PET CALENDAR

National Dog Day

Three Minutes
Apr 24, 2022

Wednesday, August 26th, is our opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate just how important dogs are in our everyday lives.

National Dog Day is recognized on the 26th of August annually.  The holiday was established by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige. Paige is also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day, National Cat Day, and several additional philanthropic days designed to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption.   

What is National Dog Day? 

National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, purebred and mixed breed.  Each August, this day aims to educate the public and spread awareness about the number of dogs that remain in public shelters, rescue organizations, and pure breed rescues. 

National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe, and bring comfort. While National Dog Day recognizes every person’s right to purchase a dog, it encourages those seeking a canine companion to make adoption the first option.  

Since it began, the National Dog Day Foundation has saved more than 100,000 canine companions  

Learn what Dog Care Entails before Getting a Dog 

This holiday also encourages those considering adding a dog to their families to educate themselves about the breed they are interested in, and the care the dog will require. Before bringing a new canine companion home, consider your family’s needs and schedule.  Then decide on specifics such as:  

  • Do you prefer a short or long-haired dog?  
  • Would a high or low energy dog fit best?  
  • Can you handle shedding?  
  • How much exercise will the dog need, and who will provide the exercise time?  
  • Who will take the dog for a walk during the day? 
  • Can you work out a consistent schedule for the dog? 

Dogs are more likely to end up “unwanted” if they are brought home on impulse.  Although it may seem thoughtful and unique, it’s may not be a good idea to give someone a dog as a gift. It’s also important to keep in mind that you cannot expect a child to be wholly responsible for a dog’s overall care.  

How will you Celebrate National Dog Day? 

If you already have a canine companion, give that dog some extra loving on this day!  Need some ideas?  We’ve got them:  

  • Give your dog a massage.  
  • Take your pup to the beach. 
  • Send a dog-related care package to another dog and owner.
  • Head to the pet supply store and pick out some new toys. 
  • Take your pooch out for a doggy ice cream. 
  • Hire a professional photographer to do a photoshoot of your pup. 
  • Upload your favorite pictures of your canine companion from your computer, mobile phone, or other devices to whatever photo service you use and make a calendar or picture book.
  • Take your dog for some spa treatment and grooming.
  • Give your pooch extra exercise and playtime. 
  • Explore some hiking or walking trails you have never seen.  
  • Donate to your favorite shelter or rescue organization
  • Foster a dog while it is waiting to go to a permanent home
  • Volunteer to help out at your local shelter
  • Have a tag sale and give the proceeds to a shelter or rescue 
  • Encourage people not to buy dogs from backyard breeders and puppy mills
  • Post about National Dog Day on your social media and include the hashtag #adoptdontshop  
  • Donate items to your local shelter. Most shelters have a Wish List on their website.

Keep in mind that most shelters can usually always use: 

  • Old towels and blankets
  • Paper towels 
  • New or gently used dog beds
  • Bags of dog or cat food 
  • New or gently used dog or cat toys

Regardless of how you and your furry friend celebrate National Dog Day, we hope you enjoy some extra time with your furry family member on their special day!

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1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.