7 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Pet

Author: Amanda Brahlek

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to show your beloved pet some extra love and attention. While your pet may not be the “traditional” V-day date (...considering all the fur and lack of table manners), you likely spend more time with your pet than any other being on this planet, so why not make February 14th Pal-entines with your purr-pal or canine companion. If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pet this year, try one of these unique, fun, and fur-nomenal ideas:

1. Bake Some Love Into It

When you think of your dog or cat, baking may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but when you fill your home with the warm scent of baked treats, we bet your pet’s mouth will water. You don’t have to be Paul Hollywood to bake your pet a tasty and adorable homemade treat. Here are two simple recipes that will leave your dog or cat begging for more:

Quick & Simple “You’re My Pumpkin” Dog Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Canned Pumpkin (not canned pumpkin pie)
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup peanut butter, smooth
• 2 to 3 cups of whole wheat flour

Get Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350-degrees F.
2. Mix your pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter to a creamy consistency.
3. Add in 2 cups of flour. If your dough is not stiff enough, add more little by little. You should be able to form a ball with the dough that doesn’t stick to your palms.
4. Spoon your cookies onto a parchment-covered baking sheet, about 1” balls or roll it out to about ½-inch in thickness and use a cookie cutter.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Let dry and bone-appetite!

No Kitten Around DIY Cat Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of catnip

Time to Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350-degrees F.
2. Blend all the ingredients together in the food processor. This will form a dough that will clump and ball together.
3. Roll your mix into small, marble-sized balls and place them onto a lined cookie sheet. You may want to press each to keep them from rolling around.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Create a Bundle of Love with a Healthy Gift Basket

Creating a gift basket of treats for your pet is a fun way to get creative and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Use a variety of healthy treats, toys (including a pet-friendly plush), and whatever else catches your eye. You can consider 

• a new collar 
• a new brush and grooming products
• a blanket
• catnip or supplements
• a framed photo of your pet.

Your pet’s eyes will light up when they see the basket. Extend the fun beyond Valentine’s Day by allowing them to pick out one toy and treat per day.

3. Get Your Pet’s Heart Racing: Get Active

Your pets keep your heart healthy. Repay the favor by spending the day with heart-healthy activities with your pet. You can add a few extra play sessions, take your dog on a long walk, or encourage your cat to partake in more squirrel and bird watching by spreading feed outside the window. 

Not only will your pet’s brain release happy-endorphins, but they will sleep better after a few extra play sessions.

4. Invest in Some New Gear

Use this loved-filled holiday as an opportunity to refresh your pet’s wardrobe and most-often-used gear. Your pet may need a new collar, leash, ID tag, sweater, bed, litter box, or food bowl. There are few scenes as adorable as a dog or cat pulling a gift out of a gift bag, so be sure to wrap your pet’s gifts. 

5. Spice Things Up with Some New Toys

Whether you have a senior dog or a puppy, new toys are always a great way to celebrate. Not only does toy variety encourage your pet to engage in different forms of play, but they also allow you to interact with your pet, deepening your bond.

6. Netflix and Chill: Spend Quality Time Together

If you tend to always be on the go, set aside an hour or two on Valentine’s day to just relax and cuddle your pet. This time makes your pet feel like the number-one dog or cat in your life (and it comes with the added benefits of boosting both your moods and lowering your blood pressure). You can even amplify the cute-level by watching a retro pet-friendly movie like 101 Dalmations or Homeward Bound.

7. A DIY V-Day Photoshoot

Make your pet feel like the superstar they are for Valentine’s Day with a themed photoshoot. Use a combination of red and pink blankets as a backdrop and decorate the blanket with Valentine’s Day-themed shapes that fit your pet’s personality. You can also use streamers and a banner for more flair. 

After you set the scene, use treats and a squeaker to keep your pet posing. Remember to get down to eye-level for the best quality pet photos.

Celebrate V-Day the Pet Way!

If your pet is the love of your life, then make Valentine’s Day the occasion to celebrate how amazing they are. You don’t have to spend a lot to pamper your pet. Fill your home with the scent of fresh-baked treats and fill your pet’s heart with as much love as you can give. 

Happy Valentine’s Day from Natural Farm.