Treat Yo’ Dog! – 10 Tips for Love Your Pet Day
by Taylor Malowney
NorCal GSP Rescue provides its pets with gentle dog massages. Image via Creative Commons License on Flickr and Steve Cross Photography
Tomorrow is Love Your Pet Day! While we always try to treat our pets with love and affection, sometimes it’s nice to go the extra mile. After all, who else but Fluffy and Fido would listen to you vent about your ex? And who would snuggle up next to you when you’re sick?
Go above and beyond for your dog this Love Your Pet Day. Try out one of our creative ideas and pamper your pet!
1. Make like a masseuse.
Even dogs aren’t invulnerable to the powers of massage. Start gently at your pet’s neck, moving your thumb and forefinger in circular motions to loosen the muscles. There tons of dog massage techniques used to relieve stiffness, calm pets, or warm up muscles. Feeling extra indulgent? Schedule your pet a massage at a doggy spa.
Even the tiniest pooch can enjoy the great outdoors. Image via Creative Commons License on Flickr.
What better way to show your dog you care than a vacation? To dogs, your local hiking trail is an exotic getaway. Pick a trail according to your pet’s activity level; puppies and senior dogs may struggle with steep hills. Check your trail’s pet policies too! And always leash your pet to prevent runaways or tangles with other animals.
3. Bake some all-natural treats.
Your pet may look longingly into the kitchen, but this time the treats are pet friendly! Human cooking sites and Pinterest are full of DIY dog biscuits. Some are even no bake dog treats, for an easy treat on the go. Make dog treats at home in bulk and freeze to keep extras on hand.
Add some pizzazz to your pet's collar with a bow tie! Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr
Time to upgrade your pet – no, not like PuppySwap – and get your dog some new duds. Dog collars should be replaced as they become frayed or worn. Pick one that’s size-appropriate, according to your pet’s weight; too tight can cause difficulties breathing, while too loose will just slip off. Get creative with your dog’s collar! Show NFL spirit with a football team dog collar, or make your pet’s life a little more fancy with a bow tie.
5. Plan a lakeside picnic.
If hiking isn’t your thing, take your pet to a nearby park for a picnic. Make dog-friendly sandwiches for a special treat, and bring a comfy blanket to nap on. Some pets love to swim; take your pt paddleboarding or let Fido go for a dip solo. Make sure to bring a towel for the ride back!
Dog training can be a fun brainteaser for pets and less stress for you - a win-win! Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr
Refresh Fido’s manners with a dog training session. Pet stores offer lessons, and check online for Groupons or discounts in your area. Your pet’s already a perfect angel? Kick it up a notch and enroll in a dog agility course. Some pets have more exercise needs than others; weekly training can burn off excess energy.
7. Lay your pet in the lap of luxury.
Treat yo dog to a new bed for a gift that keeps on giving. The variety of styles and prices is practically endless. Consider a raised bed or one with supportive foam for senior dogs – both can help hip dyplasia and arthritis. If your pet prefers to curl up on a softer bed, look at shearling for extra warmth. Some beds are heated for extra appeal, using either timed heating pads or microwavable inserts.
8. Did someone say car ride?
It’s the little things that make dogs happy. Let your pet ride shotgun and get all the fresh air his head can take. It doesn’t have to be a special outing – Fido is more than happy to accompany you on short errands! Some businesses even allow leashed dogs, especially ini pet-friendly cities like Seattle and San Francisco.
Take your pet to the dog park for some quality butt sniffing and Frisbee catching. Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr.
Another oldie but goodie, no pet will turn down a visit to the dog park. If you’re a regular at one park, switch it up and try something new. If there aren’t any designated dog parks in your area, try pet-friendly beaches or parks to meet other pets. Still no options? Plan a doggy play date in a big backyard or nearby field.
10. Indulge with a dog-friendly dessert.
Pet-safe versions of Hershey Kisses, almond cake and peanut butter biscuits are all easy to make at home, complete with delectable icing and sprinkles. Pet bakeries are also a thing in trendy cities and pet boutiques. You can make an recipe pet friendly by removing ingredients like chocolate and excess sugar. Carrot cake is an easy dog-friendly dessert loved by pets and humans alik.
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