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25 Fun Gift Ideas for Your Dog’s Birthday in 2024: Our Top Picks

Jessica Kim

By Jessica Kim

dog wearing party hat at table with delicious birthday cake in decorated room

Celebrating your dog’s birthday is a great way to shower your dog with love. It’s also an excellent excuse to have some fun and create more memories together. While there are many ways to celebrate a dog’s birthday, all dogs will appreciate receiving some presents.

Most people will think of toys and treats when they think of dog birthday gift ideas. However, there are so many other options to consider. We’ve gathered some fun dog birthday present ideas that include both traditional gifts and more out-of-the-box gifts. You’ll be sure to find a birthday present that your dog will love and appreciate.

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The 25 Fun Gift Ideas for Your Dog’s Birthday

Food Gifts

1. Fresh Dog Food

Any dog would appreciate a meal upgrade. There are many benefits to feeding your dog a fresh meal, such as the use of real natural ingredients, veterinarian-formulated recipes, and more palatable flavors. Another great thing about fresh dog food is that many companies offer subscription plans that deliver fresh meals straight to your door.

However, before you change your dog’s diet, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian first to ensure your dog is fine with the new food ingredients, particularly if they are suffering with any health issues. Your vet can also direct you toward verified and nutritionally balanced recipes formulated in accordance with AAFCO guidelines.

The Farmer’s Dog is our top pick for fresh dog food delivery services. Every recipe has been formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and the meals are prepared in USDA kitchens. All the ingredients are human-grade and are gently cooked to maximize nutrient retention.


2. Birthday Cookies

Wufers Birthday Cookie Box Bundle

Another great birthday present is a box of dog cookies. You can find all sorts of dog-friendly cookies that have fun and festive designs and decorations on them. When shopping for dog cookies, make sure to look for cookies that use natural ingredients and refrain from using artificial colors and flavors.

Getting a Wufers Birthday Cookie Box Bundle is an excellent way to celebrate your dog’s birthday. The cookies only contain locally sourced human-grade ingredients, and they’re designed by hand. This bundle comes with a box of special cookies for your birthday pup and smaller cookies for your puppy to share with their friends.

Be sure to check the list of ingredients if your dog is suffering with a known food allergy or is lactose intolerant, as the cookies do contain some dried skimmed milk, and some dogs may develop a mild stomach upset if they eat too many.


3. Birthday Cake

Pooch Cake Wheat-Free

Show your dog some extra love by baking them a dog-friendly cake. You can certainly find some good homemade recipes, but some pet food companies make baking easy for you by producing pre-made cake mixes.

We recommend the Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Cake Mix & Frosting Dog Birthday Cake because of its simple ingredient list. It also comes with a tasty frosting for dogs, and you can either bake the cake in the oven or simply microwave it.

Note that the recipe does contain dehydrated yogurt, so be mindful of that if your dog is lactose intolerant. However, at such small amounts, it’s unlikely to cause your dog any serious stomach upset signs, but it’s best to be careful and not overdo it. If you go for another cake mix, make sure they are free of artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.


4. Chews

Bones & Chews Himalayan Cheese

Dog chews are an excellent birthday gift for heavy chewers who just want to spend a part of their day gnawing on something tasty. You can find many high-quality dog chews with varying flavors and textures. Some dogs enjoy rawhide, while others prefer bully sticks.

Himalayan yak chews are a good option for particularly heavy chewers. The Bones & Chews Himalayan Cheese chews are generally durable and built to last, but it will also depend on the individual dog and their persistence in chewing. Heavy chewers may finish the chew long before the expected time. They’re free of any artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors, and they don’t contain any binding agents, additives, or sugar.

Every dog should always be supervised while gnawing on a chew, as some dogs are just a little bit too keen and may try to break off and swallow pieces of it. This can lead to tooth fractures, damage of the mouth, choking, a stomach upset, or even a blockage of the stomach or intestines if a large piece is swallowed. If your dog tries to swallow pieces of the chew, it may be best not to offer them any at all and instead try out some other treats from our list.


5. Dental Chews

WHIMZEES by Wellness Value Box

You can also add a healthy twist to your dog’s birthday gift by giving them tasty dental chews. Many dogs suffer from dental issues, so a birthday is a great time to keep up with good dental hygiene habits. The chews will not clean your dog’s teeth, but if you are keeping up with regular vet checks and brushing, they can help in maintaining them.

Many dogs enjoy chewing on WHIMZEES dental chews because they’re fun to chew and are easily digestible. They only contain six ingredients, and they also help freshen your dog’s breath.


6. Low-Calorie Treats

Charlee Bear Chicken Soup

It’s likely your dog will get showered with gifts and treats during their special day. So, it’s beneficial to give your dog a bag of tasty, low-calorie treats. A bag of treats will also last them past their birthday, so they can continue to enjoy your gift for weeks.

Charlee Bear creates many low-calorie dog treats with all-natural recipes. Many of the treats are just 2 to 3 calories apiece, and they have a great taste and crunchy texture that dogs love. If your dog is suffering with a food allergy, consult with your vet and make sure you choose the treats they are fine with, as chicken can be a common allergen.

