What’s National Dog Day? It’s only our favorite day of the year of course! It’s a day where we get the chance to celebrate all the wonderful things about our beloved furry friends.
So make sure you don’t skip out on their big day!
So we’ve come up with some awesome ideas about how you can make this year’s National Dog Day extra special for your little one.
National Dog Day
National Dog Day, also known as Dog Appreciation Day or International Dog Day, is celebrated on the 26th of August.
This national holiday was founded back in 2004 by dog trainer Colleen Paige, who chose this date as it played a significant role in her life (source). It was on the 26th of August that her family adopted her first dog “Sheltie” from a local animal Shelter, when Colleen was only 10 years old.
Ms Paige is also the founder of other dog holidays such as National Puppy Day (23rd of March), National Mutt Day (31st of July and 2nd of December), and National Cat Day (29th of October).

What are you doing for your dog this National Dog Day?
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How To Celebrate National Dog Day
There are lots of different ways to celebrate National Dog Day. If your furry friend enjoys going out on walks, why to take them on a hiking adventure and give them lots of time to explore nature’s scents?
Does your pup have a beloved treat that you usually keep hidden? Treat them to an extra serving (or even a few more) when you return home!
If you’re looking for some new and engaging activities to enjoy with your dog, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the internet and came up with a list of the most popular dog-friendly activities to make National Dog Day even more special.
Explore New Places
Most dogs love to discover new and interesting places with their owners. If there’s an area of the city you haven’t explored yet, or a nearby beach or trail that you’ve always wanted to explore, why not bring your furry friend along?
Alternatively, if your dog is uncomfortable being in unfamiliar environments or people, opt to take them along their favorite trails or parks.

Explore the local scenery with your dog this National Dog Day.
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Doggy Playdate
Does your dog have a best friend? Make their holiday extra special by arranging a playdate for them.
Alternatively, treat your dog to a visit to the dog park, where they can socialize with a host of new four-legged pals.
Make Dog Friendly Treats.
It’s always fun to make homemade treats for your dog, and they will undoubtedly enjoy the treats you create. If you’re unsure of what you can make, we’ve got three easy DIY dog treats you can make this weekend!
But if baking isn’t your forte, you can always grab some of your pup’s favorite treats on your way back home.

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Donate To Dogs Less Fortunate
Why not show your furry friend how much you care about dogs by making a donation to help other dogs find their forever homes? Alternatively, if you have the resources, why not consider becoming a foster parent or even adopt another dog?
Spoil Your Dog
Are you looking for a reason to buy that personalized dog bed with your dog’s name on it? (Check out this one on Amazon)! Or perhaps you’ve come across an irresistibly cute dog outfit but didn’t have a special occasion to buy it. On this National Dog Day, you’ll finally have the perfect excuse and treat yourself and your dog to those wonderful presents.
Pictures, and Lots of Them!
Most dog owners have entire albums devoted to their beloved pets, so why not add another one to your memories? Celebrate National Dog Day by organizing a fun and creative photoshoot session with your dog to capture the special moments in your lives.
You can even capitalize on those cherished puppy photos by selecting your favorites to commemorate National Dog Day. Share a few on your social media platforms, create printed copies for a memorable scrapbook, or even transform them into a personalized t-shirt!
Make Sure They Know They’re Loved
One of the most simple, yet most important, things to do as a dog owner is to tell your furry friend just how much they mean to you!