National Pet Owner’s Day is the celebration of pet owners’ efforts to provide food, shelter, medical care, and love to their pets.
It is a day to appreciate and recognize pet owners’ contributions to their pet’s well-being and promotes responsible ownership, adoption, and the bond between pets and their owners.
From hosting a pet-friendly picnic to pampering your pets with spa treatments, making delicious homemade treats, organizing a pet parade, and volunteering at an animal shelter, these activities will help you celebrate this special day joyfully.
Find out about ways to make your pet’s day memorable.
What is a Pet Owners’ Day?
National Pet Owners Day is celebrated every year on April 18th to honor the joy and companionship pets bring.
Therefore, it is a day to show respect for the millions of pet owners worldwide.
Moreover, it gives a chance to raise awareness about the benefits of pet ownership and show our admiration by spending quality time, giving treats, or donating to shelters.
Although this occasion’s history and origin are unclear, pet owners day is widely celebrated among pet owners and animal lovers.
1. Host a Pet-friendly Picnic
Hosting a pet-friendly picnic is a great way to socialize with other pet owners and celebrate Pet Owners Day!
Organizing the picnic in a pet-friendly park will be best, where you can invite all pet owners to come and enjoy with their furry friends.
Moreover, you can set up different pet activities, like frisbee and tug of war, and even make a small pool for pets.
Also, including interactive toys like squeaker balls, classic kong toys, goodie bones, etc., will help prevent your pet’s boredom.
Tips to Make Pet-Friendly Picnics Entertaining
- Choose a pet-friendly location.
- Plan the menu. Ensure pet-friendly food items.
- Invite pet-loving friends and neighbors.
- Take a lot of pictures with your furry friends.
Things to Consider While Hosting a Pet Picnic
- Ensure the area is safe from toxic plants and sharp objects.
- Select pet-safe foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and grain-free dog biscuits.
- Keep plenty of fresh water around.
- Bring pet essentials like a leash, bowl, toys, and treats.
- Choose a pet-friendly location where doggy waste bags and water fountains are available.
2.Spa and Cleaning
Poor pet hygiene can lead to skin infections, dental problems, flea and ticks infestation, causing fatal illnesses like Neoplastic Skin Disease, Bartonellosis, Periodontitis, etc.
Therefore, treating your pet with a spa day with grooming and massages can help maintain their health and make them feel rejuvenated and relaxed.
You can do it yourself with soothing music, scented candles, and pet-friendly products. However, considering professional grooming will be helpful for the best process and outcome.
Activities for Spa and Cleaning Day
- Brushing Hair
- Brushing helps to remove dead hairs, dirt, and debris from your pet’s coat.
- It distributes natural oils for a clean and healthy coat.
- It promotes blood circulation and healthy hair growth.
- Bathing
- While giving a bath, use pet-friendly shampoos such as Honest Paws, Buddy Wash, PetAg, etc.
- Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove all the soap.
- It will help if you determine bathing time based on the pet’s breed, coat type, and activity level.
- Nail Trimming
- Nail trimming helps improve mobility and lowers the risk of physical injury.
- It will help if you do not cut your nails too short, as it could hurt your pet.
- Check for Parasites
- It will be best to check if your pet is suffering from fleas, ticks, and other parasite infestations from time to time.
- Clean Ears
- Keeping your pet’s ears clean prevents infections.
- However, you should not over-clean because it can irritate the ear canal, causing bleeding and severe pain.
- Ear cleaning solutions like Virbac Epi-otic, Zymox, MalAcetic otic Cleanser, etc., are safe and gentle when cleaning pets’ ears.
- Dental Care
3.Make Delicious Treats
Making delicious pet treats on Pet Owner Day is fun to show your furry friends how much you love and appreciate them.
However, not all foods are safe for pets. So, consulting with your veterinarian before giving your pets any new treats will be best to ensure their safety and good health.
Also, remember to give treats in moderation because overfeeding can result in obesity and other health problems.
Easy Recipe for Homemade Pet Treats
- Butter and Banana Treat
- Take ripe bananas, unsalted peanut butter, and rolled oats.
- Mash them and mix the ingredients.
- Scoop out small balls of the mixture.
- Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
- Chicken and Sweet Potato Treat:
- Take cooked chicken breasts and sweet potatoes and slice them into thin pieces.
- Lay the slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake them in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until they turn crispy and dry.
- Tuna and Catnip Crackers:
- Mix canned tuna, flour, and dried catnip.
- Roll out the mixture.
- Cut it into small crackers using a cookie cutter.
- Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
- Beef and Cheese Sticks:
- Take cooked beef and cheese.
- Slice them into thin pieces.
- Thread the slices onto skewers.
- Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
- Pumpkin and Oatmeal Biscuits:
- Mix canned pumpkin puree, rolled oats, and a small amount of flour.
- Roll out the mixture and cut out small biscuits using a cookie cutter.
- Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
4.Organize Pet Parade
On the special occasion of pet owners’ day, organizing a pet parade will help boost awareness and motivation in your community.
Moreover, you can set up different categories like “Most Talented Pet,” “Cutest Pet,” and “Most Unique Pet” and award prizes to the winners.
Tips to Organize a Best Pet Parade
- Invite all the pet owners to join in.
- Choose a safe route by considering traffic, weather, and terrain.
- Dress up your pet in a safe and comfortable theme costume.
- Carry food and water along with you.
- Incorporate playing and resting time between the events to keep your pet engaged.
Things to Consider While Hosting a Pet Parade
- Ask local bodies if you need a permit for the event.
- Ensure all the pets are properly leashed and supervise them all the time.
- Have a first kit aid in hand in case of any minor injuries and accidents.
- Ask for volunteering help with tasks like directing traffic and distributing waste bags, water, and food.
- Set up a rest area and break time in between the parade.
5.Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter
Volunteering at a local animal shelter will be a great way to celebrate pet owners’ day and show appreciation for pets.
Animal shelters have a variety of volunteer roles to choose from, including walking dogs, playing with cats, assisting with adoptions, and helping with administrative tasks. You can select a role that suits your interests and skills from there.
Depending on the volunteer role you choose, you may need to complete additional training before you can begin.
For example, you should complete a dog-handling course to close volunteering for dogs.
Steps to Volunteer at Animal Shelters
- Find local animal shelters in your area.
- Ask if they accept volunteers or not.
- Once you confirm it, go for the application process.
- Go through the orientation session to understand the shelter’s policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
- Complete additional safety training.
- Once you get ready, pick up the schedule, which is flexible for you to volunteer.
Volunteering at an animal shelter is a heart-lifting experience as you can make a difference in the lives of animals.
In addition to helping animals in need, you will feel happy working with animals that can be encouraging for your life.
Things to Consider While Volunteering at Animal Shelters
- Time commitment.
- Physically able to accomplish the tasks for chosen role.
- You should be able to handle the emotional demands of sick, injured, and mistreated animals.
- You should follow all the safety protocols and wear protective gear.
- It will be best if you appropriately interact with other volunteers and public members.
Conclusion:
National Pet Owner’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the love and care that pet owners provide to their pets.
There are various ways to celebrate this day, such as hosting a pet-friendly picnic, volunteering at the shelter, giving your pet a spa day, and making homemade treats.
So, let’s show our love and appreciation for pets and pet parents by celebrating National Pet Owner’s Day!
Contact Urbandale pet hospital and resort for more tips about you and your pet’s overall wellness.