How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day With a Dog: 7 Ideas from the Experts from BULLYMAKE

Pup parents know that sharing a heart-shaped box of chocolates is no way to safely celebrate Valentine’s Day with their dog. If you’re looking for ways to show extra love to your canine companion on or around February 14, quality time, quality treats, and quality toys are all great ideas.

Here are seven ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your dog.

1. Plan a Puppy Date Night (Just the Two of You)

Plan an outing your dog will love, starting with their favorite location to walk or play. A local dog park, beach, or your own backyard all work. This date’s more about quality time than fancy ambience.

After working off some energy, swing by a local coffee or ice cream shop that offers dog-friendly treats like pup cups. Grab a latte or cone for yourself, and enjoy your treats together in the car, on a pet-friendly outdoor dining patio, or at the park.

Cap off the evening with a new toy your dog can unwrap and enjoy once you’re home. Consider a tough chew that helps your pup relax and enjoy some downtime after their outing.

2. Unleash the Love With a New Toy

Gift-giving is a classic Valentine’s Day tradition, and a thoughtful surprise can show someone you care. That’s true for your pup, too. Stir up some sweet excitement with a new toy chosen just for them — whether it’s a tough chew from Kong or BULLYMAKE or a festive plush from a nearby pet shop.

Consider options like:

• Nylon and rubber chews. These durable toys offer a satisfying chewing experience and help clean your dog’s teeth. They’re a great choice for strong chewers or pups who need a solo activity to burn off energy.
• Ropes for tug play. Cotton rope toys offer your dog interesting textures and the opportunity to play tug with you or another dog. Playful pups who thrive on interactive games and bonding time may love this type of gift.
• Ballistic toys. Multiple layers of fabric and inner textures ensure these toys crinkle audibly when your dog plays with or chews them. These durable options are ideal for dogs who destroy plush toys in minutes but still enjoy crinkles and squeaks.
• Plush toys. Push toys can be comforting and fun to carry around. They’re a sweet pick for gentle players, cuddlers, or dogs who love to “mother” their toys.
• Fetch toys. Balls, discs, and launchable toys keep dogs moving and mentally engaged. These types of gifts may be perfect for high-energy pups or dogs who wag their tails every time they hear the phrase “play fetch.”

3. Have a Doggy Photoshoot in Fun Valentine’s Outfits

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to snap a few themed photos of your pup in a heart-print bandana or cozy red sweater. Use natural light and take breaks for treats to keep your dog comfortable and happy.

Holiday photoshoots make for sweet moments to look back on through the year and make great fodder for fun social media posts.

4. Treat your Pup to a Barkuterie Board

Charcuterie boards aren’t just for people. Your dog can enjoy their own Valentine’s barkuterie board filled with safe, delicious treats. It’s a festive way to spoil your pup with a little variety, and you can adjust the ingredients to match their diet and preferences.

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To make a barkuterie board:

1. Choose a clean serving tray or plate.
2. Pick foods that provide a mix of soft and crunchy textures, such as jerky, biscuits, or freeze-dried treats from trusted brands like Wellness or Blue Buffalo.
3. Add fresh fruits or veggies like blueberries, carrots, or cucumber slices.
4. Don’t forget the dip! A dollop of peanut butter or another pup-safe lickable works well.
5. Arrange items in fun shapes, like hearts or paw prints, for barkuterie worthy of Instagram.
6. Supervise your dog while they enjoy their board, especially if you’re introducing new foods.

5. Write Your Dog a Love Letter

Valentine’s Day is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on how much your dog means to you. Put it in writing, whether it’s a heartfelt letter, silly sonnet, or simple list of reasons you love your pup.

Writing can be a creative way to celebrate your bond and appreciate the joy your pet brings to your life. Style it like a classic love note and share it on social media. Ask friends and connections to do the same for their pets to start a fun trend.

6. Host a Valentine’s Day Pup Party

If your dog loves playdates, consider planning a small Valentine’s Day gathering with fellow pet parents. It’s a great way for dogs to socialize and for humans to connect over shared puppy love.

To throw a pup-friendly party:

1. Choose a safe, enclosed space like a backyard or dog-friendly park.
2. Invite a few dogs your pup already knows and gets along with.
3. Set up treat stations or a DIY barkuterie bar.
4. Offer toys for group play, like tug ropes or fetch balls.
5. Snap a few group photos to share after the fun winds down.

7. Invest in a Subscription That Shows Love for Your Pup Year-Round

Valentine’s Day is all about showing love, and one of the best ways to do that is by supporting your dog’s enrichment beyond a single holiday. A subscription box tailored to your pup’s needs is a great way to bring ongoing excitement to their routine.

Subscription boxes from BULLYMAKE are designed specifically for power chewers, delivering durable toys and high-quality treats each month. BULLYMAKE gathers information, like your dog’s age and size, to customize the toys and treats included in each box. You can also tailor the subscription to fit your budget, option for boxes every 1, 2, or 3 months for as long as you like.

If you place your order before January 29th, you can get a themed monthly box for Valentine’s day from vendors like BULLYMAKE. Sign up for a recurring subscription for fun new themes every month. The Valentine’s Day gift that keeps on giving

Similar services from brands like BarkBox also let you personalize deliveries based on your dog’s playstyle.

Originally published at https://www.sfexaminer.com on January 26, 2026.