If we’re all being honest, we don’t deserve dogs. They love us unconditionally, greeting us at the door every day with a wagging tail. They lick away our tears when we’re sad, and they jump up to celebrate with us when we’re happy. Have you ever wanted to return the favor and treat your dog like royalty for the day? Celebrating your pup’s birthday or adoption day is the perfect chance!

My dog Lucy recently turned three years old, which is 21 in “dog years.” So naturally, I threw her the ultimate 21st birthday party (complete with rosé)! Here’s how to throw your dog a birthday party that will make her feel special too.

dog birthday party supplies

Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Think about the things you need to throw a human birthday party… only smaller. Here’s what made my list: decorations, birthday “cake,” birthday hat, and of course, some birthday presents. 

Step 2: Decorate ‘til you drop.

Whether you go all out with streamers and balloons or you just hang up a cute banner, you can still get insta-worthy photos to commemorate your pup’s big day. I kept it simple and limited my decorations to these cute glittery banners so I could budget for the other items on my list.

happy birthday dog

Step 3: Dress to the nines.

If your dog absolutely hates wearing clothes, maybe just skip this step. Luckily, my pup actually gets excited to wear her miniature clothes. I guess it makes her feel loved and important! So naturally, I bought her a special birthday outfit. If the idea of wrangling your dog into wearing a dress sounds impossible, try one of these cute birthday bandanas instead!

Step 4: Glamour shots!

Once your decorations are hanging and your pup is dressed for the celebration, snap lots of photos to remember the occasion! I used this ring light to get the perfect pictures of my birthday girl.

dog birthday cake treat

Step 5: Snack time. 

This will probably be your dog’s favorite part: treat them to a special birthday snack! Lots of local pet supply shops double as pet bakeries with treats decorated for every occasion. We visited The Upper Paw in Deep Ellum and found a beautiful bone-shaped cake for Lucy to enjoy. 

Step 6: Give a little love.

Last but not least, give your dog a birthday present. Spring for a new collar, new bed, or new toy at your local pet store. I found Lucy a rosé squeaky toy on Amazon so she could toast to turning 21! It’s now her favorite toy in the house, and watching her carry a bottle of rosé around in her mouth never fails to crack me up.

dog birthday party

Are you planning to throw a dog birthday party?

If you’re anything like me, your dogs are your family. There’s no reason we shouldn’t celebrate them like family too!

Have any tips for a dog birthday party I missed? OR have some adorable pictures from your own doggie birthday bash? Share them in the comments below!