12 Fun Ways to Pamper Your Dog

Your dog is always there for you, providing love, snuggles, and slobbery kisses. They stand by you and protect you no matter what—dogs truly are our best friend. 

They deserve the very best in return! So why not take your next free day and plan something extra special just for your four-legged pal? 

From special outings to pampering activities to good old-fashioned quality time, here are some fun ways to spoil your dogs (they deserve it!) 

Go To the Dog Park

Now that the weather is getting nicer, get outside and spend some time with your furry friend. Play fetch, frisbee, or just take a long stroll around the park. Your dog will love the quality time with you, and they might even make a new friend in the process!

Take Them Shopping For a New Toy

Instead of guessing what they like, take your pet to the store to help pick it out themselves. Maybe your dog will choose a new plushie or bone—or even a new squeaky toy! They might find something you would never have thought to buy. There’s no better feeling than watching your pup get excited over a new toy in the store!  

Make Your Own Toy at Home

Are you the creative type? If so, grab some scrap fabric and sew them something fun. There are no shortages of DIY blogs out there showing how to make something fun and unique for your pet—from no-sew plushies to pull tug toys.  

You can even revamp their favorite old toy and bring it back to life (we know you have some toys that could use a facelift!)

Make a Homemade Meal or Treat

If you love making home-cooked meals for friends and family, why not do the same for your pet? Make it a doggy date night and grill dinner for both of you. Or look into how to make dog treats from scratch—try these dog treats with less than five ingredients! Cooking for your dog is a great way to spoil them with something special and show how much you care! 

Take Them Out to Dinner

Even if you’re not a great home chef, you can still have a special dinner with your dog! Bring your furry best friend to a local café with a great patio. Grab them a nice little treat and enjoy your night together. If your dog loves company, call a fellow pet owner friend and set up a double date!

Go For a Hike

Find a local trail and have an adventure with your pup! Make sure to pack extra water and snacks for you both. Visit a state park or hike down to a local creek or lake. Your dog will love the sunshine, smells of the outdoors, and best of all—spending time with you!  (If you haven’t already, check out our free E-book, The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in the US to Conquer With Your Pup.

Treat Them to a Doggy Massage

Being such a good dog can really be hard work! They deserve some extra special pampering with a doggy massage. Rub your dog’s paws and legs and give them an extra-long belly rub. Don’t forget to rub their neck and scratch their ears! Better yet, if you really want to spoil them, find a doggie masseuse (yes, they exist!) and let the pros spoil them!

Take Them for a Swim

If you have a water-loving dog, take them to a pet-friendly pool or bring them to the local lake for a dip. There’s nothing more fun than splashing around and enjoying the great outdoors! If you aren’t near a lake or dog-friendly pool, don’t despair—just fill up a kiddie pool with water and let them get in and relax for a while!

Give Them a Good Long Bath

We all know bath time is not every dog’s favorite—but some do love it. And they’ll love it twice as much with all the post-bath snuggles and pets…who can resist snuggling up to a fresh, clean pup? Pull out all the stops—wash and condition their hair, and brush out any knots. Trim their nails, moisturize their paws, and get them looking good! 

Do a Craft Together

Most likely your pet isn’t the next Picasso or Martha Stewart—but that doesn’t mean you can’t make something memorable together. Create a paw print stepping stone for your garden. Get a snout print on a coffee mug or a picture frame. Do a photoshoot together and take some cute pictures and make a scrapbook! You’ll love cherishing the mementos, and your dog will love making memories with you!

Teach Your Dog a New Trick

Whoever said, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was wrong! Dogs love the praise, challenge, and engagement of learning something new. Teach your pet to speak, roll over, or high-five, or look up something fun and different. You’ll have a great time teaching and learning together. And of course, don’t forget to reward with treats! 

Have a Movie Night Together

At the end of the day, having a cozy night in with your dog will make you both happy, afterall their favorite thing to do is spend time with you! Let them curl up on the couch with you and put on your favorite movie. Grab some sharable treats and enjoy!

Your Dog Deserves a Special Day

Pick one activity off this list, or combine them into an extra special day or weekend! Whatever you choose to do, your furry pal will love it! After all, what dogs really want is your love and attention. As long as they have that, they are golden!

Do you have other ideas for special ways to pamper your dog? Let us know in the comments!