Valentine’s Day Gifts for Dogs
Love is always in the air when you spend time with your dog, but never more so than on Valentine’s Day! Such a special day calls for showing your canine companion a little extra love, but we both know that flowers and chocolates aren’t really his speed. Don’t worry – we have plenty of great ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts for dogs, along with some other ways you can have fun together on February 14th.
Valentine’s Day Dog Treats, Toys & More
You don’t need one of cupid’s arrows to strike love and excitement into your dog’s heart – just a cool new toy and a tasty treat or two. Here are a few of our favorite Valentine dog treats, along with some helpful tips for making this holiday a doggy-safe one.
Get Their Tails Wagging with Valentine Dog Treats
V-Day is the perfect time for us humans to indulge in chocolatey treats and maybe a couple of those heart-shaped antacids with sweet nothings stamped on them. Why shouldn’t we get our dogs in on the fun with their very own Valentine’s Day goodies?
One great way to show your love is to simply get your dog his favorite treat, like a dog-friendly ice cream cone or something yummy from the drive-thru. You can also make or buy heart-shaped dog treats for him to enjoy while you munch on your own Valentine spoils.
You know Milk-Bone® brand has some special Valentine’s Day dog treats in the works. Grab a container of Valentine-themed Milk-Bone® Mini’s Flavor Snacks® Dog Biscuits to treat them on February 14th and beyond.
Looking for something even more special? Put your dog’s name and face front and center with a Milk-Bone® Custom Box. The Mini’s Flavor Snacks® dog biscuits inside are perfect for dogs of any size, and their classic crunchy flavor is sure to let your pup know how much he’s adored!
Creating the box is easy. Just follow these simple steps to create a one-of-a-kind treat!
1. Choose your theme – you can pick the Valentine’s Day frame or any other style that makes your dog look like the supermodel he is!
2. Select your treat flavor.
3. Upload your favorite picture of your pup and position it just the way you like it in the frame.
4. Add your dog’s name – for example, you could try “Fido” or “Fido’s Treats.”
5. Make sure everything looks correct and place your order!
SAFETY TIP #1:
Most Valentine’s Day treats for people aren’t safe for dogs, especially chocolate. Keeping your stash out of reach is a must. However, if your dog ate chocolate from one of your heart-shaped boxes, be sure to call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for help and advice. Depending on how much chocolate your dog ingested, your vet may have you bring him in to address the problem. If not, keep an eye out for the following symptoms over the next 72 hours:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Tremors/Seizures
- Restlessness
- Abnormal heart rate
Many of these symptoms will appear in the first 8 to 24 hours after ingesting the chocolate, if your dog has eaten too much. Even if your dog appears to be normal and has gotten the all-clear from your vet, keeping tabs on him for the next few days is always the safest bet.
Dress Them Up in Valentine’s Day Dog Clothes
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to get extra spiffy! And, of course, you can include your dog in the fun. The easiest way to dress him up for the occasion is with a special Valentine’s dog collar. Look for red or something adorned with hearts – you can even find matching Valentine’s collar and bracelet sets to really show your love! You can never go wrong with a Valentine’s Day dog bandana, either.
Does February tend to get chilly in your area? Try out some Valentine’s themed dog jackets or booties to protect them from wintry temperatures and frozen concrete. Whether it’s a puffy vest or a snazzy sweater, your dog will be grateful for the added layers. Not to mention, he’ll look even cuter than usual!
SAFETY TIP #2:
Your dog probably won’t have a problem with a holiday collar swap out, or even a bandana, but make sure they actually enjoy wearing other types of clothing before forcing them into an outfit. You don’t want to create an uncomfortable experience for your pup on a day that’s supposed to be all about love, no matter how adorable he looks. On the other hand, if your dog likes to wear clothes, just make sure to get items that fit him properly. When wearing the clothing, his movement and senses shouldn’t be restricted. There also shouldn’t be any beading or stringy pieces that could pose a choking hazard, either by swallowing or getting caught on something. A good rule of thumb: the simpler, the better!
Delight Them with Valentine’s Day Dog Toys
Excite your dog’s heart and mind with some special new toys just for Valentine’s Day! Whether you want to see how your dog reacts to a new type of toy or just pick him up a new pack of tennis balls, he’s sure have oodles of fun.
