14 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

Our veterinarian, Dr. Karen Todd-Jenkins, says it's a great idea to set up your dog’s annual exam appointment today. This is one of the best things you can do for your pup's health and well-being.

Want to add a furry friend to your family? Head to your local shelter, and see what they have to offer. What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than by giving a new home to a dog in need?

Don’t want to or can’t adopt another dog? No problem. Share your time at a local shelter volunteering, suggests Dr. Todd-Jenkins. 

If you’re a baker extraordinaire, or you just want to show your pooch you care, bake or pick up your pet’s favorite treats. Click here for some dog-friendly ideas to try if you want to fire up the oven. Don't worry, there's no chocolate in these or any others on our site!

Celebrate all of the dogs in your area, not just your own, by donating items to your local animal welfare organization. They are always in need of blankets, toys and food.

Veterinarian Dr. Mary Fuller suggests spending quality time with your pup by taking a class with him. You could earn an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate, or look into flyball or agility class, if you have a more active dog.

If your dog has a good temperament and enjoys being around people, Dr. Fuller suggests looking into training him to be a service dog. Teaching your dog a new trick is also a fun way to celebrate — and it’s something you can do together, says Dr. Todd-Jenkins. Plus, he’ll get extra treats and attention, which is a bonus.

Dr. Todd-Jenkins says to head to a dog-friendly store and let him pick out his own gift. Whether it is a new toy, a new bed or a new treat. What human (or animal) doesn’t love a shopping spree?

This could be an intimate get-together with a couple of his four-legged friends or a big bash with all the dogs from the dog park. Either way, you can include decorations, hats, gifts and of course a dog-friendly dessert.

Purchase something for yourself that celebrates the relationship you have with your dog. It could be a piece of art, a framed photo of your pet or a memento that shows how much you love him. Whatever it is, it will be something you can look at and always remember how close you two are. We especially love these personalized dog breed prints from Grandin Road. 

Schedule a massage or “spaw” day for your dog. Hey, if you’re going to pamper your pet, today is definitely the day to do it.

The best gift of all is to spend special time with your pet. Dr. Todd-Jenkins says some extra cuddles will benefit both of you, and show him how much you really care.

Hire a professional photographer or ask a friend to snap photos of you and your four-legged friend. That way, you’ll have the memories of the good times you spent together for years to come.

This could be a local trip to his favorite park or beach, or you could take him somewhere new, says Dr. Todd-Jenkins. Introduce him to a new beach, a new park or a new restaurant that allows dogs. Dr. Mary Fuller suggests going a step further and taking him on vacation. If your dog likes the outdoors, you could also take him camping or hiking.