How To Make Your Dog Feel Special on National Pet’s Day

Let’s be honest; our furbabies rule our hearts and our homes and make each day special. They shower us with unconditional love, provide endless entertainment, and never fail to greet us with tail wags and slobbery kisses when we return home from work each day.

Moreover, our pups are always down for an adventure (or a cuddle on the couch) with us. So, on National Pets Day, it is only fair that we return the favor and let them know they are also as special to us as we are to them. 

But how do we show our dogs that we love and appreciate them? Think something along the lines of belly rubs on demand, tasty treats, gourmet meals fit for royalty, and maybe even a crown (because, let’s face it, they really deserve it). 

In short, ditch the boring walk and get ready to spoil your furry best friend rotten. This article has some more pawesome ideas to make this year’s National Pets Day unforgettable. So, keep reading.

Why Is National Pet’s Day Celebrated?

Before we move on to talk about how you can make your dog feel extra special on National Pets Day, let’s take a moment to learn more about this day. National Pets Day is celebrated on April 11. The day is dedicated to celebrating all pets who bring us endless joy, comfort, and companionship every day. 

It was started by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate, in 2006, who has devoted her whole life to improving the quality of life of animals through rescue and adoption. When Paige founded National Pets Day, her goal was to spread awareness about the condition of pets in rescue shelters and the increasing need for adoption. In addition, this day is also about recognizing the importance of pets in our lives and celebrating the fact that they are an immense source of joy and comfort to us. 

Though this day is dedicated to celebrating pets of all types and sizes, for the sake of this article, we will only talk about dogs. They are the most popular pet of choice in the world, with around 33% of the global population having a dog as a pet. 

Ideas To Show Your Dog How Much You Care on National Pet Day

Here is a situation for you: You are leaving for work or school, and your dog is giving you sad puppy eyes as usual and begging you to stay home with them. The look breaks your heart every day and you promise yourself that you will make it up to them soon. 

Do you relate to this? If so, then National Pets Day is the perfect occasion to make it up to your furbaby and show how much they mean to you. They deserve it, too, for being such good doggos (most of the time). Moreover, pampering your dog and showering some extra love and attention on them will also strengthen the bond between you two. Here are some ideas on how you can pamper your furbaby and make them feel extra special: 

Cook A Gourmet Meal and some Tasty Treats For Your Dog

Irrespective of the breed, the way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach. So, if you are trying to show your dog how much you mean to them, then consider becoming their personal chef for a day. Cook a gourmet meal for your dog on National Pets Day to show them that you care. Here are some delicious meal recipes for your dog: 

Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew

This stew is a great option for colder weather and provides a good source of fiber and vitamins. You will need: 

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped green beans
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat. Then add the diced sweet potato, carrots, and green beans. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Let cool completely before serving to your dog.

Chicken Casserole for Dogs

This dish is tasty, healthy and suitable to be consumed in all weather. For this dish, you will need the following ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, green beans, potatoes, broccoli)
• 1/4 cup of rolled oats
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• Salmon oil

Directions for making the dish: Place all the ingredients in a casserole tray and add enough chicken broth to cover the rice. Cover with a lid or tin foil and then place it in the oven for 1 hour at 350°F. After an hour, take it out of the oven, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces for your dog and then place it back again for another 40-60 minutes. Once all the ingredients are fully cooked, take it out from the oven, spread some salmon oil and mix thoroughly. Let it cool and then serve it to your pup.

Salmon, Brown Rice and Veggies

This recipe is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s skin and coat. For this dish, you will need the following: 

• 1-2 pound cooked skinless salmon
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas are all good options)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions For Making the Dish: First flake the cooked salmon into a large bowl. Then add the cooked rice and veggies in the bowl. Drizzle some olive oil on top and mix well. After it is cooled down to room temperature, serve it your dog.

Pamper Your Dog With A Luxurious Spa Treatment

Just like us, our furbabies also deserve a day of relaxation and pampering. They may not enjoy the process as much, but trust us; they will feel better when it is all done and will thank you for it. You can take your dog to a professional groomer for a luxurious spa treatment/grooming session. 

But if your dog does not enjoy getting groomed by a professional dog groomer, you can do it yourself at home, too. Your dog will also feel more comfortable getting groomed by you at home. Here is what you need to do to create a relaxing environment for your dog at home: 

Step 1: To set the mood, you can use a diffuser or light some soothing, aromatic candles. Make sure to use essential oils that are safe for dogs, like frankincense, peppermint, bergamot, lavender, etc. 

You should place them on a high shelf in your bathroom where your dog will not be able to knock them over by accident. You can also use natural lighting or soft lighting like candlelight to create a calm ambiance and play some soothing music. 

Step 2: Once you have finished setting the mood for a relaxing spa experience for your furbaby, you can move on to the next part, i.e., grooming your dog before the bath. Use a slicker brush first to get rid of loose fur, knots, and tangles. Brushing before a bath also helps to remove a lot of dirt present on the dog’s coat. As a result, washing the dog’s fur afterward becomes much easier.

