Valentine’s Day is a great time to shower our four-legged friends with some extra love. After all, for many of us our dogs are both our "plus-one" on social occasions and our fur kids.

If you’re feeling like spoiling your dogs this February (and they always deserve it!), here some fun gift ideas that are sure to impress your pooch.

Swanky Paws has designed an entire Valentine’s Day Collection made just for the doggies because after all we love them as much as we love each other. 

Dress up your pooch choosing from 2 bandana designs, a beautiful dog dress and 2 types of bows (regular and sailor bow) both in a romantic velvety red!

The dog bandanas feature either "Happy Valentines Day" or "Be Mine" whilst the dog dress is covered in love hearts with motifs inside and a frilly red confetti flair.

RRP: $14-$18 (dog bandanas); $14-$16 (bowties); from $89 (dress) at swankypaws.com.au 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this could be the time to spoil the pooch you love with a gorgeous handmade collar.

This Ruby Collar by The Foggy Dog is sure to turn heads at the doggy park, boasting luxe gold hardware, a strong nylon core as well as a durable fabric in a rich, vibrant red colour.

The super strong nylon webbing interior can withstand thousands of pounds of pull. Plus fabric collars are so easy to clean, even for the most adventurous dogs. Complete this look with a stunning matching Ruby Marine Rope Lead.

RRP: $45 (Ruby Collar); $79 (Rope Leash) from www.topdogboutique.com.au

For us humans, Valentine’s Day is all about getting dressed up and going out. Why should your dog be any different?

Habitat’s own su-paw model, Saiph,
is wearing an extra large. 

The team at Habitat Pet Supplies are obsessed with PUPSTYLE – a Melbourne label who make distinctive designer dog harnesses, bandanas, leads, collars and more. 

If you’re looking to treat your best buddy to something special this Valentine’s Day, Habitat recommend the Fresh Blooms Harness. 

Made from lightweight polyester and decorated with a bloomin’ lovely pattern of lush pink roses, it is available in five sizes. There’s also a whole range of matching accessories to choose from! 

RRP: $30.99- $40.99 from www.habitatpets.com.au

Celebrate your dog this Valentine’s Day with a timeless favourite, a dog leash. Wolf & I Co.’s range of climbing rope dog leashes are built to last with strong climbing rope, and secure locking carabiners.

The Bubblegum bright pink and violet, four-feet climbing rope dog leash is a lightweight, weatherproof leash that is pretty, yet practical for everyday use.

After a classic red look? Montezuma may be more your dog’s style with deep red and navy blue weave. Mix and match your leash to a harness or collar and show your dog that you took the time to sniff out the best Valentine’s Day gift!

RRP: $46.95 from wolfandico.com.au

 

Brisbane-based Pablo & Co. has designed a fun, colourful V-Day collection. The classic square dog bandanas are made from 100% cotton with their signature leather logo patch.

For our shorter-legged friends, these can easily be folded to the desired length. Available in Small, Medium & Large.

Scrunchies are back in fashion so now you can show your love by matching your accessories to your dog’s!

RRP: from $21.95 at pabloandco.net

There is no better way to your dog's heart than with a healthy treat!

Freshly made when you order, these delicious Honey & Vanilla homemade dog biscuits from Golden BARKery come in 24 gorgeous Valentine's Day shapes to get every dog's heart racing.

Decorated with dog-friendly icing, these dog treats are beautifully presented in a gift box.

Each Valentine's Day Dog Treats Box is clearly marked with a "best before" date on the packaging, which is usually about 12 weeks from the delivery.

RRP: $35.00 (orders start from Jan 25) at goldenbarkery.com.au

Move over cupid, the love doctor is here!

This I ❤︎ You Love Pack is just what you need to cure those single blues or even to show your love. Just one chew on this secret FuzzYard love brew will have your dog turning heads and breaking hearts wherever they go! 

The rose? Just like The Bachelor, be sure to give it to your chosen love.

Both the Rose (23cm x 8cm) and the Love Potion (18cm x 12cm) dog toys are 100% polyester with an internal squeaker.

RRP: $17.95 at fuzzyard.com 

Love is in the air with these Fuzzy Dog Toys tug toys now available in three beautiful new Valentine's Day inspired colour combinations!

Made from premium polar fleece, these toys are hand braided with love. They’re strong yet gentle on your dogs’ teeth and fun for dogs of all ages.

There is the Rose Red Tuggy in beautiful maroon, red, light green and white for the romantic pups or the Violet Blue Tuggy in pastel blue and purple for the shrinking violet.

