February has one of our favorite pet holidays: Doggy Date Night! This may sound silly, but Doggy Date Night isn’t as ‘Goofy’ as you might think. In fact, this a great reminder of how important it is to spend quality time with your dog, and a pawsome chance to do something special for him. Fido certainly deserves it! In fact, we recommend having regular Doggy Date Nights. A local Anderson, IN vet lists some great ways to get that cute tail wagging in this article.

Doggy Date Night: A Pawspicious Occasion

We truly appreciate how loyal our canine companions are: they go above and beyond for us, and have even put their lives on the line for us. Fido doesn’t ask much, apart from food, walks, a comfortable shelter, and, of course, your attention, 

Of course, hanging out with Fido is good for you as well! Studies have shown that our canine companions help us both mentally and physically, by keeping us fit, lowering our blood pressure, and reducing our stroke and heart attack risks. Dogs also help ease anxiety, stress, and depression.

Here are a few ‘pawesome’ suggestions from your Anderson, IN  veterinarian:

Delicious Dinner

Man’s Best Buddy always enjoys food. (Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement.) Why not buy something special for him? Just make sure to choose something you know is safe for him, such as plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry that is free of skin, bones, or fat. You can also make homemade dog biscuits. You’ll find some great recipes online.

Home cooking is fine, but you can also go out to eat. Head to your local pet-friendly cafe or take Fido to a drive thru. From pupcakes to dog-friendly ice cream, the options are as endless as the joy on your furry friend’s face. 

Fun And Games! 

Our canine buddies are super playful, which is one of the many things we love about them. Take time to play with Fido! Toys are great, of course, but you can also make old-fashioned children’s games pup-friendly. Hide and Seek is a good example. Three Cups can also be made dog-friendly.

Movie Time

A movie that features Man’s Best Friend would be a good choice on this night. A few of our favorites include A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs. Old Yeller is a good choice if you’re up for a tearjerker. Just make sure you have plenty of tissues handy.

This can also make for a fun night out. While drive-in theaters may never reach the levels of popularity they had in the 1950’s, many are showing classic movies. (Obviously, this is only an option if the drive-in allows dogs and if your car is comfortable enough for Fido.)

Spa Date

Good grooming is a must for our canine pals. Even if your pet doesn’t enjoy going to the salon, he will definitely appreciate feeling clean and fresh afterward. Don’t forget the pawdicure! Nail trims are very important. Overgrown claws may seem minor, but they are actually a big deal, and can cause issues with your pup’s stance and grip. Finally, keep Fido’s toe beans moist and protected with paw balm or wax.

Exploring Your World

This one depends on the weather. When it’s nice out, take Fido to a new park or trail. There are plenty of apps that can help you find ‘pawesome’ new spots.

Shopping Trip

Many pet stores these days welcome their canine customers. It’s always fun to let Fido choose his own toy. If your dog is calm and well-behaved in public, take him on a shopping spree! 

Doggy Playdate

Spending time with friends is good for your pet, and it’s good for you too. Arrange for some friends to bring their dogs over. Set out toys and treats for the pups, and arrange a potluck-style meal for the humans. Just make sure your pet’s playmates are polite, well-behaved, and up to date on their vaccines and parasite control. 

Doggy Photo Time

Pets are very photogenic, and they always look great in photos. Take some adorable photos of your furry friend! This is a perfect time to strike a pose with your pooch and let the world see the bond that makes Doggy Date Night so special. 

Scavenger Hunt

Many of our canine pals love to sniff out treats and treasure during scavenger hunts. Fido has a great sense of smell: his is about 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than ours. Hide some small treats and snacks for your pup to find. (Remember to go back after and pick up anything he’s missed.)

Training Date

Good training is crucial, both for safety and petiqutte. When your pup has mastered the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down, teach him some fun tricks. There are plenty of cute ones, such as Roll Over, Gimme Paw, and Play Dead. 

These are just a few Doggy Date Night options. There are many more things you can try. When choosing a suitable activity, don’t forget to consider your dog’s age, size, health, and personality. A Golden Retriever might enjoy a hike, while a Pomeranian might prefer to play with a new toy. An older dog may want naps and belly rubs, while a puppy may prefer a fun play session.  

Dogs That Don’t Have Dates

Unfortunately, not all of our four-legged friends have people to love and spoil them on date nights. Shelters are full of sweet, lovable pups that just want someone  to care for them and perhaps spoil them a bit. If you’re considering getting a new dog, this may be the perfect time to do so! 

In some ways, picking a pet is just like picking a romantic partner. At the end of the day, you really have to find the right fit.

When searching for your new canine buddy, you may want to do some breed research. Each breed was developed with specific purposes in mind, and many of the traits desired for that line of work are pretty deeply ingrained. 

Here are a few things to consider:

• Activity Needs
• Size
• Character
• Potential Health Issues
• Grooming Needs
• Intelligence
• Trainability
• Ability to get along with other pets
• Noise Levels
• Child-friendliness

Remember to listen to your heart. You may think you want a Border Collie, but fall in love with a Pomeranian instead. Also, don’t limit your search to local areas: many rescues will transport pets if you’re looking for a specific breed. You may find the perfect pooch waiting for you within a few hours’ drive! 

Finally, before you adopt Fido, think things through carefully. Adoption is forever! Make sure you are ready, willing, and able to care for him for the rest of his life.

And there you have it, dog lovers – the recipe for a Doggy Date Night that’s bound to leave tails wagging. So, next time you’re wondering how to brighten up your pet’s day, try one of these ideas. After all, love is a four-legged word, and Doggy Date Nights are the perfect way to celebrate it!

Is your canine pal due for an appointment? Call us today! Also, feel free to contact us, your local Anderson, IN pet hospital, if you have questions about your dog’s health or care.