Every year, we wrack our brains trying to figure out how to give our dogs the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. They can’t eat the chocolate. They’re not allowed in the best gourmet restaurants. Plus, most pups would really rather not do the whole spa day thing. And, while they certainly would love to spend a few hours with their favourite Pet Sitter while you go enjoy those things, you might be looking for activities that you can do with your romantic Rover.
So, how can you give your significant pupper the Valentine’s Day experience they deserve? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with 5 Valentine’s Day dates your doggo is going to love!
And if that’s not enough, you can take a look at our previous article, 8 Best Ways to Spent Valentine’s Day with Your Dog, for even more ideas! Cuddle up to your pup and let’s take a look.
Take your pup on a romantic picnic
Your doggo already loves a good outing to a scenic spot, so why not make it even more special with a dog-centric picnic? You can fill your wicker basket with your dog’s favourite treats, toys and chews for a relaxing day of enjoying each other’s company.
No matter whether you choose a local dog-friendly beach, park or hiking trail, don’t forget to pack plenty of water! You can also keep your doggo cool by packing your esky with some frozen dog treats.
Pup-date your furry family photos
If you’re like most Dog Owners, you probably have about one million pictures of your adorable pup on your phone. But chances are, you could use some more pics of the whole furry family, yourself included!
For the low-cost DIY version, you can set up a photoshoot in your home with some fun Valentine’s Day decorations and enough doggy treats to keep your pup entertained. Prop your phone up with a tripod or on a chair and set the timer. In the comfort of your own home, you can be as silly and playful as you want to be, and your photos will capture the fun of this special Valentine’s Day!
If you want more polished photos, why not spend this day of love with your doggo and a professional pet photographer? Sure, your local romantic vistas might be filled with couples taking their own selfies, but you and your photogenic pup will be the best-looking duo there! And, you’ll have amazing, professional photos to look back on.
Visit a dog-friendly cafe or restaurant in your area
Dressing up and treating your significant other to a delicious meal at a nice restaurant is a Valentine’s Day tradition. And who says you can’t give that same experience to your dog? Put a cute bow or bow-tie on your pup, pick out a nice outfit from your closet, and make a reservation for two at a top-rated dog-friendly restaurant or cafe in your area.
Unlike a traditional romantic meal, you don’t have to worry about running out of conversation topics or feeling embarrassed about having food stuck in your teeth. Your doggo will love you unconditionally—especially if you share some of your delicious food with them!
Organise a tasty treasure hunt
Everyone loves a thoughtful Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt, but of course, your pupper won’t have an easy time interpreting clues and hidden messages. Not to worry! Even though your dog lacks riddle-solving skills, they won’t mind if you swap out the game for a treasure hunt instead! And, not only will they have a great Valentine’s Day sniffing out snacks with their beloved human, but they’ll also enjoy a range of benefits, including mental stimulation, stress reduction, and increased overall wellbeing.
To set up your dog-friendly scavenger hunt, you’ll want to hide treasures around the backyard or along your normal walking route. If your pupper is food-motivated, you might consider whipping up some DIY Valentine’s treats, or, you can use their favourite plushies.
You can make this as easy or as challenging as you’d like; the point is that your pup has fun! So, make sure to provide them with help if they’re having trouble finding their treasures and give them plenty of praise every time they uncover one! You might also consider finishing off the activity with something extra special, like a bowl of their delicious dog food or kibble, for a job well done!
Learn how to give a relaxing dog massage
For a human, a trip to the spa is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. But, let’s face it. Your pup probably won’t appreciate spending the day having their paws pedicured or sweating out their stress in a sauna. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a relaxing activity for them to enjoy!
Dog massages are popular treatments for dogs with arthritis and injuries, but they can also be a soothing activity for any dog. In fact, if you’ve got an athletic furry friend or your pup suffers from anxiety, an occasional massage can help to keep their muscles loose and their mind at ease.
And don’t worry if you can’t find a professional dog masseuse in your area. You can learn how to give your dog a massage right at home. In fact, your pupper will probably be most comfortable with your touch over a stranger’s anyway!
How will you spoil your furry side kick this Valentine’s Day?
Although we’ve given you a few ideas here, the fact is, you know your pupper the best! Would they enjoy an active day of exploring and learning new things? Or, would they prefer to spend a quiet evening in with a few sweet treats and a doggy massage? And hey, maybe you know that they would much prefer a visit from their doting Dog Walker than sitting still for a doggy-Owner selfie.
No matter how you plan on spending Valentine’s Day with your dog, make sure to give them extra love and cuddles on this special holiday.