Step 3: After thoroughly brushing out your dog’s fur, now it is time to give them a bath. To do so, you can follow your usual process of taking a pet-friendly shampoo and warm water to rinse and clean your dog’s coat thoroughly. But if you want to make your dog feel extra special, then you can use a foaming bath or bubble bath especially designed for dogs. Keep a close watch on your dog also during this process to make sure your dog does not ingest any large-sized bubbles by mistake. You can also prepare a dog-safe oatmeal bath for your pup for a luxurious, soothing, and moisturizing experience.

Step 4: Whether you’re using a normal shampoo and warm water bath, a luxurious bubble bath, or a soothing oatmeal bath, make sure to wash and rinse your dog’s fur thoroughly so that no residue irritates its skin. After the bath, use a good conditioner that will ensure your dog’s coat stays soft, shiny, and moisturized. 

Also, have a large towel on hand to dry off your dog after the bath to soak all excess water. Then, use the lowest setting on the blow dryer to speed up the drying process. But make sure not to over-dry your dog’s coat.

Step 5: After you are done bathing and drying your dog’s coat, use a pet-safe ear cleaner and a soft cloth to clean out their ears. Also, dont forget to trim their nails and brush their teeth as part of their spa day routine. 

Finish off the pampering session with a cozy and comfortable spot for them to relax, complete with soft blankets and pillows. Your dog will feel like royalty and will be grateful for the extra care and attention.

Arrange A Photo Shoot With Your Dog

You can also arrange a photo shoot with your dog on National Pet’s Day. It will be a fun experience for both of you, and you will preserve the beautiful, playful moments with your pup forever.  

However, a successful pet photoshoot is quite difficult to achieve unless your pup is extremely well-trained and well-behaved. But with lots of treats, praises, and careful planning, you can have a successful (maybe even) stress-free photo shoot. Here is how you can do it: 

Location is Key: Consider having the photoshoot with your pet at your home. It can be in the backyard (if your house has one) or within your home. This is because familiar surroundings can help your dog to feel more relaxed and comfortable. As a result, they may be more willing to pose for the camera. Make sure to choose a spot that is well-lit and a backdrop that compliments both you and your pup’s personality.

Hire A Professional: Opt for a professional photographer who has experience with pet photography if you want a successful photoshoot. It is because not only will they understand your vision about the photoshoot, but they also know how to capture beautiful shots of dogs who will probably only sit still for a few minutes.

Keep treats and toys handy: If you have a young puppy who is not willing to sit still even for a few minutes or a dog who gets anxious easily, then there is only one way: you can make them pose for the camera. Keep their favorite treats and toys on hand and use them to make your dog feel comfortable and motivated to pose for the camera. The treats will help you to coax your dog to look in the direction you want.

Spend Some Quality Time With Your Furbaby

Fancy treats, luxury spa treatments and expensive toys are great, but you know what your pet craves the most of all? Quality time with their favorite human, that is, you. But it is not always possible. Remember when you promised your dog you would take them on a long walk to the dog park, but you had a long day at work, so instead, you just walked around your block? 

Well, we have all been there, and we’re done there. But what better day than National Pets Day to make it up to your dog and shower some extra love and attention for all the times you couldn’t keep your promise? Here are some suggestions on some activities you can do with your dog on National Pet’s day: 

Take Your Pup On A Pet-Friendly Adventure: Long Walk or Hikes is the classic and best way to spend some quality time with your dog. Not only is physical exercise good for both you and your dog but it also gives your furbaby a chance to explore new sights and smells which stimulates them mentally. Consider taking a detour from your usual walking route and going to a different dog park so that your dog has a chance to explore. You can also plan a hike on a dog-friendly trail or take your dog to the beach for an extra dose of adventure.

Puppy Playdate: Does your dog have a furry BFF? Organize a playdate at the park or your backyard. Social interaction with other dogs is important for your pup’s development and can be a great way to burn off some energy.

DIY Obstacle Course At Home: Can’t make it to the park? No problem! Create an indoor obstacle course with pillows and chairs, or play hide-and-seek with treats hidden around the house. These activities keep your pup mentally stimulated and provide some fun exercise.

Wrapping Up

National Pet Day is a wonderful occasion to spoil your four-pawed best friend. From creating a special meal to taking them on a pet-friendly trip to pampering them with a spa day, there are numerous ways to show your love for your fur baby. 

But remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with them and make sure that they are safe and healthy. Also celebrating how much your pup means to you doesn’t have to be something too elaborate either.

A longer-than-usual play session with their favorite toys, cuddles on the couch, and giving them their favorite meal is enough to make them feel happy, loved, and safe. So, no matter what you do, dont forget to give them a big hug and some belly rubs on National Pets Day.

ADDITIONAL READING:

• A Fur Parent’s Guide To Pet Mental Health
• Emergency Preparedness For Pet Owners: A Veterinarian’s Guide
• The Importance of a Daily Routine for Adult Dogs: Benefits, Key Features, and Day-wise Breakdown