Choosing toys that engage your dog’s brain are particularly important. Sure, a long walk or game of fetch is good for them physically, but many breeds need a good mental workout, too. Treat dispensing toys can pose a delicious puzzle for pups of all sizes. Simply load them up with Milk-Bone® treats and send them bouncing! Your dog will have fun rolling, pawing and chewing the toy as they try to free the treats. Pick out a red or pink one to really capture the Valentine’s Day spirit!
SAFETY TIP #3:
It’s always a good idea to monitor your dog while he’s playing, especially if he’s messing with a new toy. Look over the toy to make sure there are no pieces that could be chewed off and ingested, like beady eyes, ribbons or strings. If you give your dog a stuffed toy, make sure to get rid of it when it inevitably tears open. Even if the label on the toy says that the filling isn’t dangerous to ingest, it’s best to throw it away before your dog eats a mouthful of fluff.
More Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Dog
Sometimes the best gift of all is the gift of your time. You and your dog are best friends, so why wouldn’t you want to spend some extra quality time together this Valentine’s Day? Here are some ideas for a fun and special day, whether you stay in or hit the town.
Take a Valentines Trip for Two
Getting out on an adventure with your dog can be a ton of fun for both of you, even if it’s just a walk around the block. On Valentine’s Day, think of your dog’s favorite places to go, along with some new places you think he would love. A holiday is the perfect reason to go somewhere you’ve been meaning to check out!
One idea is hit up some dog-friendly establishments in your area. Maybe there’s a restaurant or café that welcomes four-legged customers. Maybe there are some local shops that don’t mind if you bring a dog inside while you peruse the shelves. If there aren’t any dog-friendly shops or restaurants nearby, you could always pop in the pet store and let your dog pick a new toy! Any of these places would make for a perfect doggy date – and if your pup is dressed up in their special Valentine’s gear, he’s sure to get some adoring head scratches from passerby.
If you’d rather spend some time in the great outdoors, you could take your dog to his favorite dog park or hiking trail. Getting to spend time among other dogs will help keep him well-socialized and burn off some of that boundless energy. Exploring a new trail with different sights, smells and sounds can be equally exciting – do a little research to find the perfect spot!
Spend Some Quality Time Together
February can be a pretty dreary month in terms of weather. But, if the forecast isn’t cooperating with your outdoor plans, there are still plenty of great ways to have fun inside. Put all the focus on your four-legged friend this Valentine’s Day to create a super special day even if you’re cooped up inside for it.
Rather than a game of hide-and-seek, you could play hide the treats! Place small treats around a room of your choice and let your dog’s nose go to work. This will get his brain and senses working as he tries to locate each delicious reward. You can also bust out his new busy toy to give him something to work on for a little while.
Have a puppy? Valentine’s Day is a great time to continue any training you’re trying out. So, if you really want to teach your dog to roll over, play dead or even just get the hang of “shake,” reserve a portion of the day to help him master it. He’s sure to appreciate the rewarding treats along the way!
Once playtime is done, grab yourself a snack and invite your pup onto the couch or bed for a movie and some snuggles. The best part? You can choose whichever movie you like and your dog won’t complain. It’s one of the many reasons why pets make the best Valentines!
Make Them a Doggy Valentine
Feeling crafty? Make a Valentine for your dog (and maybe even some extras for the dogs who belong to friends and family)! You don’t even have to scour the store shelves to find the perfect cards – just use these free printable dog Valentine’s Day cards to make their day. Each design has a convenient cut-out section to hold a treat, and cute sayings like “I Ruff You More” as well!
Whether you take a special trip or just take a festive selfie in your matching Valentine’s Day gear, your dog is sure to have a great time with you this February 14th. They get to spend time with you and you get to spend time with them – and nothing is better than that. Except maybe treats. Pick out your dog’s favorite today. And don’t forget to customize the box! Order yours by Thursday, January 14th to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day.
From the Dog Blog
Download these adorable Valentine's Day cards for your doggy valentine, courtesy of Milk-Bone.
Give your dog a little extra something to love on February 14th with Valentine’s Day gifts for dogs. Learn how you can get their tails wagging with special treats, activities and more.
Are you head-over-heels for your dog? Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show it. From car rides to dog dates, you’ll find all sorts of ways to celebrate from Milk-Bone®.