Did you know that August 26 is National Dog Day? We truly love dog-centric holidays, but we know our pet-loving community celebrates their dogs each and every day, right? We have come up with 7 ways to celebrate National Dog Day and these tips are useful throughout the year!
As pet parents we have taken on the responsibility for another living being — that’s huge! It’s also easy to love and care for your dog (and cat, fish, ferret, bird, pot-belly pig… you get the picture!) because they give us unconditional love. Our dogs don’t care if we have sleeping bag head (for those campers out there) or if we’re in a bad mood… they love us all ways and always!
7 Ways To Celebrate National Dog Day
We’d love to know how you’re celebrating National Dog Day; leave us a comment below!
Adopt a puppy or dog from a shelter. What an amazing way to celebrate National Dog Day than by giving a puppy or dog a forever home. If you can’t adopt, why not foster? If you can’t do either, but you love dogs, volunteer at a local shelter. Shelters are always looking for people to walk the dogs, to give them some attention and to show the dogs and puppies who are waiting for forever homes that they are loved.
Buy your pup a new travel or walking accessory. When you take your dog for a walk, you should always have waste bags handy to clean up after him. Your dog will also appreciate being able to have a drink of cool water on a hot day. Don’t forget to dress your pup up with a new collar or leash. To keep your dog safe, make sure he is wearing an identification tag; this will help you be reunited if he gets lost. Invest in a new bed or fuzzy blanket for your pup to cuddle down in.
Treat her right! Buy or make your dog her favorite, healthy treats. There are many three-ingredient recipes that you can whip up for your dog to help her celebrate National Dog Day. Here’s an easy one: Get some plain yogurt, mix in some cut up fruits and veggies or even some of her favorite kibble. Pour the yogurt/fruit/veggie mix into ice cube trays, freeze and serve. Yummy, easy and homemade!
Take a class. If you have a puppy, sign up for a puppy training and socialization class. This type of class will help your puppy learn simple commands like: sit, stay, come and to walk on a leash. Being with other puppies also helps your puppy get socialized. If you have an older dog, sign up for a trick-training class because you can teach an “old” dog new tricks! Taking a class with your dog strengthens your bond and it’s just plain fun!
National Dog Day Celebration Tips
Throw a party! Call up your pet-loving friends and invite them and their pups to your house for a National Dog Day shindig! You can buy some party hats, pup-cakes, dog toys and even fill a plastic pool so the dogs who love water can frolic. Take photos of your guests with their dogs and just have a great time. Give your guests a doggie bag to take home! The bag can be filled with dog treats, a bandana or other small items for the dogs who attended.
Give yourself a gift. Take time today to reflect upon your relationship with your beloved dog. Buy a personalized item you can wear that features your dog, his name and/or photo. Hire a photographer to take “glamour” shots of the two of you.
Just relax. When it comes right down to it, what does your dog want from you? Love, affection and belly rubs. Your dog will be as happy at a party as he will lying on the couch with you, watching your favorite program, eating snacks and getting petted. Dogs are simple, loving creatures. If you don’t want to plan anything elaborate for National Dog Day — no worries! Give your dog what he wants every day — time with you!
What are your National Dog Day plans?
Robbi Hess, Woman In The Pet Industry Solopreneur Finalist and award-winning author, is multi-petual. When not caring for her pets or taking them on walks, she is a speaker, efficiency and effectiveness guru, content creator, social media manager and blogger. She writes at All Words Matter, My Divas Dish, and is the story editor and chief cat herder at Positively Woof/Crimeless Cat.
