How to Make a Dog Valentine’s Day Box: Fun Ideas for Your Pooch

dog valentines box pooch and mutt

If you’re looking for a way to spoil your dog this Valentine’s Day, look no further! We’ve got some great ideas on how to make a dog Valentine’s Day box that will have them wagging their tail with excitement. But before we get into the fun stuff, there are a few things you need to consider. Every dog is different, so you’ll want to tailor the contents of your box accordingly. Age, breed, health issues and whether or not your dog likes to destroy things are all important factors to take into account.

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What do you need to consider before creating a Dog Valentine’s Day box?

When setting out to make your dog Valentine’s Day box, you’ll need to take several things into account. The most important factor is your dog’s age. Puppies are going to have a different set of interests than adult dogs, so you’ll want to tailor the contents of your box accordingly. If your dog is particularly active, you might also want to include some games or toys that can keep them entertained. And of course, don’t forget the treats! If your dog has any allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to include appropriate snacks.

Age

If your dog is young, then you can get away with a lot more. They might not have health issues to take into consideration and maybe happy as a clam chewing on any treat or toy you throw at them. Don’t forget that puppies love to chew things up though, so make sure the contents of your box are puppy-safe.

If your dog is older, you’ll need to be more careful about the things you choose to include in their Valentine’s Day box. Health issues may come into play, so make sure anything edible is soft and easy to digest. You might also want to steer clear of any toys that could potentially cause your dog to choke.

Breed

Different breeds do have different traits and physical characteristics so choose items that suit your individual dog. Hunting and retrieving dogs might like dummies and lures, and lap dogs might be more content with a plushy toy and a jumper.

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doggy valentines box ideas k9 trail time
K9 Canicross starter set

Health issues

Some dog breeds have specific health issues that need to be taken into consideration. If you have a dog with hip dysplasia, for example, then it might be best not to include anything too active in their box as this could exacerbate the problem. Take any potential allergies and food sensitivities your dog might have into account too.

Destructive Dogs

Dogs that love to play nicely and will be happy as larry with anything you put in their Valentine’s Day box. But if your dog is the type to destroy everything they get their paws on, you’ll need to be a bit more careful. If your dog is a known toy-destroyer, you’ll want to stick with things like tough dog toys and chews or homemade toys made from materials that are designed for rough play. If your dog likes to destroy everything, it might be a good idea to stick with food items rather than toys at all, like natural ear chews.

Chews

Talking of chews, if your dog loves to chew on things, then why not include a few different types of chew in their Valentine’s Day box? This is a great way to keep them entertained and can also help to clean their teeth. Choose appropriate-sized natural chews for your dog and consider the age and condition of their teeth and gums. Hard chews can cause bleeding and damage if your dog has weak teeth, for example.

doggy valentines box ideas natural chews
Raw Chews from Distinctive Pets

Games

If you know your dog loves playing games, then why not include a few dog puzzles in their Valentine’s day box? You can find some great puzzle toys like our favourites from Nina Ottosson that are specifically designed for dogs and will keep them entertained for hours. Just make sure the difficulty level is appropriate for your dog’s age and abilities. 

Treats

Who can resist a delicious dog treat? Make sure the treats you include in your Valentine’s Day box are safe for dogs and preferably low in calories, so your dog doesn’t put on too many extra pounds. There are some great healthy dog treats available online like these cute love hearts from Pooch & Mutt or you could even make your own dog treats if you’re feeling adventurous. Try this recipe for peanut butter cups!

Reese’s Style Peanut Butter Cups For Dogs » Recipets
If you want to make a delicious treat for your dog, these Reese’s Style Peanut Butter Cups for dogs are the perfect choice. Your pup will love this peanut
Check out this recipe
Reese’s Style Peanut Butter Cups For Dogs » Recipets

Allergies

If your dog has any food allergies, then it’s important to take these into account when choosing the contents of their Valentine’s Day box. Make sure all edible treats are dog-safe and appropriate for your dog’s age and size. 

Toys

Dog toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained and you can find some fantastic dog toy options online. Just make sure the ones you choose are appropriate for your dog’s age, size and breed so they don’t end up with any injuries or other problems as a result of playing with their new toy.

Our Top Picks for what to put in your dog’s Valentine’s Day box

Now that you know what to consider, let’s take a look at some of the best things to put in your dog’s Valentine’s Day box which you can easily buy some great handmade items from Amazon or this is my collection of Etsy favorites for a perfect Doggy Valentine’s Day.

Dog treats

Some great options include tasty soft treats, healthy snacks or homemade dog treats. We love the range of treats from BasicBxtch! Air dried beef testicles…shoved on a stick. High in protein, low in fat, never mind the b*llocks – this naughty treat for your good dog is a cheeky little way to show them that you love ’em! Grab these treats by the balls!

doggy valentines box ideas natural lolly
Natural Lolly From BasicBxtch

Dog toys

Some great options include rubber dog toys, plush dog toys or puzzle dog toys, like these from Amazon.

Doggy Valentine Card

This is a fun way to make sure your dog feels loved this Valentine’s Day! Order one of these cute cards for your dog and add your special message.

doggy valentines box ideas cure card
Cute Card from Etsy

Dog sweater

A cute dog sweater is a perfect way to keep your pooch warm this Valentine’s Day. You can find some adorable dog sweaters online in a variety of styles and colors. This is my favourite on Etsy

doggy valentines box ideas personalised sweater
Cute personalised handmade sweater
doggy valentines box ideas personalised sweater cute
Cute personalised handmade sweater – irresistible

Cute Bandana

For the furry friend who’s the love of your life, these Valentine’s Day bandanas are the perfect way to say ‘I Woof You’. Handmade from romantic red cotton, slip-on bandanas are available with matching scrunchies for pawrents to share the love.

A step-by-step guide on how to make a dog valentine’s day box

1. Start with a big box. An old shoebox is ideal, or recycle an Amazon box that all the goodies arrived in!

2. Add some Valentine’s Day wrapping paper, tissue paper, or cut out some hearts from red paper to decorate the box and make it look pretty.  Avoid paper with glitter or plastic coverings as these are not dog-friendly.

3. Put in your dog’s favorite treats- this could be homemade biscuits and natural chews. Wrap each one loosely in paper to make the box more fun and challenging for your dog.

4. Add in your chosen dog toys – choose one that is gentle on teeth and gums for puppies and older dogs alike. Again, you can wrap these up for extra enrichment for your dog.

5. Finally, don’t forget to include a card with your message of love for them!

Wrapping up

Happy Valentine’s Day to all dog lovers out there! Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a dog that is spoilt rotten on this special day. Remember to take your dog’s individual needs into account when putting together their Valentine’s Day box, as this will make the experience much more enjoyable for them. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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Sarah-Jane White

Sarah-Jane White

I'm an experienced Animal Behaviourist, Trainer and Enrichment Expert from Ruffle Snuffle®. I'm also a published Author and award-winning business woman.

My goal is to help pet owners use enrichment for a happy and fulfilling life together. I do this by offering advice, games and DIY enrichment ideas that support the instinctual behaviours of your pets in safe, fun, and enriching ways every day. I have been quoted in the top media including: Newsweek, The Sunday Times, The Dodo and Country Living, to name a few . See more of my animal behaviour expertise and comments.