Preventative Care@3x

Ten Tips for Pet Appreciation Week

Jun 7, 2016 | All About Animals, Holidays

Pets are awesome and National Pet Appreciation Week offers us a chance to take a moment to show our furry (and sometimes not so furry) friends just how much we love them. Here are some ideas for celebrating all things pets:

1/ Throw a pet party! Ask your people friends to bring their pets along with donations for your local shelter – dog and cat food, blankets, toys, cat litter, treats and cash donations are always needed and very appreciated. Not sure what they need? Give them a call and ask.

2/ Give some extra time and love to your pet. Spend some quality time petting and playing with your dog or cat – they’ll love the attention and you’ll feel great, too!

3/ Take a trip to the local dog park. It’s a wonderful spot where your dog can romp and play off leash alongside other dogs. Dog parks are great for socialization – for people and pooches alike. Bring plenty of fresh water for you and your pet. Be sure to keep a close eye on play, and remember to pick up your pet’s waste.

4/ Take a walk around the neighborhood. Getting outside for a walk is good for you and your dog. Be careful of the heat – if the pavement is too hot, your pet’s paws can burn. Pick up a set of paw protectors to help keep tender paws safe from the Arizona heat. Remember, the pavement holds heat for several hours, so early mornings or evenings are best.

5/ Make pupsicles! Dogs love ice cream too, so why not make a frozen treat just for them? There are hundreds of recipes for homemade dog treats just a Google search away, so look for recipes with pet-friendly ingredients like peanut butter, banana, chicken, plain yogurt or applesauce. You can even get creative and make up your own using your pet’s favorite flavors. Mix, freeze and serve.

6/ Buy a kiddy pool for your pooch to play in. Many dogs love water – and if you want to keep them cool on hot summer days, a play pool is perfect. Fill it with a few inches of fresh water or for a special treat, dump in a big bag of ice. Don’t forget the towels!

7/ Play laser cats! Cats (and many dogs) love chasing lasers (point the dot on the ground only!). They’re a great way to stimulate and get your cat alert and active – with lots of laughter for you guaranteed. 

8/ Buy or grow some cat grass or catnip. Most cats adore nibbling on cat grass, which may add trace minerals and nutrients to their diets, help their digestion and may help them pass hairballs. Unlike catnip, cat grass doesn’t have a hallucinogenic effect. Both varieties are safe for your cat, so buy or plant a patch and let them enjoy.

9/ Take a trip to doggy day care or a dog spa. Doggy day care or a “spa day” can be a treat for your friendly pup – they get a chance to hang out, and play with other dogs while under supervision. For an extra special day, have them bathed or groomed before you pick them up.

10/ Make sure that your pet’s tags are up to date. If they ever get lost, they’ll have the proper identification and a microchip that can help them find their way home quickly.

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.