Did you know that February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day? You likely show your pet affection daily, but this is a perfect opportunity to give them some extra attention. It's a win-win, actually, as it's beneficial for both them and us.
We are aware of all the advantages of having a pet, the time we spend with them and the shared experiences we create are so rewarding. With that in mind, here are some simple ideas to demonstrate your love for your pet on National Love Your Pet Day.
A Quick Look at How National Love Your Pet Day Started
Before we discuss some fun ways to celebrate, let's briefly examine the history behind National Love Your Pet Day.
Pets have been our companions for ages, and it's becoming even more common to have them now. From the start of civilization, animals have been right there with us, considering that wolves have lived alongside humans for centuries. We even have proof that humans, dogs, and cats have been sharing their lives for as long as 12,000 years.
In the 1600s, it became fashionable for European royals to keep small toy dog breeds. And in Spain, pet birds were popular with everyone, up through the 1960s.
It's interesting to note that Colleen Paige, an expert in pet lifestyles and animal behavior, created National Love Your Pet Day in 2006. She wanted to raise awareness about how much care pets need from their owners.
Why We Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day
Amazingly, most homes in the United States have at least one pet. That shows how important pets are to us, and that special connection we share. Cats, dogs, bunnies, birds, fish, and reptiles are some of the animals that might come to mind when we think about pets. National Love Your Pet Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate these wonderful animals and make them feel extra special.
Our pets, whether furry or not, hold a really important place in our hearts. Most of us would agree that it’s fun to celebrate this unique bond we have with them. Pet owners are proud of their companions and enjoy showing them off and appreciating them. We've had pets for a long time, and there’s no doubt they continue to be a big part of our lives.
National Love Your Pet Day is a chance to give your pets some extra love and attention. It’s about recognizing the special relationship and the important role pets play in our lives. It's also a day for extra healthy dog treats.
This day is also a good time to recognize that our pets are special to us and that they have a place in our hearts. It's an opportunity to give back to them since they help us reduce stress and lower our blood pressure.
How About Some Ideas for National Love Your Pet Day?
When celebrating National Love Your Pet Day, you have plenty of options and ideas. Try to choose activities that you know your pet will love the most.
Show Your Pet Some Love
Some ideas include taking a hike or just a long walk, playing with their favorite eco-friendly toys, or just snuggling up together. If you have a dog, they might love a trip to the dog park to play with other dogs.
The most important thing is to make time to be with your pet on this special day, treat them to some healthy goodies, and make sure they know how much they mean to you.
Put Those Cooking Skills to Use
Why not use those cooking skills you picked up during lockdown to bake some dog treats? The great thing is, they'll probably still eat them even if you don't get the recipe perfect!
We actually just shared a blog post last week with three super easy and healthy dog treat recipes you can make using four ingredients or less. You could give those a try. "3 Healthy Dog Treat Recipes for Valentine’s Day"
Try Teaching Your Pet Some New Tricks
If your dog is already a pro at “come”, “sit” and “leave it” it might be fun to introduce something different. Teaching commands like high-fives or giving kisses can blend some of their favorite things: physical activity, mental stimulation, and time with you – not to mention some yummy training rewards.
And let's not forget the other pets either! Cats, rabbits, chickens, and other animals can also learn new skills and enjoy having new experiences.
Enjoy Some Special Time Together
No one can deny how much our pets cherish every minute they spend with us. How about relaxing on the couch, cuddling up, and watching some Netflix together? Or, if you want to be more active, take your dog to their favorite outdoor spot and let them play an extra round of their favorite game.
For cats, how about a gentle chin scratch if they enjoy that, or you can try engaging them in a fun play session with their favorite toys?
Introduce Your Pet to Some New Healthy Dog Foods
Your dog or cat might not be too excited about their usual food anymore. So, for this special day, why not rotate proteins in your dog's diet or simply give them something different? We’re not talking about just more pet treats, which can sometimes be unhealthy and lead to weight gain.
Instead of those processed treats, maybe see if your dog likes human-grade dog food recipes, bananas, blueberries, or some of these healthy, dog-friendly veggies.
Share Your Celebration
It's great for pet owners to know there’s a special day just for them and their beloved pets! If you're celebrating National Love Your Pet Day, take a moment to appreciate how wonderful your pet is and see how happy they are to get that extra attention from you.
A large community of pet owners exists, so consider connecting with them, share pictures of your pets, and trade ideas for celebrating National Love Your Pet Day.
A Day to Do Something Worthwhile
Since we're celebrating, it's worth remembering that many pets haven't had the easiest start in life. Most of them in shelters have lived hard lives before being rescued. So, instead of just splurging on a nice dinner, maybe we could head to a local animal shelter and celebrate with those animals by helping out.
Most shelters have a list of things they need, like medications, food, bedding, etc... See if you can pick up some of those items and you’ll feel like you've done something really meaningful on this day.
