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Source: Baked by Joanna

Happy Birthday Red Rover! Do you know when your dog’s birthday is? If not, maybe you just remember the date that he or she came into your life. Many people consider their dogs to be part of their family. Why not indulge in a bit of fun and celebrate your favorite furry family member’s birthday? Here are some things to consider when planning their special day.

Venture Out

If the weather permits, why not make a day of it? Pick a great location for a doggie playdate. The most obvious choice would be a dog park, or a dog-friendly beach spot if you live on the coast. Invite your buddies and their canine companions to join in the celebration. If you have a house on some land, you might do just as well holding your dog soiree’ in your own backyard.

Provide Refreshments

Make sure you have plenty of fresh, cold water available for the dogs to drink. Playing around can make a dog extra hot and thirsty! In regards to snacks, it may be a good idea to let guests know what the ingredients are, ahead of time. Just like people, some dogs have food allergies, or doggie parents who are very selective about what they feed their dogs.

Let Them Eat Cake!

Now obviously I am not talking about chocolate birthday cake that would make a dog sick. Instead, there are cake mixes out there that are just for dogs. There are also plenty of dog birthday cake recipes online, such as the one I have posted below, care of Joanna Meyer. Although it is delicious enough for people to eat, it is decorated with Milk Bones, so you may want to pass on that one.

Banana Carob Oat Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

Serves 24

Ingredients

  • 2 Ripe Bananas, mashed
  • 4 Tbsp. Honey
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 3 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
  • ½ Tbsp. Baking Powder
  • 1 Cup Rolled Oats
  • ½ Cup Carob Chips
  • 1 Cup Peanut Butter

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-inch cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Mix the bananas, honey, egg and water in a bowl. Next, stir in the flour, baking powder and oats. Pour the batter into your cake pan and sprinkle the carob chips on top.
  3. Bake the cake for 1 hour. Check with a toothpick. If it isn’t ready, bake it for another 15 minutes.
  4. Allow the cake to cool completely.
  5. Mix the peanut butter and remaining honey in a bowl, to create the frosting for the cake. Spread this peanut butter mixture over the cake.
  6. Sprinkle carob chips on top of the cake, and encircle the sides of the cake with milk bones. Voila!

Doggie Obstacle Course

Renting or buying agility equipment for your dog’s birthday can be a lot of fun. Everyone is likely to get a kick out of watching the dogs jump over obstacles, and crawl their way through tunnels for treats and toys.

Get Wet

If you have a swimming pool or pond on your property, turn your dog’s birthday into a swimming party. Even if you don’t, setting up kiddie pools for the dogs to run through is sure to be a lot of fun for everyone.

Strike a Pose

These days, people don’t need much of a reminder to take plenty of pictures of their adventures. At a dog party, try bringing some props and costumes so that people can dress up their dogs and take pictures.

A Word of Caution

Just like with people, personality clashes between dogs can happen. Make sure that no dogs are left unsupervised. Watch out for aggressive behavior, and be prepared for the unexpected. Plenty of love and preparation will make your dog’s birthday an event to remember.