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7. Fetch Toy

Chuckit2

Have fun celebrating your dog’s birthday by playing with a new fetch toy. You can get your dog a traditional tennis ball, or try something new, like a frisbee or twig toy. Your dog will be sure to appreciate the extra time they spend with you playing with a fun new toy. The extra exercise will also help them channel any excitement they’re feeling on their special day.

If your dog is a superfan of fetch, they’ll appreciate the Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Toy. The launcher will enable you to throw a ball two to three times further, and it allows for hands-free pickup. Always adjust the level of exercise to your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, health, and the outside temperature, and play the game only during early morning or late afternoon hours in the summer months to avoid them overheating.


8. Chew Toy

Benebone Fishbone Dog Chew Toy

A chew toy can help keep the birthday fun and festivities going for your dog in the days and sometimes even weeks following their birthday. Chew toys are usually infused with a tasty flavor that encourages dogs to chew. They also help dogs stay focused and mentally stimulated while you work on something else. Another great thing about chew toys is that they’re designed to last much longer than a dog chew, so your dog can enjoy playing with them long after their birthday has passed.

Still, make sure you always supervise your pooch while chewing so they don’t injure their mouth or try to swallow the chew as it gets toward the end. It’s best to replace it at that stage!


9. Plushie Toy

Plushie Toy

Some dogs love playing with soft plushie toys. Many plushie toys have fun squeakers or crinkly textures that are fun for dogs to bite and chew. They come in all shapes and sizes, and you can also find some options with extra-durable stitching for heavy chewers.

The ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Dog Toy is a great multi-functional birthday gift for dogs. Your dog will have fun trying to get the hedgehog out of their burrow, and you can also play fetch with them. If your dog loves tearing up toys or swallowing them, it’s important to supervise them at all times and take the toy away when things get out of control. Swallowed pieces of toys will lead to digestive issues and may cause an obstruction of the stomach or intestines, which requires prompt veterinary attention.


10. Treat Dispenser Toy

Treat Dispenser Toy

Treat dispenser toys and interactive toys are another fun birthday gift, especially for dogs that require a lot of mental stimulation. They often provide both mental and physical exercise as your dog forages and figures out how to get treats out of a toy.

The KONG Wobbler Dog Toy is an ideal choice for beginner dogs and puppies. It has a relatively simple design mechanism, but it still does a great job of keeping dogs engaged. You can also put your dog’s kibble in it to help your dog slow down while eating.


11. Dog Puzzle

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy

Dog puzzles are another excellent gift for dogs who love treats. When shopping for a dog puzzle, it’s important to look for a puzzle that matches your dog’s experience level. Puzzles that are too difficult for inexperienced dogs will discourage them from playing and make them feel disinterested fairly quickly.

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound is a considerable choice because it’s built with varying difficulty levels. So, it’s a toy that will help beginners succeed, and you can increase the difficulty level incrementally to keep your dog challenged and interested.


12. Lick Mat

Hyper Pet IQ Banquet Dog & Cat Lick Mat,

Lick mats are another mentally engaging toy for dogs. They can help slow down fast eaters and provide a calming experience for dogs. Some lick mats come with suction cups that you can stick to your bathtub wall so that your dog can stay calm and focused on the lick mat while you bathe them. You can also make the food on the lick mat last longer by smearing it on the lick mat and freezing it.

When shopping for a new lick mat, try to look for ones that have varying textures and surfaces. This will provide an extra challenge for dogs and help them stay engaged longer.


13. Dog Toy Box Set

Dog Toy Box Set

If your dog loves all kinds of toys, a dog toy box set can be a great birthday present for them. Dog toy box sets usually include several different kinds of toys that have unique purposes and functions. They’re a great way to add variety to your dog’s playtime and introduce your dog to new kinds of toys.

Dog toy boxes usually include a bag of treats and other surprises. They usually have toys and treats that follow a certain theme, and you can find many birthday-themed boxes.

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14. BarkBox

barkbox dog subscription pool party animals theme

BarkBox is a dog box subscription box service that delivers toys and treats to your home every month. It excels in curating creative themed boxes that both dogs and their humans will enjoy opening together.

BarkBox provides access to exclusive toys and high-quality treats. If your dog ends up loving one of the toys, you can often find individual toys sold at the BarkShop if you ever need a replacement.


15. Pooch Perks

poochperks dog box

Pooch Perks makes shopping for toys and treats easy by doing all the research for you. Every month, Pooch Perk sends its customers a curated collection of toys and treats from various reputable vendors.

Pooch Perks offers different kinds of boxes to suit a dog’s unique needs and preferences. For example, you can choose a box that omits treats or a box that contains extra toys. So, you’ll be sure to find the perfect birthday box for your special dog.


16. PupBox

pupbox pet product

PupBox specializes in creating age-appropriate dog boxes. Each box includes toys, treats, and accessories that are suitable for your dog’s life stage. If your dog likes a particular product, you can purchase it individually through PupBox’s online store.

