Dogs shower us with unconditional love all year long and with Love Your Pet Day just around the corner (on Feb. 20), it’s the perfect time to show our four-legged friends a little extra love.
If you’re looking for some ways to show your furry friend lots of love, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 ways to celebrate Love Your Pet Day with your dog.
Give your pup a special treat. Every dog loves a tasty treat! Just remember, chocolate isn’t safe for dogs, so keep that box of chocolates out of reach and treat your pup to a pet-friendly treat from a local dog bakery, or one you make at home!
Gift your dog with a new toy. Spice up playtime with a new chew toy or ball and then, spend some time playing with your dog. Not only will your pup love their gift even more, but playing together is a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog.
Treat your pooch to a spa day. Yes, doggie massages and facials are a thing! There are special techniques that can be used to help dogs relax, so do some research up front, or make an appointment at your local dog spa and let the pros handle it!
Give your dog a bubble bath. Start with a nice bath at home, or at an Evolution Dog Wash near you! Bathing your dog should be a regular occasion, but if your pup is especially fond of baths, a nice warm bath is the perfect way to show some love and keep your pet clean and healthy.
Spend some time training your dog. Dogs thrive when they have structure and they love to learn. One way you can say “I love you” to your dog is by spending some time training and offering plenty of positive reinforcement.
Read your pup a bedtime story. Yes, even dogs love to be read to! Invite your dog to join in on storytime with your kids, or, if you don’t have kids, curl up with your dog in a comfy spot and read a short story aloud, using plenty of animation with your eyes and a soft, soothing tone in your voice.
Pet your pooch. This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes we can forget to slow down and take time just giving our dogs some human touch. Whether it’s a back massage, belly rub or ear scratches, physical affection can go a long way in telling your dog just how much you care.
Have a conversation. Did you know the average dog understands 165 words? Dogs make the best listeners, so whether you have something on your mind, a presentation to rehearse, or simply want to let your dog know you love them, don’t shy away from having a conversation with your furry friend. Talking to your dog can be beneficial to you and your pup. Studies have shown that spending time talking to and petting your dog can contribute to lower blood pressure in humans.
Take an extra-long walk. If you must, pencil time for a long walk with your dog into your calendar on Love Your Pet Day. While short walks are still beneficial for our dogs, our canine friends enjoy long, leisurely walks where they can take their time to sniff around and explore new sights and sounds.
February is the month of love with Valentine’s Day and Love Your Pet Day. While you’re planning how you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day with the people you love, take some time shower your four-legged friend with an extra dose of love. You won’t regret it!
