Sometimes it’s too easy for Mother’s Day to sneak up on us, which is why it’s never a bad idea to start thinking about what to do for Mom in advance. We wrote this guide to help you be ready to treat her when the day comes! And if your mom is a mother to a furry friend, it can be a great idea to keep pets in mind for Mother’s Day as well. Keep reading for a few pet-friendly Mother’s Day ideas for mom and her pet or pets, including gifts and activities!
Plan a Pet-Friendly Picnic
What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a picnic? The spring weather should be in full swing by mid-May, making it the perfect time to spend an afternoon enjoying the sunshine. We’ve covered our favourite pet-friendly spots in Vancouver BC to celebrate Mother’s Day in the past, which is a great place to start looking for the perfect picnic locale.
Of course, any park where pets are allowed will fit the bill. And if you’re stuck, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying Mother’s Day from the comfort of your own backyard!
Once you’ve chosen your picnic spot, it’s time to get everything together! Get a basket, a blanket, and plenty of treats and water for both people and pups. Bring a frisbee or a ball to make sure your dog has something to do, and simply enjoy a carefree afternoon!
Pick Up Some Special Treats
If your mom loves treating her furry friends, then this is the gift idea for you. If your mom is running low on her dog’s usual favourite chews, pick up a new bag to make sure she’s stocked up. If her cat has done the typical cat thing of deciding it doesn’t like its current treats anymore, buy a variety of new treats to help her find a new favourite.
If you’re not sure which treats to try, we recommend asking your vet. They can suggest nutritious treats from reputable brands that your mom’s pets are sure to love.
Keep Pets in Mind When Buying Flowers
Bouquets and floral arrangements are common Mother’s Day gifts. But if your mom is an animal lover, make sure to keep the pets in mind when you pick up flowers! Some flowers are hazardous to pets if eaten, so it’s best to leave the following blooms and plants out of the bouquet:
- Lilies
- Cyclamen (also called Sowbread)
- Branching ivy
- Oleander
- Tulips
- Amaryllis
- Azaleas
- Daffodils
- Daisies
- Eucalyptus
- Hyacinths
- Hydrangeas
- Irises
- Morning glories
Get Gift Help from Pets
Nothing shows Mom your love quite like a handmade gift, but this year, why not give her something even more special by making it a paw-made gift, too? If your mom is an animal lover, you can make her an unforgettable gift with the help of her pets! One great way is by making paw-print crafts with her cat or dog.
First, find some non-toxic paint. Acrylic is a good choice since it’s mostly water-based and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, certain colours (mostly red, yellow, and orange tones) still use chromium, which is toxic to pets and shouldn’t be used. Check the ingredients list to make sure the paint you buy doesn’t contain chromium or other metals. Once you’ve got some paint, simply roll or brush a little onto your pet’s paw, and then stamp it onto a card!
You could also try the same idea by stamping your pet’s paw into a non-toxic clay (most craft clay is completely safe for pets to touch) and craft it into a wall hanging or a special dish.
Some pet owners even use their pet’s loose hairs to craft unique gifts, such as spinning it into little felted balls that can go on jewelry or wall hangings. Some people even go further and knit sweaters and scarves out of pet hair, which is a unique (but possibly itchy) gift—use your discretion!
The only limit to these gifts is your imagination! Finding ways to include your mom’s furry friends in these crafted presents will make them that much more special. Have a read-through of this article from the Hastings Vet blog for even more Mother’s Day gift ideas for pet lovers!
Treat Mom’s Pets for Her
Grooming is an essential part of pet care, but that doesn’t change the fact that it can be a lot of work. Let mom relax by treating her pets for her! This could be as simple as giving her dog a bath, brushing her cat’s fur, or trimming nails, but you could go even further by taking her pet to a groomer and surprising her with a clean, freshly pomped pet! This simple, thoughtful gesture is a great way to save your mom some time, money, and effort, leaving her more time to relax and celebrate herself on Mother’s Day.
Organize a Spa Day at Home
Another great way to treat mom and her pets at the same time is to organize a home spa day for everyone! Pick up some vet-recommended pet grooming and care products, as well as your mom’s favourites. Think facemasks, bath bombs, and cucumber slices for Mom, and moisture sprays and soothing shampoos for her pets. When done right, this will be a luxurious experience for everyone, and a great chance for mom to spend time with her furry friends without having to lift a finger.
Go On a Family Adventure
If your mom loves getting outside and exploring, then why not make a day of it this Mother’s Day? We suggest getting the whole family (dogs included) together for a Mother’s Day adventure. This could be anything from a big hike up a mountain to a relaxing nature walk around a lake. Make sure to prepare everything you’ll need for the trip, including snacks and water for people, plus a collapsible water bowl and plenty of treats for your pup.
Organize a Moms and Pups Night
If your mom has lots of friends with dogs of their own, it can be a fun idea to organize a little date night for everyone! Host a small party for your mom, her friends, and everyone’s dogs, complete with dinner and drinks for the humans and plenty of treats and toys for the pups. Host the party somewhere with plenty of space for two- and four-legged party guests, and be sure to clean up afterward so Mom doesn’t have to worry about a thing!
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