When my friend Leigh Ann’s pups turned one, she knew she wanted to makes some special memories so she planned a birthday party for dogs. 
Leigh Ann is an amazing animal lover living the canine life here in Texas. She is also a dedicated rescuer.
Last year, when she was looking for another special needs dog to adopt, she ended up being blessed with two adorable German shepherd litter mates. The puppies were being fostered by a veterinarian who was thrilled that the girls found a great home. It was a huge bonus that Leigh Ann was familiar with raising German shepherds.
Leigh Ann is head over paws in love with her two girls, Rebel and Rowdy. Watching them quickly grow this past year has been an adventure. To repay them for all the love they give, she knew she wanted to celebrate by giving them the best birthday party for dogs that she could given the restrictions from the coronavirus.
On their big day, Rebel and Rowdy got to open presents, eat dog friendly birthday cake, wear their party hats, and visit some friends. Of course, they had ton a fun lapping up all the extra attention with their pal, Honey, Leigh Ann’s tripod dog that she also rescued.
Leigh Ann is also a professional chef for the healthcare industry so when it came to the cake, she created this yummy birthday cake recipe for dogs. She was kind enough to share the recipe with us here:
Birthday Cake Recipe For Dogs
Ingredients:
The cake
- 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 eggs
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
The frosting
- Plain Greek yogurt
- All natural peanut butter
Do not use any sugar free ingredients. Be sure to check the label to make sure it does NOT contain xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Grease two 7-ounce ramekins
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey and eggs
- Stir in the flour until totally absorbed
- Divide the batter between the two ramekins
- Bake until lightly browned and firm when pressed in the center, approximately 15 to 20 minutes
- While baking mix the plain Greek yogurt and peanut butter for frosting and cake filling
- Remove cakes from oven and cool in the ramekins
- Fill and frost with the mixed yogurt and peanut butter
Birthday Gifts for Dogs
For their birthday, Rowdy and Rebel got Outward Hound Invincibles Snakes and Multipet Latex Chicken Globken Dog toys, which they love and have not yet managed to destroy.
Some of our other favorite birthday gift ideas are:
- West Paw Zogoflex (any toys in this line)
- West Paw Tango Tug
- West Paw Zwig
- Planet Dog Orbee Tuff toys
- Urban Stick Durable Dog Chew
- Planet Dog Cosmos Balls
- JW Pet Gummy Bear
- JW Pet Hol-ee Roller
- Spiney, squeaky balls
- Dog puzzles
Birthday Party Themes for Dogs
Rowdy and Rebel’s theme was their first birthday but any age milestone can make a great theme. Other themes and ideas to help get you started are:
- Ball crazy
- Birthday Pawty
- Pupcakes
- Pool party with kiddy pools
- Sandbox dig
- Obstacle course
- Dog friendly BBQ
- No cats
- Best costume
- Happy woof day
- Dog photo shoot
- Dog kissing booth
- Doggy swag bags
- Bandannas
- Party in the park
- Scavenger hunt
- Music (50’s, rock, punk, country, etc)
- Canine massage
- Adopt a pet
- Fundraiser for a needy dog or shelter
Birthday Party For Dogs Ideas
The main purpose of the party is to give your dog some special attention. A party can be as simple 
or elaborate as you like. Your dog will love you for the effort either way. Some ideas to consider when planning your dog birthday party are:
Would your dog even like a party with guests and other dogs? If other dogs aren’t your dog’s thing, simply invite some dog crazy friends over or have a simple family party.
If your dog likes to get down and party with pooches, consider your guest list and budget. How will the other dogs will get along? How much will you spend on each guest?
Next where will the party be held? In the house, backyard, a dog friendly park, water park, beach, etc.
How will you serve food and drinks to your canine guests?
What food and drinks will you serve their humans?
What will the weather be like? Will it be hot, cold, raining-do you need alternate plans? Will the dogs get too hot if they run and play?
Ask friends to help take pictures for everyone then make a scrap book for guests for a thank you gift.
These themes and ideas should help get you started planning your own dog birthday party. We’d love to see pictures.
Join us in celebrating the canine life. Please share your favorite dog birthday memories and ideas in the comments below.