National Dog Day 2024: When & What It Is
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As dog owners, we love our dogs to the end of the Earth. In fact, we love them so much that we want to celebrate them whenever we can. Humans have national days designated for certain roles, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and so forth. But have you ever heard of National Dog Day? Better yet, what exactly is National Dog Day, and when is it held?
National Dog Day is observed every August 22. Now that we know when it is, let’s dive into what it is.
What Is National Dog Day?
National Dog Day is a day we celebrate all dogs, whether they’re purebred or mixed breeds. Animal rescue advocate and conservationist Colleen Paige founded the holiday in 2004. Colleen Paige is also a dog trainer and author, and her mission is to help the public recognize the need for adopting and rescuing dogs.
August 22 is significant to Colleen Paige because that was the date she adopted her first dog when she was 10 years old, which made it a perfect date to designate for National Dog Day. The holiday is geared toward acknowledging just how special dogs are and the specific roles some of them play in society. For example, dogs serve in the military, work with police officers, help the disabled, and aid in search and rescue efforts, all of which are pretty impressive.
The holiday encourages adopting from your local shelter or animal rescue rather than buying a puppy or dog from pet stores, backyard breeders, the Internet, newspaper ads, and more importantly, puppy mills. Sadly, some dogs are returned to wherever they were purchased simply because the owner changed their mind about keeping the dog.
National Dog Day aims to educate the public on the importance of dog ownership and how to avoid such situations from occurring in the first place, such as researching the breed you are considering and that breed’s particular traits and characteristics. Not all dogs are suitable for all families, so it’s vital to ensure a perfect fit for both you and the dog.
How Do We Celebrate National Dog Day?
National Dog Day is celebrated through television ads, events at local rescues and animal shelters, online videos, social media posts, K9 parties, and more. Even if you’re not a dog owner, you can still help the adoption awareness cause by donating to your local animal rescue or shelter.
Top 6 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe
 The best way to celebrate our pups is to keep them safe. Researching the breed you are considering is a vital component of the adoption success. For instance, some dogs do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, if you’re rarely home and work a lot, you’ll need to seek out a dog breed that doesn’t mind being alone.
When you’re a dog owner, you have to sometimes think like a dog and figure out how to keep them safe. Below, we’ve listed tips that will help keep your pet safe, especially if you’re not home.
1. Move Loose Wiring
It’s important to pick up any loose wiring inside your home because it could be a potential choking hazard. Your pet’s curiosity may entice chewing on a wire or cord, which could electrocute your pet, too.
2. Pet-Proof Your Kitchen
Never leave cleaning solutions out or within reach of your pet, as well as sharp tools, such as knives, pizza cutters, etc. Be sure the trash bin is closed and put away food so your pet cannot access it.
3. Remove Poisonous Plants
It’s best to not have any poisonous plants inside your home, but if you have a plant you just can’t do without, be sure to put it somewhere out of your pet’s reach. Hang them high or put them in a room your pet has no access to. It’s best to keep non-toxic plants around if you have pets.
4. Medications
Be sure to keep medications—especially human meds—away and out of reach. If you have friends or family over, be sure to alert them to be careful when dealing with any medications they may be taking and to be careful not to drop a pill on the floor, as your pet may find it and eat it, which could be disastrous.
5. Ensure Your Yard Is Safe
First and foremost, never leave your pet outside unattended. Secondly, ensure that there are no areas your pet can get out from, such as any loose fencing.
6. Microchip Your Pet
Microchipping your pet is one of the best things you can do in case your pet gets out or is lost. The chip is tiny and is embedded into your pet’s skin. It’s not painful for your pet, and it helps find them if they are ever lost. Ensure you register the chip with your pet’s unique identification number so that it can be recovered if found. Your veterinarian will instruct you on how to register the chip.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know what National Dog Day is, you can make plans to celebrate your dog with extra love, special treats, a trip to the dog park, or whatever else your dog loves to do! Dogs are special members of our family, and they deserve to be celebrated. Remember, adopt, don’t shop—many dogs in rescues and shelters need loving homes.
See also:
- National Train Your Dog Month: When & How You Can Celebrate
- National Walk Your Dog Day: When & How to Celebrate
Featured Image Credit: KoolShooters, Pexels
