A very Happy Birthday to our Grounds & Hounds cofounder, Molly! Our favorite Dalmatian is turning 8 today, and of course we had to throw her a party. She deserves it, of course!

A dog party is fun for humans and pups alike, and preparation is definitely key. Here are 5 tips to organize the best Dog Party of the season.

1. Let them eat cake! 

Wow your furry guests with a cake made especially for them. Local pet supply stores often make dog-friendly offerings, and there are bakeries dedicated exclusively to this craft. Homemade treats are also a great move, and we love recipes that feature ingredients we probably have on hand (peanut butter and oats)! Pick up or prepare a treat for the birthday boy or girl, and prepare to witness a hilarious sugar rush.

2. Stay cool. 

Combining a big group of furry friends and their owners is really fun, but also extremely energizing. Make sure to set up a separate room or area for dogs to cool down, settle down, and maybe even take a quick nap. When the events are in full swing, this little retreat will provide a nice break from the rush of the party. Added bonus: this little dog sanctuary can even help to keep pup behavior top notch (post-sugar meltdowns can be real).

3. Stage a photo booth. 

Birthday parties are the perfect backdrop for memories. Grab a few props, create a fun background, and charge up your cameras. Sunglasses, tutus, and matching bandanas work like a charm. Cuteness overload.

4. Snacks for everyone (people, too!)

While the humans might not get a slice of the dog friendly cake, they’ll get hungry watching all the fun. Set out a plate of shareable snacks (think carrots or apples with peanut butter) and keep yourself and your pup well-fed and happy all party long.

5. Puppy party favors. 

This one really goes that extra mile. One of the best parts of a party is always the little goodie bag that you leave with, right? So, create a parting gift for your furry guests. Treats and squeaky toys are crowd pleasers.The party will be the talk of the dog park!