Party With Your Dog for Pi Day

Every year on March 14, math enthusiasts and pie lovers unite in celebration of the mathematical constant pi. There are a lot of fun ways that people celebrate, and if you are a dog owner as well as a pi lover, you can bring your own special twist to the party.

Prepare Pi-Themed Foods for Dogs and Humans

One of the most common ways people enjoy this 3.14-themed celebration is with foods that represent pi. Naturally, there are actual pies and pizza pies, but most circular foods naturally represent the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Before you slice into your piece of apple pie, however; make up a pi pie for your furry companion.

• Puppy Pie Recipe

Mix together the traditional flour, water, and butter for a crust, then add one or two of your dog's favorites: egg, grated cheese, a bit of peanut butter, or some minced vegetables and meat. With everything cut together, roll it out just like any other pie crust and roll it into a baking pan. For a dog-sized pie, make your pies in muffin cups or plan to serve one slice at a time just as you will for your other party guests. Bake the crust at a standard 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

When it comes to the filling, there are plenty of choices, and you can be led by your dog's favorites. Just remember to avoid foods that aren't good for dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, cooked bones, onions, and raw fish. There are plenty of great options that man's best friend loves to eat and that are safe for dogs to enjoy:

• Peanut butter without xylitol

• Chicken without bones

• Fruits including apples, blueberries, coconut, strawberries, and raspberries

• Vegetables including carrots, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin

• Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items unless your dog is lactose intolerant

• Eggs, cooked or raw

• Oatmeal

When it comes to topping the pie, avoid standard whipped cream and whip up some sugar-free coconut cream.

If you don't have the time or inclination to bake up a couple of pies, remember you can easily use any circular foods for your celebration. There are plenty of dog treats in the appropriate shape; just limit his consumption by recommended amounts.

Pull Out Your Pi- or Pie-Themed Clothing

If you're already a pi enthusiast, you probably have a few shirts in your closet for this event. Of course, there are many accessories to enjoy as well, including jewelry, socks, and temporary tattoos. You may not be aware that there are pie-themed shirts and accessories for your dog that are appropriate for this pastry-filled mathematical holiday.

Party With Pi-Themed Dishes and Décor

When you take your pi-labeled mug out of the cupboard, your thoughts may turn to your canine companion's dishes. It's natural to want to include him or her in all of your celebrations, and it is possible. Of course, if you plan ahead, you can personalize your dog's dishes or food mats. You could also get a set of plain ceramic dishes or a plain mat and hand-stencil some pi symbols around the circumference of each one.

Play Pi-Themed Games

If you're celebrating with human friends, you may break out your pi facts and quiz each other. Did you know that Pi Day is also Albert Einstein's birthday? The first Pi Day celebration, held in San Francisco in 1988, began right at 1:59 pm with a circular parade. Twenty-one years later, Pi Day became official with its own U.S. national holiday. You could also hold a contest to see which of your friends can recite the most digits in pi.

Make the day special for your dog as well. You can recite the digits in pi while running your dog in a large circle or let your dog determine the route you take while you walk off the pies you ate during your celebration. Every time your dog stops to sniff the flowers consider the importance of mathematical principles and all the amazing advancements available because of them. Of course, playing fetch with a disc or a ball are activities that naturally related to pi. Blowing bubbles for your pup is another pi-related activity. Some special treats for your dog that aren't necessarily related to Pi Day include hiking, walking at the beach, and visiting a dog park.

Plot Points Around the Clock

At 1:59 on Pi Day, you add three more digits to the number: 3.14159. During the middle of the day, you and your dog may celebrate by taking a short nap together. Of course, you can also break the down into half pi and so on. How many ways can you think up to use pi to break the day into sections?

Photograph Your Special Day

Finally, snap a few pictures of the celebration with friends, family, and your dog. Post your photos on your favorite social media sites and keep this popular holiday tradition alive.

What other ways have you shared this special day with your four-footed companion? Have you whipped together some great recipes or come up with extra-special games for your dog? Do you have fun costumes and decorations that are suited to your dog? Remember to avoid anything that may be dangerous to your dog, such as dangling decoration and certain foods. Even if you don't plan any get-togethers with your friends, spending time with your dog is a great way to build lasting memories and a relationship that is hard to equal.