Last but certainly not least the classic Love Hearts Tuggy because nothing says Valentine's Day like a sprinkle of pink and red.

Tug toys are great fun all year round but they’re fantastic for inside play on hot summer days.

RRP: $8.00-$32.00 at fuzzydogtugtoys.com.au

At the end of a long day, our four-legged friends love to rest their weary bones. Now you can give your precious pooch the soothing and relaxing massage they deserve. 

The Petssager is an innovative multi-function, Pet Grooming & Massage Brush that is rechargeable and 
waterproof.

Pet massage might sound like a luxury reserved for pampered pooches, however there are many health benefits too! Massage stimulates the body’s nerves, muscles, circulatory system and lymphatic system. It enhances range of motion, increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells and helps relieve muscle pain.

The Petssager is also a great grooming brush that will shed, shampoo, slick, shine and massage all areas of the body. Available in Pink, Blue & Black.

RRP: $75.00 from www.petssager.co

These unique Valentine’s Day Dog Greeting Cards are designed by Creative Wright. 

Choose from a wide range of dog breeds, all printed on beautiful satin finish card (A6, 300gsm). They’re blank inside so you can write your own special message! 

They also offer pet themed stationery and gift items, all designed and handmade in Western Australia.

RRP: $4.00 (each) at creativewright.com.au 

Do you take your fur baby everywhere but won’t compromise on style?

The Lola Dog Carrier Purse by St Argo offers finishes that balance your style with your pup’s comfort. 

This designer dog carrier bag features a super plush, faux-fur cushion insert and an extra-padded chin rest so that your doggy can rest their head and be completely relaxed in their carrier. 

The stunning pale pink exterior is perfectly offset with a creamy off-white interior and is finished with shiny rose gold hardware and a customisable drop tag because they know your dog is unique.

Suitable for dog breeds up to 6kg, such as: Chihuahua, Toy Breeds, Pomeranians, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier etc.

RRP: $219.00 at st-argo.com

Crazy about your dog's breed? With one of these Dog Pendants or Earrings from Doggytopia you can show off your all-time favourite dog to the world!

There are dozens of popular dog breeds to choose from and you can also select from a gold or silver-plated (zinc alloy) look.

These dog pendants are super light (only 9 grams) with a necklace length of 45-50cm. Matching drop earrings are available to complete the look.

RRP: $12.95 (pendants/earrings) from www.doggytopia.com.au

Receiving a custom illustrated artwork of your best friend is a unique Valentine's Gift present.

We all have thousands of photos of our furbabies in the cloud, but keeping that special one on your wall or desk as a high-quality custom artwork would be far more enjoyable!

The small team of artists at Pawprints will design and frame your very own artwork (from photo), which is usually delivered within two weeks Australia wide!

Please note that your purchase also contributes to national animal charity programs supporting animals in need.

RRP: from $149 (includes framing + shipping) at www.pawprintsby.com

This relaxing adult colouring book with intricate designs and adorable dogs is the perfect gift for a dog lover or why not treat yourself?

Are you looking for a colouring book to help you relieve anxiety and practice meditative mindfulness? Want to uncover detailed patterns which provide hours and hours of enjoyment? 

Discover 25 stunning zen dog designs, featuring favourite breeds including Corgis, Bulldogs, Poodles, Pugs and more. Every illustration is carefully crafted with geometric designs and beautiful patterns, offering hours of enjoyment as you breathe life and colour into these images.

Suitable for markers, gel pens, coloured pencils, fine-liners, and watercolours. This colouring book will help you relax whilst harnessing your inner creativity. 

RRP: $17.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

Paws what you’re doing and fetch your best fur-friend immediately! The Social Dog Company has teamed up with QT Canberra to present BarkFest, a uniquely fun and fundraising dog day that will get tails wagging. 

Coming up on Sunday 23th February from 3 pm until 7 pm in the QT Canberra’s back car park and deck area is officially the biggest event in your dog’s social calendar this year.

BarkFest invites dogs and guests to sit, stay and play while enjoying the finest food and beverages alongside live entertainment and four-legged activities. 

The afternoon’s antics will feature a pupparazzi red carpet with the first 40 arrivals receiving doggie bags, dog stalls including local rescue organisations and dog adoptions, and of course a best-dressed parade with prizes. 

The show-stopping activities don’t finish there, as we’re inviting all of Canberra’s competitive pooches to partake in our Pawlympics tournament which will be judged on best sporting swag and personality, by Channel Nine's Paw Star celebrity @sherlock.loves.donuts, and Celebrity trainer Jenna Louise. 

