Spoil Your Dog This Valentine’s Day: Activities, Treats, and Fun

This Valentine’s Day, forget the chocolates and roses – spend it with the one who truly loves you unconditionally: your dog. Sure, your date plans may have fallen through, but who needs the stress when you’ve got a furry Valentine ready to shower you with sloppy kisses and wagging tails? Here’s a guide to making your day paw-fectly romantic.

Outdoor Adventures for Two (or Four Paws)

Start your day with some fresh air and a wagging tail.

• Mt Coot-tha: Take a romantic (or just sweaty) hike up the Summit Walk, where you and your pup can enjoy stunning views of Brisbane. Reward yourselves with a snack at the dog-friendly café at the summit.​
• Toohey Forest: Stroll through eucalypt forests, breathing in the fresh air while your dog investigates every intriguing smell.
  
• Off-Leash Beaches: Head to Manly or Sandgate during low tide for a splash-filled adventure. Watching your dog go wild in the water is way better than an awkward dinner date, anyway.

Cultural and Social Activities

Who says dogs can’t appreciate the finer things in life?

• Brisbane City Outdoor Gallery: Wander through laneways turned into open-air art exhibitions. Perfect for the cultured pup (and their equally cultured human).
• Dog Meetups: Find a local gathering of dogs and their owners. It’s like speed dating, but better because it’s your dog meeting new friends while you sip your coffee.
• Dog-Friendly Markets: Visit spots like the Jan Powers Farmers Markets at Manly for a day of treats, shopping, and socializing. Your dog can sniff out the best stalls while you browse.

Dining with Your Dog

No romantic dinner reservations? No problem. Take your furry Valentine to a dog-friendly café and dine in style.

• Dog-Friendly Cafés: Brisbane boasts plenty of places where your pup can lounge while you enjoy a meal. Bonus points if they have a dog menu so your pet can feast, too.
• Special Dinner at Home: Prefer staying in? Serve your dog’s meal in a heart-shaped bowl for that extra festive touch. Add a side of extra belly rubs.

Treats for Your Sweetheart

Whether homemade or store-bought, treats are the way to your pup’s heart.
Store-Bought Favorites:

• Golden Barkery Valentine’s Treats: Adorable themed biscuits that scream “I love you” in dog.
• Huds & Toke Valentine’s Day Treats: Festive and fun, these will make your dog’s tail wag in delight.
• Coco & Pud LOVE Dog Bone Biscuit: A cute, heartwarming snack in equally cute packaging.

DIY Treats: Why not bake something special for your four-legged Valentine? Here are some fun recipes:1. Strawberry Love Hearts

• Ingredients: Greek yogurt (unsweetened), strawberries.
• Instructions: Chop strawberries, mix with yogurt, pour into moulds, and freeze. Perfect for a refreshing treat!
  

​2. Apple and Peanut Butter Dog Treats

• Ingredients: Wholewheat flour, banana, peanut butter (xylitol-free), egg, apple sauce, and sliced apple.
• Instructions: Mix ingredients to form a dough, roll out, cut into heart shapes, and bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
  

3. Hugs and Kisses Biscuits

• Ingredients: Wholewheat flour, cinnamon, olive oil, black treacle, honey, and water.
• Instructions: Combine ingredients to form dough, chill, roll out, cut into ‘X’ and ‘O’ shapes, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
  

4. Puppy Love Cupcakes

• Ingredients: Peanut butter, applesauce (unsweetened), egg, wholewheat flour.
• Instructions: Mix ingredients into a batter, spoon into cupcake cases, bake for 20-25 minutes. Top with a yogurt-peanut butter mixture once cooled.
  

5. Cheesy Dog Biscuits

• Ingredients: Wholewheat flour, cream cheese, applesauce (unsweetened), egg.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients to form dough, roll out and cut shapes before baking at 180°C for about 20 minutes.

Fur-ever Your Valentine

Going away? Don’t leave your furry Valentine feeling lonely. Let us take care of your pet while you’re away. Our loving, pet-friendly staff ensures your dog gets all the belly rubs and treats they deserve. Contact us today to book your pet’s stay!