An Ashburn, VA Veterinarian’s Top Doggy Date Night Ideas

February 3rd is Doggy Date Night. If it were left to Fido, every day would be Doggy Date Night. Your furry best pal would love nothing more than to hang out with you! Man’s Best Friend certainly deserves some extra TLC. Find out how you can get that cute tail wagging with these great tips from a local Ashburn, VA veterinarian.

Doggy Date Night: What Is It?

Though it may be one of the more fun pet holidays on our calendar, Doggy Date Night isn’t as silly as you may think. Spending time with your canine companion is actually very important! Dogs are incredibly loyal: they not only go above and beyond for us, but even put their lives on the line for us. Other than food, walks, and comfortable shelter, Fido doesn’t ask for much. He also just loves spending time with you. After all, you are the center of his world!

Hanging out with Fido is good for both you and your pet! Studies have shown that Fido keeps us fit, lowers our blood pressure, reduces stroke and heart attack risks, and even keeps us healthy physically. 

Doggy Date Night: What Should I Do?

Doing something special for your furry pal doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. What matters is that Fido feels loved and safe.

That said, your options will really depend on the size, health, and personality of your dog. A Golden Retriever might love going on hikes, but hitting that trail may not be a good idea for a Chihuahua.

Your Ashburn, VA veterinarian has some ‘pawesome’ suggestions:

Spa Date

Fido may not think going to the salon is very relaxing, but he will definitely appreciate feeling fresh and clean afterward. A bath and blowout is a great base, but don’t forget to get a pawdicure! Nail trims are important: overgrown claws can cause problems. 

Adventure Time

Winter isn’t always the best time for exploring. Then again, some pups love it. If your four-legged friend does not mind the cold, or if it’s balmy enough, February can still be a great time to get him some exercise. Hit a park or trail!

Play Date With The Dogs

Consider arranging a playdate for Fido and his pals so they can spend time with each other. Canines are sociable creatures, so they really benefit from hanging out with other pooches. This is also a fun way to catch up with friends or family members with dogs of their own.

Photo Time

Our canine pals take some really cute pictures. Snap some cute photos of your pet. Remember to share with us!

Doggy Treasure Hunt

Your pup’s sense of smell is about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. Seeking out hidden goodies can be great enrichment for him. Hide some treats and snacks for your pup to find – just remember to pick them up afterwards. 

Training Time

Training is important for both petiquette and safety. Your furry pal should learn the basics first. These include Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Once your pup has mastered these, teach him some fun tricks. Don’t forget to give him a special toy or treat after class!

Dinner For Two

Many dates involve dinner or dessert. You can buy Fido some tasty treats, but you can also make your own. Look up recipes online. Just stick with things that are safe for him.

Night At The Movies

There are plenty of great movies featuring Man’s Best Buddy. Some of our favorites include Beethoven, Hachi, A Dog’s Purpose, Marley And Me, and Hotel For Dogs. If you’re up for a tearjerker, Old Yeller or The Fox And The Hound will do the trick. 

Visit A Pet Store With Your Dog

Many pet stores have begun welcoming canine customers. It’s always cute to let Fido pick out his own toy! If your pup is polite in public, take him on a mini shopping spree. 

Fun And Games

Fido is very playful, which is one of the reasons we love him so much. Try playing a fun game with your pooch, such as Hide and Seek or Three Cups. 

A Drive-In Movie

Drive-ins are making a comeback in some places. Many are showing fun classic flicks. This can be a fun way to spend some time with Fido, assuming your car will be comfortable for him. Don’t forget to pick up after your canine buddy if you take him for a walk during intermission.

Tips For Doggy Date Night

Of course, you’ll want to tailor these activities to suit both yours and your pet’s personality and preferences. If your dog is fearful, reactive, or aggressive, we definitely wouldn’t suggest taking him to the pet store or park. Your dog’s fitness level and temperament also play a role. A hike may be great fun for a Lab, but would be far too taxing for a pug. Ask your vet for more information. 

Is It A Good Idea To Take My Dog On A Date?

We’ll leave debates about the do’s and don’ts of dating to other sites. However, if you’re seeing someone, it’s definitely not a bad idea to see if they get along with your canine buddy. As to bringing Fido along on a date, well, that depends on where you’re going. If you’re headed to a park for a picnic, Fido may be an adorable third wheel, but if you’re going to a museum, he probably won’t be allowed in!

Dogs Without Dates

We can’t forget about all the pups that are up for adoption, just hoping to find that special someone who will indulge them, love them, and, of course, celebrate Doggy Date Nights with them. If you’re considering getting another pooch, this is a perfect time to do it. Of course, choosing the right pup can be tricky. In some ways, picking the right pet is like looking for a romantic partner: it’s all about finding the right fit! A dog that is perfect for one family may not be the right match for another. 

Do some research before making a final decision. Here are some of the things you’d want to look into.

• Grooming Needs
• Intelligence
• Character
• Exercise Needs
• Size
• Age
• Potential Health Issues
• Trainability
• Ability to get along with other pets
• Noise Levels
• Child-friendliness

Breed information is great, but don’t forget about mutts. Mixed breed dogs often offer the best of both worlds. you may very well find a dog that is a mix of breeds you love. look for rescues that specialize in the breed you’re interested in.

Having said all that, it’s also important to listen to your heart. You may think you want a Golden Retriever, but end up falling in love with a Beagle. Just make sure you are ready, willing, and able to care for Fido for the rest of his life. 

In Conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun way to remind your dog of the importance of spending quality time with him or her. Whether you want to go to a drive-thru, watch a movie, cook a special meal, or train and play games alone, there are many options. The important thing is for you to carve out that time with your furry bestie. 

As your local Ashburn, VA pet hospital, we’re here to help. Please contact us if you have any questions about your dog’s health or care!