Valentine’s Day with Your Dog ❤️
- Published on:
- By: Angela Catholdi
Single or simply not looking to mingle this upcoming Valentine’s Day? You’re definitely not alone. Recent poll results revealed that one in five people would rather celebrate the holiday of love with their pup(s) rather than their partners or friends. Whether your four-legged buddy made the cut as this year’s date or not, you’ve come to the right place for all your pooch-centric Cupid day needs!
Why Do Dogs Make the Best Valentines?
When it comes to your dream date, the reasons why dogs take the crown are endless. Not only do they see you as a King/Queen already, but their undying devotion comes without strings, expectations, or judgments. If that’s not enough sway you, here are a few more examples as to why they make paws-itively perfect valentines and friends.
- You don’t have to shower, shave, or buy a new outfit first! In fact, even brushing your teeth doesn’t matter – though we’d still recommend it. Not only will your date not care, but they’re guaranteed to be smellier and hairier than you could ever be! Additionally, you can rock your pajamas all day and your dog will still think you’re adorable.
- No fancy meal required! Your dinner companion will be more than happy with a few bites of your leftovers and an extra cookie.
- You get to pick the movie! They’ll be so enamored with the extra TLC that they won’t be watching anything but their favorite person, anyhow.
- They always want to cuddle! PDA is literally one of their favorite activities.
- They’re easy to please! Gift cards for free belly rubs or extra cuddle time? They’ll be appreciated more by your fluffy, furry friend than anything money could buy.
- The icing on the cake? You’re guaranteed a happy mood, genuine affection, love without conditions, and a fur-ever commitment, no matter how the night turns out. Speaking of dates, pups also make GREAT wing ladies/gents if you do venture out on this day of love. Who knows, a mutual enthusiasm for all things dog could be the reason you find your true soul-mate (of the hooman variety that is).
Get Your ESA Today
ATTENTION
Due to the new Department of Transportation (DOT) policy, Emotional Support Animals are NO longer allowed to fly in airplane cabins for free. However, Psychiatric Service Dogs are eligible.
How Many People Buy Valentines for Their Dogs?
This year, nearly 32 percent of owners polled are planning to spoil their dogs with something special. In comparison to poll results from 2022, that means 4 percent more doggos are being pampered by their paw-rent(s) for Valentine’s Day 2023. If you ask us, that number still seems a bit low! The amount of love these animals provide us each and every day SURELY deserves some added attention for Valentine’s Day. So if you’re among those planning to include your pup in the fun (or need some persuasion as to why you should), read on for canine-friendly gift and excursion ideas.
What Should I Get My Dog for Valentine's Day?
Looking for a budget-friendly treat for your favorite tail-wagger? Pet food and pet supply retailers are offering great deals. PetSmart, for instance, is offering B3G1 free on specified pet toys for your dog and cat, through February 26th. Petco is giving a 10% discount on orders of $50, and Chewy is giving new customers $20 off first-time purchases that total $49+. All you need to do is enter the coupon code WELCOME at checkout.
There are often a plethora of choices, but don’t feel too pressured. As we mentioned, your dog is sure to love just about anything you buy! Still, it’s often nice to have SOME direction. If you really aren’t sure what to purchase, check out our following suggestions based on personality!
- For dogs who love to cuddle, blankets are always a hit. This Top Paw Classic Cozy throw from PetSmart may be the gift of their dreams. If not, there are plenty of options out there, like this Waterproof blanket from Pet Ami. You can get yours on Chewy right now!
- For dogs who love to eat and are able to splurge on occasion, Milk Bone has Valentine biscuits that are colored pink and red. There are also other cookie brands packaged and ready to go, at retail stores like Target, such as Molly’s Barkery Valentine pretzels in Cinnamon and Apple. As always, please be sure to only feed certain treats sparingly and according to your pupper’s weight, as too much of certain ingredients are considered toxic.
If you want to go the extra mile, don’t trust pre-packaged confections, or want to help small businesses, there are lots of bakeries that specialize specifically in doggy-friendly treats. A Google search including your zip code should bring up results. Many will customize orders according to your needs.
A third option? Why not prepare your own dog treats? Not only are they cost efficient, but healthy and easy to do! Nothing says I love you like something homemade that you baked from the heart.
