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Everything You Need to Throw a Dog Birthday Party (Except for a Dog)

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

Dog birthday parties are serious business. The hashtag #dogbirthday has more than 350,000 posts on Instagram alone; a casual scroll through them shows that the affairs can be just as elaborate as the parties one might plan for a two-legged pal, and anyone who has explored the cottage industry that is doggy party supplies knows there is lots of stuff to choose from. Whether you’re grooming your pup to be a dogfluencer or just want your special pooch to have its day, we’ve combed through Amazon to find some of the best dog-birthday things — including décor, party favors, and cake mix — to help make the soirée as celebratory, and stress-free, as possible (this is a birthday party for an animal after all). Read on for everything you need to give your best furry friend the birthday blowout of its dreams — and if you’re a cat person, well, just pray your benevolent dog-owning pal sends you an invite.

Invitations

The first way to ruin a dog birthday party is to take it too seriously! These punny, illustrated invites will set the perfect tone before the first guest even arrives.

Clothes

If it’s a more formal affair, this tux — which comfortably slips over your dog’s collar — is sure to impress.

And if you’re celebrating a birthday girl, this supercute polka-dotted number looks just as put together.

For a more casual bash, or for larger dogs who want to dress up for their special day, you can’t go wrong with these playful bandannas.

A set of inexpensive birthday hats will ensure that your pup’s party guests don’t feel left out.

But why stop with hats? This affordable set of dapper-looking bow ties would make guests look even more put together (think of the group-photo ops!).

The dog of honor, though, probably deserves something a little more unique, like this birthday-cake hat.

Décor

This all-in-one décor kit offers a lot of bang for your buck: It includes 30 latex balloons, 33 feet of gold ribbon, and four 16-inch foil balloons that spell out “woof.”

If the above isn’t enough décor, supplement it with a pack or two of these graphic, paw-print balloons.

And if you really want to go paws to the wall with décor, here are some removable paw-print vinyl decals (which can be stuck just about anywhere) to jazz up your party space even more.

No great party is complete without a piñata (to really wow your guests — both canine and human alike — stuff this with your dog’s favorite treats).

These eco-friendly plates — made from compostable green palm leaf — feel unexpectedly sophisticated.

For a truly un-fur-gettable tablescape, pair the above plates with this tablecloth. It’s made from durable (read: spill-proof) polyester, making it great for either an indoor or outdoor celebration.

Some on-theme drinking straws that you can whip out as a treat for the humans in attendance.

Dessert

This wheat-free, peanut-butter cake mix promises to be dog-safe (although human guests might want to bring their own desserts). Just add an egg, oil, and water to the mix, pop it in the microwave or oven, and voilà!

A dog-bone–shaped, silicone cake pan that seems ideal for baking the above mix in — not only for its design, but also because it has received high praise from reviewers.

If one big cake is not enough to feed your guests, consider these molds, which can also be filled with the above mix to make the perfect pupcakes.

And if you’re going through the trouble to make all those pupcakes, it would be a shame to display them on anything other than this delightful fire hydrant stand.

This set of festive toppers are the perfect way to dress up whatever dessert you choose to make (just be sure to remove them before serving to Fido).

Party Favors

Some adorable doggy bags you can fill with takeaway treats (for both dogs and humans in attendance).

Fancy-looking dog treats to put in the doggy bags — just make sure your human guests don’t accidentally mistake them for real baked goods.

Otterly Pets Rope Toys
$7

These rope toys would also make great party favors.

As would these sweet-looking, squeaky plushies.

And no party would be complete without a sweet surprise gift — like this set of plushies — for your good boy or girl to remember her special day.

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Everything You Need to Throw a Dog Birthday Party