IT’S YOUR PET’S BIRTHDAY!
Here’s some fun ways to celebrate your four-legged friend’s special day
We know that our clients think of their animal companions as family members—and that means celebrating milestones like birthdays! If you don’t know the exact date your furry friend was born, many families celebrate their pet’s adoption day as their birthday. Either way, we know your pet won’t mind as long as they’re doing something fun with YOU.
Why celebrate your pet’s birthday?
Well, our Castle Rock veterinarians believe in promoting the human-animal bond, and anytime you have the opportunity to include your pet in an activity that you both enjoy, you’ll strengthen that bond.
Family pets who spend a lot of quality time with their people tend to be more responsive and better-behaved companions as well.
So what fun things are there to do with my dog in the Castle Rock area?
Colorado pets are blessed with lots of beautiful outdoor places to play. Our Castle Rock veterinarians have mixed feelings about dog parks, but as long as your pet is current on vaccinations, is well socialized, and you keep your eye on your canine friend, they can be a great experience for you and your pet.
Some of our favorite Castle Rock area dog parks and open spaces include:
- Douglas County Off-Leash Area
- Wiggly Field Dog Park
- Glendale Farm Open Space Trail & Dog Park
- Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Area
Hiking
Of course, hiking with dogs in Colorado is an amazing way to observe their special day. Before you head out, however, you’ll want to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention and that you’re aware of hiking hazards.
Some of the best dog-friendly hikes in our area of Colorado are:
- East Plum Creek Trail
- Meadowlark Trail Loop
- Castlewood Canyon Rimrock Trail Loop
- Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail
- High Line Canal Trail
Dog-Friendly Urban Adventures
Looking for a city setting for your pet’s birthday bash? Now that some businesses are starting to open up post-pandemic, here are some spots where you can shop, dine, and drink with your Fido:
Road Trippin’
We know many dogs don’t care where you go as long as there’s a car or truck ride involved—so how about a mini road trip into the country? While we don’t advocate high-speed, windows-down rides on the freeway, a slow meander on a country road to see–and smell–the scenery is great stimulation for dogs. A few fun drives with your dog include:
- Hwy 67 along the South Platte River to Deckers
- Hwy 300/Rampart Range Road
- Hwy 105 to Palmer Lake (where your pet can take a refreshing dip and you can get a delicious scoop at Rock House Ice Cream!)
My pet is older and something of a couch potato. Are there less active things we can do to mark my pet’s birthday?
Our Castle Rock veterinarians love senior pets and if you have one, that is definitely something to celebrate! And while we’re on the subject of seniors, one of the most loving gifts you can give your elder pet is twice-yearly wellness exams. Because pets age faster than we do, disease and illness progress faster as well, and you want to catch health issues early before they become bigger problems.
While many older pets enjoy parks, hikes, and active play, some are more content to chill in their favorite spots at home. But there are more “sedate” things you can do to make them feel special.
- Making homemade cat or dog treats
- A “spa” day of grooming
- Daycare with other pets of similar temperament
- A cool new cat toy