Valentine’s Day with Your Dog
Showing Your Dog Some Valentine’s Day Love
Whether you are a single, a couple or a family, finding time on Valentine’s Day to share with your four-legged family members is a great way to show your love and also get a lot of love in return. I have some tips Valentine’s Day with your dog.
There are a lot of different things you can do with your pet and the humans in your life to celebrate this traditional holiday. If you are celebrating this year with your dog as your date, you can really go all out and enjoy a full day of fun and togetherness.
No Chocolate but Bring on The Healthy Treats
There is no safe chocolate to feed a dog. Dogs can be very sensitive to a chemical in chocolate called theobromine. This can build up in the dog very quickly and result in serious health issues including vomiting and diarrhea. Depending on the amount of chocolate consumed, the size of the dog and the dog’s sensitivity, even a very small amount can trigger poisoning that may include life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding or even heart attacks.
Instead, make your dog some special treats. These cookie-type treats can be baked a day or two ahead. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for something special. Dogs also love small amounts of fruits and vegetables including apples, watermelon, blueberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli. Many dogs also love cantaloupe, green beans, bananas, and carrots.
They also love the traditional strawberries of this special day. Instead of dipping them in chocolate, add a very small bit of whipped cream for a very special treat. If your pooch has any sensitivity to dairy, just leave whipped cream off.
Go for a Walk
One of the best gifts you can give your dog at any time and for any special event is a nice, long walk. This is a great way to work off Valentine’s Day dinner for you both, plus it can be an extra treat if you can go to the dog park or find a safe off-leash place just to run and play.
Have a Movie Night
After an after-dinner walk, what is a more traditional Valentine’s Day evening than watching a movie? There are lots of great dog-themed movies to watch, so just pick your favorite. Some fun ones for the whole family include Lady and the Tramp and Balto or perhaps the classics of Lassie or Benji, Beethoven, Air Bud or even the Tom Hank’s movie Turner and Hooch.
A Getaway Weekend
If you really want to get away and treat your dog and yourself to something special, why not plan a weekend someplace new. Go online and find dog-friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts, or even rent a cabin or a trailer. Plan a weekend of exploring, hiking and just hanging out together.
The key to anything you do with your dog is to make it fun for you both. Find something you both like to do, or the dog can do with the whole family, to really add a lot of unconditional love to your Valentine’s celebration.