Taking centre stage on the day, and specially designed to turn heads and ruffle feathers, will be our Drags to the Rescue show. This segment will involve a captivating line of Drag Queens and canines, showcasing glitz, glamour and gorgeous rescue dogs in need of new homes. An adoption wall will also be on display for prospective dog lovers offering a forever home.

Tatum Brown, Founder & Events Director of The Social Dog Company said, “Through our creative events and community involvement we are dedicated to raising valuable funds and awareness for our local shelters, rescues and rehoming organisations. 

Being operated by volunteers, rescues often lack resources, not to mention time is never on their or the dog’s side. Therefore, it’s extremely important to reach out to the community on a larger scale while celebrating the companionship dogs bring us all”. 

Don’t worry, treats and eats are not forgotten. Peckish pups can peruse the Doggie Diner offering a menu of fancy nibbles with all proceeds attributed towards local dog rescues, Greyhound Connections and ARF (ACT Rescue & Foster). Meanwhile, humans and dog owners may enjoy the delights of QT’s Capitol Bar and Grill with special street food additions.

Guests can sit back and relax with a fine selection of beers and wines or take advantage of the dog-themed cocktails and bites. Ideally, using one hand for pawsecco and one hand for patting pooches. 

There’s no need to chase tails with further entertainment found among BarkFest’s doggie stalls. Pooch products and complimentary doggie dying and styling will be on offer from businesses such as BarkRoyal Dog Day Spa & Day Care. 

We will also have dog rescues and volunteers from charities such as Greyhound Connections and ARF on-site to shake paws and talk all things dog adoption and fostering. 

Barkfest will be Canberra’s first social dog event of its kind to be hosted in central Canberra by QT Hotels and The Social Dog Company.

As demand for dog-friendly spaces continue to grow along with dog ownership continuing to rise, QT Canberra is thrilled to support the local community with a dog-loving social environment in the nation’s capital.

BarkFest will be an on-leash event with free entry for humans and dogs alike. 

When: Saturday 23rd February 2020, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Where: QT Canberra (back car park & deck), 1 London Circuit, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2601.

For the latest updates, follow this Event's page.

About The Social Dog Company

The Social Dog Company is an innovative and engaging dog-oriented event service supporting nationwide rescue & foster groups in their mission to save, rehome and care for stray & surrendered dogs.

About QT Hotels & Resorts

QT Hotels & Resorts is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most loved and dynamic hotel brands, the family of properties includes QT Sydney, QT Melbourne, QT Gold Coast, QT Perth, QT Falls Creek, QT Canberra, QT Bondi, QT Wellington, and QT Queenstown, with QT Auckland and QT Newcastle scheduled to open in 2020, followed by QT Parramatta and QT Adelaide in 2021. 

For more information, visit www.qthotelsandresorts.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 20th January 2020

We all have our own unique way of celebrating Australia Day with our dogs. Decking the house in green and gold, flying the national flag, throwing a barbie for friends, relaxing at the beach or a local park, attending local events ... No doubt you will have your own tradition!

Our pack is an integral part of the family so regardless of the weather, they will be included in all the festivities. We hope some of these suggestions will help keep your dogs safe and entertained this Australia Day. 

If you're planning to dress up from head to toe in blue-red-white or green & gold on Australia Day, your pets can now find a swanky matching outfit!

Sydney-based Swanky Paws has designed a special Australia Day Collection this year with options including dog bandanas, bow ties, a singlet and even a customisable dress for the fanciest pooches!

Choose from 3 different Aussie designs for the dog bandanas, all reversible and featuring the flag. The Australian flag bow ties come in 2 styles: Regular and Sailor Bow Tie.

The unisex singlet is a comfortable open sleeve design with a Velcro fitting at the front showing off the Australian colours in style. Lastly, the dress is the pride and joy of this collection showing off Australia Day in true fashion. The customisable back is where you can add your favourite Aussie saying or your pup's name!

RRP: Sailor Bow from $16; Dog Bandana from $14.00; Singlet from $70; Dress from $89 at swankypaws.com.au/collections/australia-day-dog-accessories/

Please note that Swanky Paws has also designed a dog bandana where 100% of profits will be donated to support our firies and koala-themed bowties with 100% of profits supporting our wildlife affected by the recent bushfires.

The Wallaby-themed Rugby jumper by More Than Paws is a very versatile option which can also be worn to support our team for any international game!

The Purebred Aussie shirt by More than Paws comes in seven sizes to suit all sizes from puppies / toy breeds up to German Shepherds / Labradors.

