks and their rules.

Wagori: everything for your pet, in one app

Keep its vaccine record, find vets and trusted services, and see events near you. It's free. The app is in Spanish for now.

Sources

Foods that are dangerous for dogs, according to:

• ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your pets
• FDA: potentially dangerous items for your pet