PupBox is a great birthday gift for dogs with first-time owners because it introduces them to a variety of toys and useful pet supplies that can be incorporated into their daily routine. It also offers care and training information for specific life stages.

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17. Weighted Dog Blanket

Dogs will appreciate getting a cozy and soothing weighted blanket for their birthday. Weighted blankets can help dogs feel less anxious and provide a sense of security when they’re feeling stressed.

When shopping for a weighted blanket, make sure to choose an appropriate size and weight. Blankets that are too heavy can end up feeling very uncomfortable for dogs.


18. Dog Bed

FurHaven Faux Fur & Suede Memory

Most dogs won’t be able to resist lounging on a luxurious dog bed. Giving your dog a high-quality dog bed as a birthday present can end up being a great investment because it can help dogs sleep more comfortably and reduce back and joint pain. It’s also a great way to reduce the amount of dog hair that clings to your furniture.

The FurHaven Faux Fur & Suede Memory Foam Sofa is a considerable option because it has a memory foam base that provides excellent lumbar support. The bolster sides provide additional support for the back and neck. It’s also easy to clean, as it has a machine-washable zippered cover.


19. Dog Sofa

Moots Premium Leatherette Sofa

Even if your dog may have a cozy dog bed, they’ll still love having a luxurious dog sofa. Dog sofas make excellent and useful birthday gifts, and they’re often designed to blend in with a room’s interior design better than a dog bed.

When choosing a dog sofa, make sure not to sacrifice too much comfort for style. The sofa’s outer lining should be a comfortable material, and the base should be filled with high-quality stuffing or memory foam.


20. Travel Water Bowls

Prima Pets Collapsible Silicone Travel Dog & Cat Bowl with Carabiner

Travel food and water bowls may not be exciting, but they’re still a great gift because they’ll be used frequently. They’re ideal for dogs that love traveling and going on adventures with their families.

You can find travel water bowls of varying designs, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. We recommend the PRIMA PETS Collapsible Silicone Travel Dog & Cat Bowl because it doesn’t take up much space when you store it away, plus it can be used for either food or water, or you can get two and offer both at the same time.

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21. Birthday Hat

Birthday Hat

Be extra festive by getting your dog a special birthday hat. Birthday hats can also preserve special birthday memories because you just won’t be able to resist taking photos of your dog wearing their hat. Just make sure to give your dog plenty of treats for being patient while you take photos.

A great thing about dog birthday hats is that they’re reusable. So, you can keep using the same one on your dog’s birthday, or you can pass it along to any other dog in your life.


22. Leather Collar

Euro-Dog Quick Release Leather Dog Collar

A high-quality leather collar is a classy and elegant birthday gift for dogs. Good leather collars will feel soft and comfortable for your dog, and they last a long time. Some places may offer to engrave the leather to make it extra special and personalized for your dog.

We recommend the Euro-Dog Quick Release Leather Dog Collar because of its convenient buckle. Rather than having a traditional belt buckle that many leather collars have, this collar has a quick-release buckle that makes putting on the collar and taking it off much easier and faster.


23. Birthday Shirt

Frisco Birthday Pup Dog shirtSome dogs may appreciate getting a birthday-themed shirt as a gift. Wearing birthday shirts and walking around the neighborhood will ensure that they’ll get plenty of attention and adoration from people who pass them by.

If you plan to have your dog wear a birthday shirt for most of the day, it’s especially important to find a high-quality shirt made with soft material. Cotton t-shirts are often the best option because they’re comfortable and won’t cause static.

Shirts should not be tight or cause your dog any restrictions when they move. They should allow them to urinate and defecate normally as well. Not all dogs enjoy wearing shirts, and they should not be forced into one. If the weather is too warm, shirts should be avoided at all costs, as they will cause them to overheat, and this may lead to life-threatening heatstroke. They are more suitable for the winter time when they can provide some dogs with extra warmth.


24. Birthday Bandana

Birthday Bandana

Birthday bandanas are a great alternative for dogs that feel restricted and uncomfortable in clothing. Bandanas are usually easier to personalize than shirts, so you can request to have your dog’s name added to the bandana.

Bandanas also make fun and affordable birthday party favors. So, you can include them in your gift bags if you host a dog birthday party.


25. Winter Jacket

GoTags Winter Puffer Personalized Dog Coat

Winter Jackets are useful gifts that’ll also make your dog look even more adorable than they already are. They’ll also help your dog feel more comfortable and warmer while you go on walks during the colder months.

The GoTags Winter Puffer Personalized Dog Coat will keep your dog warm and easily identifiable due to its bright colors. You can also get your dog’s name printed on it. This coat is also durable, easy to maintain, and machine washable.

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Conclusion

There are all kinds of gifts that you can give to your dog on their birthday, and the gifts range from super practical to fun and fanciful. Toys and treats will always be appreciated, but choosing a more practical gift can end up making your dog happier if it enables you two to enjoy more quality time together. Either way, your dog will appreciate the thought and effort that you’ve put into getting them a nice birthday gift and making their birthday a special day.


Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

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