RRP: from $26.95 at www.morethanpaws.com.au

Whilst many of our canine friends don't mind getting dressed up, others don’t like it and can get distressed so take your cues from your dog's body language...

Some Safety Precautions:

• Small pieces of costumes and items of clothing including buttons, plastic and zips are all choking hazards.
• Australian flags around the neck must be loose so that they don’t restrict your dog's breathing.
• Avoid using face paints or glitter on your dog's face: they could cause irritation if they come into contact with their eyes/skin or an upset stomach if swallowed.

Australia is known for its great barbecue culture and it is a great way to spend a relaxing time with family and friends. Our dogs will be right there with us amongst the action! 

This has nothing to do with all these delicious smells coming from the BBQ… Those aromas will get them drooling and overwhelm them so much, that they totally forget about safety  - a bit like us, really! 

• BBQ food often has a lot of seasonings including garlic, salt and onion, which are all toxic to dogs. Keep people food and drinks out of reach at all times and tell your guests not to feed your pets! 

Read our article for a comprehensive list of foods toxic to dogs.

• With visitors coming and going, it’s a good idea to supervise your dogs and check regularly on them. Be sure that all gates and doors are closed securely when someone is entering and leaving.
• Do not leave dogs alone with potential hazards. The smells of your hot BBQ plate, juicy kebabs and plastic plates may be tempting enough to warrant a good sniff and some licks but they are also a potential danger!

Vegemite sangas, juicy snags, lamingtons and pavlovas may be your foods of choice on Australia Day but none of these should ever pass your dogs' lips! The salt and sugar content in these foods will not sit well in their stomachs and ingredients like onions and chocolate can be deadly.

Why not offer your canine friends their own themed dog treats, cakes and drinks to enjoy? 

A natural healthy choice could be these Laila and Me Raw Roo Treats, one of the varieties added to their new freeze-dried range.

These treats (suitable for both dogs and cats) are Australian-made, single ingredient protein, grain-free and only use human-grade export-grade quality meat.

Kangaroo is a premium Australian game meat which is both hypoallergenic and low in fat.

RRP: $16.99 at lailaandme.com.au

These Sausage Sizzle Aussie Chompers are a much healthier option than sharing your own sausages with your dog(s) so try to ignore their pleas! 

These limited edition dog treats by Brisbane-based Jojo & Lola's Gourmet Chompers contain 100% human grade beef mince, sausages and "no added sugar" BBQ sauce.

RRP: $7.00 (pack of 5) at
www.jojoandlolasjerkychompers.com.au

If your dogs (and cats) love their treats, here's another great option for you from Sydney-based FurFresh!

These delicious Barkaroo healthy treats are made with 100% human grade sustainable Kangaroo Fillets.

The kangaroo fillets are thinly sliced and sprinkled with organic parsley. They are then slowly air-dried to retain optimal nutrients and flavour.

These are best stored in the fridge or freezer as they’re preservative and additive free!

RRP: from $12.00 (75g) at furfresh.com.au

These 100% Australian Organic Lamb Liver Bites from Promise Pet Treats are sourced from the Riverina, prime lamb country of NSW. 

Organic and grain-free, these are healthy and tasty rewards for dogs of all sizes. 

These handcrafted artisan pet treats are high in protein, iron and fibre and 100% made in Australia.

"Serve lamb on Australia Day, you know it makes sense!"

RRP: $14.95 at promisepettreats.com.au

Your dogs can celebrate Australia Day right with these limited edition dog treats by Huds & Toke.

You can choose from their Aussie Large Dog Bone Cookie or Aussie Doggie Mix Cookies (pack of 4).

These treats are low in fat, have no added sugar and are guaranteed to have a no melt frosting. 

All of Huds & Toke baked products are handmade in Australia and designed specifically for animals.

RRP: $8.99 at www.thevetshed.com.au 

Dogs love the all-natural beef flavours of this Paw Blonde Doggie Beer by L’Barkery with the addition of Glucosamine for healthy joints. 

It comes in a powdered form so all you need to do is add 250 - 300 ml of lukewarm water, shake well and serve!

Conner loves his dog beer chilled to watch the Australian Open tennis final but you could also serve it frozen as an icy treat on hot days or sprinkled on top of food.

RRP: $5.95 (single serve) from www.doggytopia.com.au

Planning to spend a relaxing Australia Day at the beach or at home splashing by the pool? 

Our furkids are just like toddlers and must be supervised at all times when they are around water. Some dogs may be natural born swimmers whereas others are not!

