August 26 is National Dog Day, and honestly, did we really need another excuse to spoil our dogs? Probably not. But we’re taking it anyway.
August 26 is National Dog Day, and honestly, did we really need another excuse to spoil our dogs? Probably not. But we’re taking it anyway.Dogs have a remarkable way of turning ordinary days into adventures. A trip to the mailbox becomes an expedition. A delivery driver becomes breaking news. And somehow, a five-minute walk around the block can take 30 minutes because every single blade of grass must be investigated.
National Dog Day, celebrated annually on August 26, is a chance to celebrate the dogs who make us laugh, keep us company and occasionally steal our spot on the sofa.
Here are 10 fun ways to make the day special.
1. Take Them Somewhere New
Skip the usual neighborhood loop and turn today’s walk into an adventure. Visit a dog-friendly beach, hiking trail, park or neighborhood you’ve never explored together. Let your dog stop, sniff and investigate instead of rushing through the walk.
2. Plan a Doggy Playdate
Invite your dog’s favorite furry friend over for some backyard fun or meet at a local dog park. Add a few toys, plenty of fresh water and treats, and you’ve got yourself a National Dog Day party.
3. Make a Dog-Friendly Treat
Homemade treats don’t need to be complicated. Try freezing dog-safe ingredients such as plain pumpkin or mashed banana in small molds for an easy summertime snack. Always check that every ingredient is safe for your particular dog before serving it.
4. Have a National Dog Day Photo Shoot
Your phone’s camera roll already has 2,473 photos of your dog. What’s a few more? Pick a colorful wall, garden or favorite outdoor spot and take a few portraits. Bring treats to help get their attention and photograph at their eye level for especially adorable shots.
5. Let Your Dog Choose the Adventure
Put the leash on, head outside and — within reason — let your dog decide which way to go. Turn left? Go left. Stop at that tree for five minutes? Fine. Think of it as your dog planning the itinerary for once.
6. Buy Them a New Toy
Take your dog to a pet store and let them sniff around the toy aisle. If your store allows it, see which toy catches their attention. Sometimes the one they choose isn’t remotely the one you would have picked.
7. Learn Something New Together
Dogs of every age can learn. Spend 10 minutes practicing a new trick such as “spin,” “touch” or “find it.” Training provides mental stimulation and gives you something fun to accomplish together.
8. Help a Dog Who Doesn’t Have a Home Yet
National Dog Day isn’t only about celebrating the dog sleeping on your couch. Consider donating food, blankets, toys or funds to a local shelter or rescue organization. You can also ask whether they need volunteers or foster families.
9. Go Out for a Dog-Friendly Date
Find a dog-friendly patio, coffee shop or outdoor restaurant and bring your best friend along. Order something for yourself and pack a dog-safe treat for your four-legged date.
10. Give Them What They Really Want: You
The best National Dog Day celebration may also be the simplest. Put down the phone, get on the floor and play. Go for an extra walk. Throw the ball 27 more times. Give them the belly rub they’ve been requesting all afternoon.
Did You Know?
A dog’s sense of smell can be tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours, which explains why your five-minute walk somehow turns into a 30-minute neighborhood investigation.
A Little History
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal advocate Colleen Paige and is celebrated every August 26. The date was chosen because it was the day her family adopted her first dog, Sheltie, when she was 10 years old.
