Introduction to National Spoil Your Dog Day
Mark your calendars, dog lovers! August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day, a canine-centric holiday that is as much a treat for owners as it is for pets. What could be a more fitting way to close out the dog days of summer than a perfect excuse to pamper your pup? For the endless comfort and unconditional devotion they happily supply, every pup deserves at least one day to call its own.
When Is National Spoil Your Dog Day?
National Spoil Your Dog Day occurs every year on August 10. If you’re all about your pet, you know this is only one of several holidays sprinkled throughout the year that focuses on our canine companions. Other popular dog holidays include:
- National Walking the Dog Day: February 22
- National Puppy Day: March 23
- National Hug Your Dog Day: April 10
- National Take Your Dog to Work Day: June 23
- National Fetch Day: October 21
- Thankful for My Dog Day: November 23
What Is National Spoil Your Dog Day?
There’s no secret to celebrating National Spoil Your Dog Day since the instructions are in the name! We love spoiling our pets, often making them the center of the universe for more than one day out of the year. Nearly three-quarters of pet owners let their pets sleep in their beds, while almost two-thirds would break up with their partner if they didn’t like their pet! National Spoil Your Dog Day lets us shamelessly show our love for our furry friends. It should be a time for pure fun and enjoyment, a chance for you and your pup to release some endorphins with carefree time together.
Is There a National Dog Appreciation Day?
National Spoil Your Dog Day is one of the most fun days dedicated to dogs, but it’s not the premier canine holiday. Only two weeks after spoiling your dog, you’ll have to prepare for the big one, National Dog Day, held every August 26. Founded by animal advocate and author Colleen Paige, National Dog Day broadly recognizes a dog’s value for owners and others in the community. Many unique breeds have holidays dedicated to them during the year. National Dog Day focuses on awareness and appreciation for dogs of any age, breed, or background.
How to Celebrate National Spoil Your Dog Day
National Spoil Your Dog Day gives you all the freedom you need to indulge your pet. Put some responsibilities on hold for quality play time, give them an extra treat, or buy that expensive chew toy he’s had his eye on. If your dog comes out of the day with a pep in their step and a wagging tail, you’ll know you’ve done it right. Here are a few ideas to inspire you this holiday:
- Offer healthier snacks like dehydrated fruit or preservative-free treats, so you don’t have to feel guilty about giving your pet a few extra
- Take your dog to the pet store and let them choose a toy
- Bring your dog to a dog park to socialize with other pets in the neighborhood
- Bake special homemade dog treats
- Get a new Frisbee or tennis ball set to play fetch in the backyard
- Pack a picnic for a fun, food-filled day at the park
- Take water-loving dogs to the beach or buy a kiddie pool for the yard
- Get in some exercise at a new hiking spot
- Beat the afternoon heat and cool down with frozen treats or doggy ice cream
- Arrange a dog-themed movie marathon to enjoy with your pet
- Pamper your dog with at-home grooming or an appointment at a local pet spa
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Spoiled
There’s a difference between a dog that only celebrates August 10 and a pup that thinks every day is National Spoil Your Dog Day. A spoiled dog isn’t ideal. Limited boundaries can lead to unwanted interactions with guests and people outside the house and cause plenty of havoc inside it. Dogs should feel special, but if your pet is showing the following signs, they might have overblown their status in the household:
- They’re overweight or obese
- You frequently carry them or push them in a stroller
- They’re quick to get comfy on the furniture or bed
- They get picky about what they eat, often preferring human food
- They whine or nudge until they get their way
- They follow you around persistently or experience separation anxiety
- They seem overly protective
Conclusion
Science has proven the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of owning a dog. It’s only fair that we repay our pups for all they do with a National Spoil Your Dog Day celebration focused on their total contentment. At the same time, you mustn’t feel like you have to wait on a holiday to celebrate your pet. Life with our dogs is surprisingly short, and while holidays like these are worth recognizing, we need to make every day with our dogs count. National Spoil Your Dog Day is an opportunity to show your dog how much you care and to make the day stand out for your four-legged friends. With a little creativity, you can make this day a special one for your dog and create memories that will last a lifetime.