National Dog Day, coming up on the 26th of August, is a chance for dog parents to do something special for their dogs. Do you plan on joining in on the celebration? We thought we would share different ways to help celebrate National Dog Day to make it different from any other day.
Here are eight different ways to celebrate National Dog Day:
- Volunteer at a Shelter
Offer to clean the cages, walk dogs, or play with dogs at a local animal shelter. If you do not have all day to spare, consider stopping by and donating some of your dog’s old or unused toys, bedding, blankets, etc. Take it a notch higher by volunteering to help foster an incoming rescue.
If you live in the Los Angeles area you can go to L.A. Animal Services website for more information on volunteering or donating at your local shelter.
- Throw a Dog-Themed Party!
Gather your neighborhood dogs and their owners and throw a dog-themed party to celebrate. For games; set up an obstacle course. In the end, send your guests home with a goody bag of dog treats and mini toys.
- Pamper Your Dog
Spend some time giving your dog a quality spa treatment. Begin with a bath and grooming session to keep them clean, before moving on to nail clipping and teeth brushing to freshen your dog’s breath and promote good dental hygiene. Inspect their paws, ears, and gums for any signs of bruises, bites, or infection. End the session with a long back or belly scratch. They’ll thank you after!
- Go Shopping
Use the National Dog Day as an opportunity to pick up a few things your dog may need such as a new leash or bed or even a puzzle toy for entertainment.
Our favorite pet store to shop at is Rusty’s Discount Pet Center in Studio City.
- Exercise Outdoors With Your Dog
Spend the afternoon hiking, jogging or taking a long walk outdoors. Bring along a lot of water, fun toys, and doggy treats to reward good behavior, and be sure you check the off-leash rules and regulations of your recreational spot. If you’re stuck at home, head out to the yard for frisbee or a game of fetch, but make sure the area is dog proofed and enclosed. If you can’t be home to walk your dog or to take your dog out for exercise, maybe consider the benefits of hiring a dog walker.
- Go For a Swim
Head to a nearby lake, beach, or pond and let your dog cool off with a swim. Bring along toys for a game of fetch in the water. If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, make time on National Dog Day to teach your dog how to swim.
- Teach Your Dog a New Skill
Teach your dog a novel skill or practice old ones by holding short training sessions throughout National Dog Day. Make sure you keep training treats handy as a reward for a job well done.
If you live in the Sherman Oaks area, the Zoom Room offers private and group dog training classes. You can choose from agility training, obedience training, puppy classes, and enrichment classes.
- Get a Checkup
When was the last time your pup saw the vet or had its rabies shot? If you’re past due for a check-up or vaccination, now is the time to visit the vet. You can also take the day to stock up on flea, tick and heartworm medications. Also make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip are up to date with the correct contact information.
If you are in need of finding a new veterinarian and live near Sherman Oaks or Van Nuys, our favorite veterinarian is Dr. Philip Kennedy at Animal Medical Center, Inc.
Keeping your dog happy and healthy will ensure they are around for many more National Dog Days to come!
What will you do with your dog to celebrate National Dog Day?
Thanks for the great suggestions. These are ideas we can use to celebrate with our dogs throughout the year.
Without a doubt, our dogs’ favorite time of the day (besides feeding time) is going for a walk. One of our dogs gets so excited he will actually go and get the leash and meet you at the door!
I’ll have to admit I am very biased, but the love and friendship of a dog is truly one of the special blessings in life.
I hope everyone can make time daily to love on their dogs because they give that love back to 10 times over.
Thanks again for the great suggestions.
I love that your dogs favorite time of the day is going for a walk and that one of your dogs gets so excited that he will grab his leash and bring it to you. We think National Dog Day should be celebrated daily all year round as a way to show our dogs how much we love them. We are glad you liked our article and ideas on how to celebrate. Our dogs mean the world to us.