Keep an eye on your dogs the whole time, especially if they are getting old, are weak swimmers or suffer from a particular health condition. To keep these dogs safe whilst boating or by the pool, consider using a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buying a pool ramp.

Dogs may also try to drink pool water, which could contain salt or chlorine, so ensure that they always have access to a constant supply of fresh drinking water (both indoors / outdoors) especially on very hot days to avoid possible heat stress.

There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches and parks that allow you to bring your dog but don't forget to provide him with a safe spot to rest and bring some toys for their entertainment.

The ROGZ Flying Object is one of the best dog frisbees out there with unrivalled design features. 

The RFO floats which is perfect for a game of aqua fetch, provided your furry pal knows how to swim. 

Revolutionary space holes ensure that the RFO flies in a steady flight path, the envy of any airline pilot! It's also easy to pick up. 
Even older dogs will get lucky as the bath sponge / bubble gum material makes it perfectly comfortable for mouth-catching without knocking out your canine's canines.

RRP: $21.99 from www.petstock.com.au

When out and about, always ensure your dog is wearing a Pet ID Tag with his name and your mobile number. Is it time for a new tag?

Red Dingo pet tags are the highest quality tags available on the market. Constructed of solid stainless steel, with a durable enamel design, these tags will never rust or corrode.

All Red Dingo tags have a Lifetime Guarantee and are supplied with a strong, rustproof stainless steel Split Ring for attaching to your pet's collar. Your text (max.  3 lines) is engraved in upper case only.

This Australian Flag Pet Tag is available in 3 sizes: 20mm, 30mm and 38mm.

RRP: from $17.50 at www.pawz.com.au

Give your best mate the comfort they deserve with the Adventure Kings Folding Pet Bed!

This tough, steel-framed dog bed is hard-wearing and easy to clean. It comes in its own carry bag for easy transport, and packs up to roughly the same size as a sleeping bag.

This pet bed is weight rated to 50kg as the six-leg design makes it sturdy even for large breeds. Being lower to the ground than many other camping dog beds, this makes it easier for older dogs to use.

RRP: $39.95 from www.4wdsupacentre.com.au

Keep your dog occupied with a new cuddly companion like this cute Tasmanian Devil plush toy with squeaker.

PETstock Assist has released a range of endangered species plush toys (8 in total) featuring animals that are at risk of extinction like the Tasmanian Devil - which is being wiped out by a rare cancer called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

100% of the profits go towards supporting PETstock Assist projects that help pets and families in need.

RRP: $14.99 from www.petstock.com.au

Kezza the Kangaroo by Outback Tails is a tough little Aussie marsupial, which has been stuffed with a recycled water bottle for fun, crunchy sounds then wrapped with natural wool. 

Other toys include Shazza the Great White Shark, Kevin the Koala, Steve the Crocodile and Wazza the Wombat.

A great non-toxic, strong and eco-friendly chew toy for your best friend to enjoy. Made from seven layers of strong, sustainable jute fibre with a built-in squeaker, this unique range of little Australian fellas has been designed with love for your dog to play with.

RRP: $17.95 - $19.95 from outbacktails.com

It will be a busy day just about anywhere so there are a few precautions to take:

✔️ Make sure you take enough poo bags for the whole day. Not only is it horrible for other people and gives all of us dog owners a bad reputation, but leaving behind piles on the beach can get you an on-the-spot fine.
✔️ You may dutifully slip, slap and slop when you're out in the sun. But what about your dog’s skin? Apply dog sunscreen (especially to dogs with pale skin) to ensure it isn’t damaged by the sun’s UV rays.
✔️ Take plenty of drinking water along for your pooches. 

If you don’t supply them with fresh water, some dogs will try and drink from stagnant puddles or the ocean, which is very unhealthy for them! 

You'll find lots of suggestions in our Top 17 Dog Cooling Products for Summer 2020.

Plenty of fireworks will go off around Australia that night and whilst enjoyable for some of us, they can be very stressful and frightening for our dogs.

Many dogs suffer from noise phobia: they will react exactly the same way when confronted with thunderstorms so much of the same advice applies.

1. Ensure your dog's identification is up-to-date in case they escape from your home in fright.
2. Try and take them for some vigorous exercise earlier in the day! Go for a long walk or a game of fetch or chase at your local offleash park. After a good romp in the park, they are more likely to react calmly during the fireworks...
3. Keep your dogs safe indoors with access to fresh water and why not keep the radio or TV on to drown out all the loud noises?

Our pack wishes you all a safe and happy Australia Day 2020!