7 Ways to Include Your Dog In Pride Month 2021 Celebrations

Planning a blowout bash for Pride? Putting together the perfect 'fit to flaunt at your local parade? There's no reason why your fur-baby can't join in the festivities! Pets are "pawpular" at Pride events all over the world. Some festivals even cater to the canines with costume contests and fashion shows.

Without further ado, let's dig in to 7 Pride celebrations your dog can enjoy right by your side!

Most DIY dog treats are super simple and quick to make using a handful of ingredients. Add a pop of color with FDA-approved or natural food coloring, and you're all set! We've sniffed out 20+ dog treat recipes that are sure to leave Baxter begging for more:

• 9 easy and healthy dog cookie recipes

• 11 yummy peanut butter dog treat recipes

• Hypoallergenic dog treat ideas for pups with sensitive tummies

Don't consider yourself a baker? Support your local bakery and order a batch of tasty treats. Or, search boutique sites like Etsy for Pride-themed goodies for dogs.

From fabulous feather boas to extravagant costumes, Pride participants go all out — pun intended! Let your four-legged fashionista join in with their own gear. You'll find all manner of dog accessories for Pride Month online, including rainbow leashes, bow ties, and bandanas.

Now that your doggo's got some new digs, it's time to show 'em off! Keep your shoot simple and head out to the backyard with your smartphone and some colorful props. Or, pull out all the stops with a professional photographer and production venue.

Why not take things up a notch and turn your shoot into a photo contest? If you're hosting the shoot yourself, invite your dog-loving pals over and start snapping. Post your photos on Instagram and ask your followers to vote on which one they like best. Don't "furget" to choose a fun prize for the winner!

This one might seem like a no-brainer. But you don't need us to tell you that Pride parades are busy environments with tons of stimuli, like loud noises and vibrant colors. While you'll undoubtedly revel in the fun, Fifi might not be so keen. Before you set out, make sure your mutt knows how to stay calm in crowds and mind their leash manners.

You should also think twice about dressing up your dog, especially if they've never worn clothes before. Putting your pooch in a rainbow tutu sounds like a great idea on paper. In practice, however, it might prove tricky or downright impossible. Introduce the clothes well before the event so your pup has a chance to get used to them. Watch your dog's body language for any "tell-tail" signs of stress. Check out guide on dressing up your dog for more tips.

If Pride parades aren't your scene or you'd prefer to have a smaller soirée at home, why not host your own Pride party? The beauty of planning your own bash is that you control everything, from the decorations and the invitations to the guest list and the drinks menu. The "pawssibilities" for a Pride-themed party are endless:

• Challenge your friends to a bake-off or a cooking competition (extra brownie points for rainbow-colored foods)

• Make rainbow slushies (with or without alcohol)

• Give your guests Pride-themed party favors (buttons and stickers are a couple of cute ideas)

• Play an LGBTQ+ trivia game (test your knowledge with this quiz)

• Host a paint-and-pour party (complete with painting supplies and your favorite adult beverages)

Be sure to include some fun activities for the four-legged partygoers too! Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

• Set up a kiddie pool for the pups

• Have your own mini Pride parade with a group walk

• Make "pupsicles" to keep your canines cool

• Treat your dogs to some rainbow-colored puzzle toys

• Host a competition to see whose woofer knows the best party trick

No one ever said you had to be a designer to host your own fashion show (or that your models couldn't be canines!). If you're willing to do a little legwork and your dog is comfortable wearing clothes and accessories, you're halfway to hosting your own show. Here's a step-by-step guide on planning a pup-friendly Pride showcase:

• Invite other well-behaved dogs and their parents to participate. Spread the word at your local dog park, dog daycare, or training facility.

• Rent a dog-friendly fashion show venue. Or set up a "dogwalk" in your backyard or living room.

• Create a schedule and set some ground rules. Make sure your participants know the order of events, as well as where to take their doggy divas for potty breaks.

• Contact local veterinarians, animal shelters, and photographers. Ask if they'd be willing to sponsor or spread the word about your show.

• Consider charging an entry fee. Donate the proceeds to a local LGBTQ+ rights charity or animal shelter.

• Choose some Pride-themed pieces for your pups to wear. These don't have to be extravagant — something as simple as a rainbow bandana will do.

• Select your judges. We're sure all your friends and family will be begging for a spot on the panel!

• Provide refreshments for both two- and four-legged attendees. Finger foods are fine for the humans, while your "models" should have access to drinking water and food if needed.

• Spread the word. Create a Facebook event and share away!

For an extra special touch, give your guests Pride-themed "swag bags" with small gifts for their dogs.

If you want to keep things low-key, cuddle up with your pup for a much-needed TV binge. Need some inspo? We've got you covered with 10 inclusive shows and flicks featuring LGBTQ+ performers, characters, and activists:

• Parks & Rec (starring Aubrey Plaza, Natalie Morales, and Billy Eichner)

• Mythic Quest (features a super cute, slow-burn lesbian romance)

• Maleficent (starring Angelina Jolie)

• Black Lightning (features the first LGBTQ+ superhero of color in TV history)

• Hidden Figures (starring Janelle Monáe)

• American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace (explores the death of the prolific fashion designer)

• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (explores the legacy of the Black trans woman who started the Stonewall riots)

• BoJack Horseman (features 2 asexual characters, Todd Chavez and Yolanda Buenaventura)

• Dancing Queen (explores the life of RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Justin Johnson, aka Alyssa Edwards)

• Eastsiders (starring Willam Belli, the first drag queen to ever be nominated for an Emmy in acting)

What are you waiting for? Now all that's left to do is share this article with your friends, pick your "pawfect" Pride event, and start celebrating! 🏳️‍🌈