Did you know that one of Fido’s favorite days is this month? February 3rd is Doggy Date Night. Of course, if Fido had his way, every night would be Doggy Date Night. We kind of like that idea! After all, Your canine buddy really wants nothing more than to spend time with you! Man’s Best Friend definitely deserves that title, because of his loyalty and friendship. It’s important to spend quality time with your furry best friend. A local Marriottsville, MD vet offers some advice on that below. 

Doggy Date Night: Why It Matters

Doggy Date Night is definitely one of the cuter pet holidays on our calendar. However, it really isn’t as silly as you may think. Spending time with your pet is crucial to keeping him happy and healthy. 

Our canine companions are also incredibly loyal: they not only go above and beyond for us, but have even put their lives on the line for us. Apart from food, walks, and comfortable shelter, Fido craves time with you the most.

Of course, hanging out with Fido benefits both you and your pet! Studies have shown that dogs not only keep us fit, but they also lower our blood pressure and reduce our risk of strokes, heart attacks, and heart attacks.

Doggy Date Night: What Should I Do?

You can spoil your pup a bit without spending a lot of time or money. What matters is that he feels loved and secure.

As to what the perfect doggy date looks like? It really depends on the size, health, and personality of your dog. A Golden Retriever might like swimming, but that’s just not safe for a pug!

Without further adieu, here are our ‘pawesome’ suggestions:

Training Time

Did you know that many of our canine friends like learning? After your pup has mastered the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down, teach him some fun tricks. Be sure to reward him afterward with a special toy or treat!

Dinner

Dinner is a classic date activity, and it’s pretty popular with dogs as well. Offer your pooch something special. Or, take him to a pet-friendly cafe. You can buy Fido some tasty treats, but you can also make your own. Look online for recipes. Just make sure you stick with healthy treats.

Games

Dogs are super playful, which is one reason they’re so much fun. Many people games can be adapted for Fido. Hide and Seek is a good one. You can also adapt the classic Three Cups game for your cute pet.

Movie Time

One of the best things about dogs is the fact that they love snuggling with their humans. Why not pick something Fido starred in? There are a lot of great movies that feature Man’s Best Buddy. Some of our favorites are A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs. Old Yeller is a classic, but it’s also a tearjerker, so make sure you have plenty of tissues  for that one.

You don’t even have to stay home for movie time. Drive-ins are making a comeback. Some of these are showing fun classics, while others are going with new releases. This is a great way to spend some time with Fido. Of course, this is only an option if your vehicle is comfortable enough for your pooch to relax during the movie. It may also be a better option for a small dog, who can relax on your lap during the show. Be sure to pick up after your canine buddy if you take him for a walk during intermission.

Take Your Dog Shopping

A lot of pet stores have started welcoming dogs into their stores. It’s always sweet to let Fido select his own toy. If your pet is friendly and well-behaved, take him on a doggy shopping spree. 

Beauty Treatment

Fido may not consider going to the salon relaxing, but he will definitely appreciate feeling clean and fresh afterwards. Don’t forget the pawdicure! Nail trims are crucial: overgrown claws can cause all sorts of problems. Don’t skip the pawdicure, either. It’s important to protect those paw pads as well.

Picture Time

We’ll never get tired of seeing cute pictures of our patients. Take some cute photos of your furry friends and share them with us!

Scavenger Hunt

Many pups really like sniffing out special treasures. (Fun fact: Your furry friend’s sense of smell is about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours!) Hide small treats and snacks for Fido to find. Just remember to pick them up afterwards!

Explorations

This time of year isn’t always nice enough for outdoor activities. Then again, some pups love the cold. If you and your four-legged friend don’t mind it, or if it’s nice enough, head to a park or trail. 

Group Fun

Dogs are very sociable. Fido benefits greatly from spending time with his canine buddies. Plan a group playdate for your furry friends. This is also a good time for you to catch up with friends and family.

Should I Take My Dog On A Date?

We’ll leave debates and discussions about the do’s and don’ts of dating to others. However, if you’re dating someone, introducing them to your dog isn’t a bad idea. As to whether or not you should take Fido with you on a date, well, that depends on where you’re going. If you’re headed to a park for a picnic, your four-legged friend may be a great companion. If you’re going to a museum, your pooch probably won’t be allowed in.

Dogs Without Dates

We can’t forget about all of the pups that are still up for adoption. There are many cute canines out there, waiting for someone special to indulge them, love them, and, of course, celebrate Doggy Date Nights with them. What better way to celebrate than by adopting one? Of course, choosing the right dog is like finding the right partner: it’s all about finding a good match.

If you’re considering adopting a dog, you may want to do some breed research. Look into exercise needs, size, grooming needs, intelligence, character, potential health issues, trainability, ability to get along with other pets, noise levels, and child-friendliness.

Don’t forget about mutts! Mixed breeds often offer the best of both worlds. However, you may also want to consider looking for a dog that is a mix of breeds you like. Look for rescues that work with the specific breed you’re interested in. You may find the perfect pooch! 

That all said, it’s also important to listen to your heart. You may think you want a Golden Retriever, only to find yourself falling in love with a Shiba Inu. The main thing is to make sure that you are ready, willing, and able to care for Fido for the rest of his life. Don’t be afraid to ask your Marriottsville, MD veterinarian for advice, either. We’re happy to help! 

In Conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun way to remind your dog that quality time is important. There are so many possibilities. You can go to a drive-thru, watch a movie, cook a special dinner, work on training, and/or play games.

Contact us, your local Marriottsville, MD pet hospital, if you have questions about your dog’s health or care. We are dedicated to providing top-notch veterinary care.