Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

10 reasons dogs make the perfect Valentine’s Day dates

By

Ah, Valentine’s Day. It’s a time to receive sweet cards, eat semi-sweet chocolates, and post completely nauseating but obligatory odes to your partner on social media — unless you’re single and in no mood to mingle (or, worse, celebrating Valentine’s Day on Zoom for the second-straight year). The lack of a date for V-Day can leave you with feelings that are anything but sugar and spice and everything nice.

However, dog parents don’t need to look far for the best date in town. Our pups actually make way better dates than anyone on Tinder. Here’s why we’re swiping right on dogs for Valentine’s Day.

shih tzu on a white table with valentine's day collar
Image used with permission by copyright holder

They don’t care what you’re wearing on the date

If yoga pants and hoodies have become your new wardrobe staples, rest assured, your dog is totally cool with it. There’s no need to dress to impress around your pup. They love you just the way you are. Besides, it’s far easier to play with them in stretchy pants than in a stuffy suit or dress.

Recommended Videos

They’ll stare into your eyes all night with looks of affection

You love looking into your pup’s big, brown eyes, and the feeling is mutual. When your dog stares at you, they’re often telling you how much they love you. They think you’re way more exciting than anything they’d find on that fifth limb known as your iPhone. You won’t have to worry about them doom scrolling (or Tinder trolling) mid-date.

You’re guaranteed to be showered in kisses

Your dog is so pumped you decided to stay in with them, and they’re going to say thanks by showing you extra love and affection. For many of our furry friends, this means tons of wet kisses. Sure, it’s a little gross, but they mean so well. It’s also better than a bad date’s feeble attempt at romance.

You know they won’t stand you up

Your pup is loyal and reliable. They’re there for you in good times and in bad, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. You won’t have to worry about a last-minute cancelation. They’re so ready for this date and wouldn’t miss it for the world.

You won’t be disappointed at the end of the night

You and your dog go together like peanut butter and jelly. That’s why you two matched up in the first place. You know what to expect from a night with your dog, so you’re bound to go to bed with a smile on your face (and a warm puppy at your feet).

a woman napping on the couch with her Yorkie
Image used with permission by copyright holder

They’re warmer for cuddles

Our furry friends are cozier than a luxe blanket, which is great because February is freezing in many parts of the country. They’re also more natural snugglers than most humans we know. There’s no need to worry about them pretending to yawn just so that they can wrap their arm around your shoulder.

They’ll have what you’re having

When you’re hangry and on a date, the last thing you want to deal with is someone who spends an hour poring over the entire menu. Your dog will have what you’re having. (Just make sure it doesn’t have anything toxic or interfere with your pup’s actual kibble.)

They won’t judge your movie choice

Want to sob through Titanic for the third time this week? Your dog will be there to lick away your tears. They also won’t fight you for the remote.

They already love you unconditionally

You are your dog’s world. They’ve seen you at your best and at your worst and love you no matter what. You can be yourself and know you’re more than enough when you’re with them.

Nightcap? Why, yes

Your pet doesn’t have work the next day, a game to watch, or another date go on. If you want to extend the evening a little longer, they’d be much obliged. They’re also fine to turn in early.

Valentine’s Day can leave you feeling a bit bitter if you don’t have plans. However, sometimes it’s better that way, especially if you have a pup. Spending time with your dog on Valentine’s Day is actually much more enjoyable than hanging out with another human. Your dog knows you and loves you just the way you are. They’re simply happy to be with you and that you’re home with them, so they won’t complain about the movie you choose or the outfit you wear. They’re cool to go to bed at 7:30 p.m. or extend the date as long as they’re with you.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
The best medium-sized dog breeds for your family
These dogs are the perfect size — and temperament — for families with kids
An English springer spaniel's side profile standing next to tall grass

Whether you're a veteran dog owner or are new to the canine world, it can be immensely helpful to do your research before adopting the dog of your dreams. After all, step one is to figure out what your ideal four-legged friend might be like.
Will they cuddle up with you at the end of the day, or will they sleep in a dog bed all their own? Would you like a high-energy friend or a canine buddy that can binge-watch your favorite Netflix show at all hours of the day with you? Perhaps even more importantly, what size dog can you handle in your home?
Medium-sized dogs are a perfect fit for those who may want the activity of a larger dog without the massive size. Many families prefer mid-sized canines because they're large enough to play with children without getting hurt, but they're not too large to spook or knock over a child (most of the time, anyway). There can be many reasons why a medium-sized dog breed is your perfect fit, but how do you know what breed to look into? Let us help you decide.

Medium-sized dogs for families with children

Read more
How to find the right veterinarian for your pet
Getting your pet the best medical care will improve and prolong their life
Veterinarian examining cat while little boy watches

Taking your dog or cat to the vet might cause you some anxiety, especially if you're doing so for the first time. Trust us, it makes pet ownership so much more enjoyable when you have an animal doctor that both of you like. Choosing the right veterinarian for your beloved companions may not be easy, but it's certainly worth it — you'll have a better time caring for your animals, and they will stick around longer with excellent medical attention. Here's how to choose a vet.
When should I look for a vet?

We hate to add to your checklist, but you probably want to look at vets before you even bring home a dog or cat. It can take time and lots of phone calls to different places before you figure out the right fit — meaning a practice that suits your needs and budget and has availability.

Read more
Why do dogs have whiskers? These small features play a huge role
These hairs serve a large and important purpose
A brown puppy looks up, with sunlight shining on their whiskers

If you've ever noticed those extra-long hairs on your dog's face, it's only normal to wonder what they are and what they do. Whether your buddy visits the groomer or gets their fur brushed at home, it's hard not to notice these hairs. Dogs can turn away and even paw at their face when they're touched, so they surely serve a purpose. As it turns out, they're actually dogs' whiskers! But why do dogs have whiskers?
These whiskers, or vibrissae, are important for the way dogs sense the world around them. They provide all kinds of sensory information through nerve endings under the skin, but how exactly do they work?

Do all dogs have whiskers?

Read more