Do dogs know it's their birthday?

While dogs don't understand the concept of birthdays, they absolutely pick up on the extra excitement, attention, and treats. Dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions, so when you're celebrating, they feel the joy too. A birthday celebration is a wonderful way to bond with your pup and show them extra love.

How do I find out my dog's birthday?

If you adopted your dog, check adoption papers or ask the shelter for an estimated birth date. If the exact date is unknown, many pet owners celebrate their dog's 'gotcha day' (adoption anniversary) instead. You can also ask your vet for an age estimate based on teeth and physical development to pick an approximate birthday.

MEET BUGSY: AN 8-YEAR-OLD DOBERMAN WHO ONCE TROTTED OUT OF PETCO WITH A TOY HE DIDN'T PAY FOR

August 02, 2026

Meet Bugsy, affectionately known as "Buggles," an 8-year-old Doberman with a soft spot for toys and an even bigger heart. This lover of tennis balls and one extremely loud squeaky llama has a party trick down pat: he can guess which hand is hiding a treat every single time. Bugsy is a creature of habit about his favorite spot, and if you happen to be sitting in it, he'll stare, then rest his head on you, and finally just climb up to claim it anyway. For his mom Rachael, Bugsy is a constant companion and comic relief rolled into one, greeting her with a toy in his mouth and his little nubbin wagging no matter what kind of day it's been.

QUICK FACTS

Age: 8
Breed: Doberman
Next Birthday: May 23, 2027
Nickname: Buggles
Favorite Toy: An extremely loud squeaky llama
Favorite Treat: Rotisserie chicken
Favorite Activity: Tennis balls
Special Talent: Guessing which hand is holding the treat
Instagram: @mr.siegelthedobie

GETTING TO KNOW BUGSY

What's Bugsy's favorite toy?
This extremely loud squeaky llama

What's his favorite treat?
Rotisserie chicken

What does he love to do?
Tennis balls

What's his most adorable quirk?
If you are in his spot anywhere he will stare at you, and if that takes too long he will put his head on you, and if that doesn't work he will just jump up to lay in his spot. If you're still there, oh well.

A CONVERSATION WITH BUGSY'S MOM, RACHAEL

What's your favorite memory with Bugsy?
Every year on his birthday I take him to Petco so he can pick out some new toys. One year we went and he picked out this giant expensive squeaky highland cow. He grabbed it in his mouth and as I lead him to the check out area, he made a bee line for the exit. Just trotted right out the door with this huge toy in his mouth.

Another favorite: I read somewhere that dogs enjoy looking at christmas lights and I'm not sure how true that is, but 2 years ago, I took him just me and him to a drive thru christmas light exhibit. He isn't the biggest fan of car rides but he had his head out the window and he looked like he was genuinely taking in the lights. It was a very merry Christmas experience with him that I will never forget.

What's the most important lesson Bugsy has taught you?
Unconditional love, as cliche as it sounds.

How has Bugsy helped you through challenging times?
Bugsy has been my constant companion in life. My elderly parents lived with me for a while and a few years ago my dad passed away. Bugsy was right by my side. In the couple years after, my mom was in and out of nursing homes and hospitals, but I wasn't home alone because Bugsy was with me. I always had a tv and snack buddy with me through sad and rough times.

When I don't feel well, he brings me toys. When we are having a good day, he brings me toys. And whenever I come back home from literally anything, going to work, grocery shopping, taking out the trash, he is always there to greet me with a toy in his mouth and his nubbin wagging.