10 Ways To Celebrate National Dog Day

National Dog Day is August 26th! It’s time to celebrate our best friends.

Life is short, and time with our fur babies is even shorter, which means I’ll use any reason to celebrate my pups. Grab your dog and give them a bit of extra love today. Here are 10 ways to celebrate National Dog Day. 

1. Throw a dog-themed party

 

The best celebrations always involve a party. Delicious food, spending time with friends (both two-legged and four) and plenty of fun. Head to a local dog-friendly spot or invite some furry friends over. 

Here are some fun items to help kick your party up a notch:

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2. Feed your dog a special treat

 

Get your dog’s tail wagging with a special treat, like doggy ice cream or pupcakes. Purchase some at your local barkery or bake your own at home. 

Here’s a super easy recipe for healthy and delicious dog-(and human!) friendly ice cream. 

3. Take a selfie together

 

Like any good dog parent, your phone is probably full of hundreds of pictures of your dog, but how many are you in? My camera roll has shots of everything from my dogs sleeping and eating to major close ups of their nose and paws, but I’m in almost none of them. Grab your pup and take a few selfies that you’ll cherish forever. These items will do the trick if you need a little help:

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4. Donate to a rescue in your dog’s name

 

It’s important to give back. Honor all of the great dogs still waiting for homes by making a donation. You can donate money, or gather some gently used items around the house to bring to your local shelter. Useful items include:

• Towels
• Blankets
• Dog toys
• Pet bedding
• Dog food and treats
• Cleaning supplies
• Harnesses, leashes and/or collars
• Carrier and/or crate

5. Do a new activity together

 

Play hooky for the day and enjoy a new activity together. There’s nothing like quality time and creating memories together. Plus, it’s fun! 

Dog-friendly ideas include:

• Go on a hike
• Plan a dog-friendly vacation
• Try a new sport
• Spend the day at the beach
• Go to a new park
• Go wine tasting

If you need help thinking of new ideas, check out our list of 52 dog-friendly activities: Year Of The Dog: 52 Weeks Of Dog-Friendly Activities.

6. Buy your dog a new toy

 

All good dogs love browsing the aisles of their favorite pet store for a new toy. So what if their toy chest is already packed to the brim? Head to your local dog shop and let your pup grab a new ball or stuffed toy. 

If you can’t make the trip, surprise them and order one. Here are some of Boogie’s favorites:

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7. Take a shelter pet for a walk or volunteer for the day

 

Celebrate all dogs on National Dog Day and spend your time volunteering. There are plenty of ways to help out at your local shelter. Sign up to walk dogs, help clean cages, or fundraise. 

8. Eat a meal together at a dog-friendly restaurant

 

Make both your dog and your stomach happy and head out for a nice meal. If your pup is good, sneak them a bite from your plate. Shhh we won’t tell. 

If you’re in the NYC area, here’s a list of places that offer dog menus. 

9. Meet up with dog friends

 

What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than with other dogs? Frolic with canine friends and enjoy doing what dogs do best – playing, running and sniffing butts. Head to your local dog park or invite your dog’s bff’s – best furry friends – over for a playdate. 

10. Take a nap together

 

Sleepy dog is one of my favorite kinds of dog. They’re droopy, warm, and they make funny noises while they dream. Find a bed or a cozy corner and make a cuddle puddle. Everyone enjoys a good nap. 

How are you planning to celebrate National Dog Day? 

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