A birthday party for your dog and his friends!

Hello,??

All About Dogs is a weekly newsletter for owners who want to spend more time with their dogs and less time looking for information on the Internet.?

Puppies, senior dogs, adolescent dogs – they all need food, training, socialization, good health, and cuddles. Plus, stuff like toys, beds, harnesses, doggie tech and insurance... It’s enough to make a dog want to go for a walk! And the human overwhelmed with choices. Don’t worry, all you need to know is in your weekly newsletter All About Dogs.??

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Humans of all ages celebrate their birthday by having a party for their friends. What about your dog? He'll only have a few birthdays throughout his life, so spoiling him, and his friends, on his special day may be worth the trouble.????

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Questions to ask before you decide.?

You want your dog and her friends to enjoy themselves on her special day. But not sure if you’re up to it? Then ask these questions:?

• Can your dog and his friends have a party without creating chaos and destruction??

• Do you have the right location – either sufficient space at home, or an escape proof place somewhere else??

• Do you have an idea for a fun theme, and how you will keep the guests entertained??

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Advance preparation for the big day.?

• Decide on a date and finalize a location.??

• Draw up the guest list – dog friends your dog likes.??

• Finalize the theme and decorations, and how the guests should dress up. Decorations can include streamers, banners, balloons and pictures of your dog.?

• What about catering – you need dog safe cake, dog theme snacks, treats, and lots of water.?

• Decide on activities to keep the guests entertained – games, spa day, costume contest??

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Keep the dogs safe.?

You want dogs and owners to have fun and enjoy a good time!?

• Decorations and environment need to be safe and dog proof.?

• No dog fights! - each (two-legged) guest must take care of their four-legged partner and know where he is at any given time. They can get into mischief very quickly!?

• Ask about dietary preferences – some dogs can have food allergies.?

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Make it special with these tips.?

• Give a welcome hat/snack/name tag to each guest.?

• Let your dog wear something like a personalized bandana or birthday crown. Ask the guests to dress up in according to the theme.?

• Food and drink for the guests, and lots of water available.?

• Make or order a dog-safe cake or ice-cream. Dogs will also enjoy a barkuterie board with dog safe fruit, veggies, and snacks.?

• Apart from eating – dogs like to play and sniff!?

• Prepare a gift bag and thank you note for the guests as they leave.?

• Don't forget the humans! It's hungry work looking after dogs, so provide hot dogs, cupcakes decorated with paw prints, and serve the snacks in clean dog bowls.?

After all these activities, you and your dog can cuddle up and enjoy a quiet evening. There's a whole year to plan the next party...?