- For dogs who love to play, Amazon has some great options. This Lepawit heart-shaped plush toy squeaks for a more docile tug-the-rope game. And if your furry guy or gal tends to be more of a chewer, these Ucho rose-shaped toys are listed as non-toxic and (reportedly) help clean their teeth.
Not sold on these gift suggestions? Some other ideas include tennis balls, lick mats, pet couches, bandanas, and gift certificates for playtime at your local dog gym or an indoor play park. Once again, search by your zip code to see if you have one nearby.
What Can I Do With My Dog on Valentine's Day?
- Go for coffee! Sound surprising? Of course, your dog can’t have caffeine, so java is out of the question. What they can have is a pup cup! Also called a pup-a-ccino, these are small cups of whipped cream that some drive-thrus will give to your canine companion. I’ve been served pup cups at Starbucks and at Dunkin Donuts, but ice cream places and your local coffee shops may do the same. So take your pup out driving, grab yourself a drink, and ask them at the window if they’ll treat your dog as well. The best part? Pup cups are usually free at participating stores.
- Have a canine-centric movie night! Okay, we know most dogs will likely nap, instead of watch. That doesn’t mean they won’t adore all the extra snuggles as you binge some doggy classics. Some of my personal favorites are Air Bud, Adventures of Milo and Otis, The Secret Life of Pets, Homeward Bound, Beethoven, and Hotel For Dogs.
- Plan a photoshoot. If your dog likes (or tolerates) fashion, why not grab your camera and capture how adorable their outfit choices are? Even a heart-themed bandana or collar would make an adorable photo op! And if you’re feeling extra pumped to show their cuteness off, why not choose Valentine’s Day to create an Instagram account? Lots of pups have them already, and there’s no better day to be boastful about your special bond and all their paw-some, unwavering love.
- Take a road trip. Does your four-legged friend like to travel? Why not plan a special drive to sniff out some brand new adventure spots? You may even find some new hiking spots, or neighborhoods to walk. Just make sure to go prepared: don’t forget their water bowl or your water bottle!
What Are the Best Dog Breeds for Single People?
Maybe you’ve stumbled upon this dog-fueled, fun-filled post and haven’t yet found your fur-ever friend! If you’re ready to make the commitment and are capable of doing so, why not choose Valentine’s Day to go meet them? So many dogs need a home!
What’s more, if you often find yourself feeling down or suffer from a chronic mental health disability, qualifying for an Emotional Support Animal could be EXACTLY what your life has been missing. Wondering where you should look for that special someone? All home situations are different and should be handled according to circumstance, but if you happen to be single, we do have some suggestions when it comes to which dog breeds prefer that one-on-one attention!
Top 6 Picks
- Chihuahuas tend to pick one person and claim them as their own. Once you’re theirs, you’re theirs for life! They’d be a great choice in a home where others aren’t vying for all your attention.
- Dalmatians, also known as velcro-dogs, usually prefer to be the only pets. They’ll stick by your side through all life’s ups and downs!
- German Shepherds can be both loyal companions and first-rate protectors. They’re also highly trainable, making good choices for those who need an ESA or PSD.
- Greyhounds are known best for being extremely athletic and fast, but experts say they’re also extremely mild-mannered, abundantly affectionate, low-maintenance pets. They can also adapt to less spacious living situations. If looking for a balance between going on adventures and snuggling up for some downtime, a Greyhound may be the right match!
- Jack Russell Terriers always have oodles and oodles of energy. Think of the infamous pink Energizer bunny, but in dog form. While they’re also amazing for families with active kids or parents, they’re also said to be great pets for singles looking to stay busy.
- Labrador Retrievers definitely need an adequate amount of exercise and playtime, but they’re also known for coping well when left on their own for a while. If you’re a single person who works outside the home, they may have an easier time when it comes to adjusting to your time away. Just be sure to love on them and feed their fast-paced needs when you’re off the clock!
There you have it, our all-inclusive guide to making this Valentine’s Day just a little less ruff. Whether a single pet parent or simply interested in pampering your pooch, we hope you and your paw-tner have an awesome day!
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
More Great Resources
