What is National Dog Week?

National Dog Week is a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring dogs and acknowledging the joy and companionship they bring into our lives. Founded in 1928 by World War I veteran and dog advocate, Captain William Judy, its main goal is to raise awareness about responsible dog ownership and promote the well-being of our dogs.

National Dog Week is an opportunity for dog lovers to come together and celebrate the bond they share with their dogs while encouraging others to adopt or rescue responsibly. This mini-holiday is celebrated during the last week of September with events during this week ranging from dog adoption fairs to canine health seminars, helping to shine a spotlight on the integral role dogs play in our lives.

Helpful Tips & Tricks for Taking Care of Dogs

While we’re on the note of celebrating our dogs and their place in our families, let’s not forget that we can always learn more about how to improve our dogs' quality of life! Here’s some helpful reminders that can help ensure your dog is healthy:

• Get Regular Vet Check-ups: Just like humans, dogs need regular check-ups to ensure they're in good health. It's vital to catch potential health problems early.
• Provide a Balanced Diet: Feeding your dog a nutritious and balanced diet will ensure they have the energy they need and will help prevent obesity and other health issues.
• Exercise Responsibly: Dogs need regular exercise to keep fit, both mentally and physically. Ensure you walk your dog daily and offer playtime opportunities while acknowledging that certain breeds should be cautious with certain exercises (long back dogs for example, should be cautious doing any kind of aerial catching trick).
• Find Training and Encourage Socialization: To ensure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in various settings, proper training and early socialization are essential. It not only makes outings more enjoyable but also reduces the risk of behavioral issues.
• Schedule Regular Grooming: Regular grooming helps to keep your dog's coat in tip-top shape and allows you to check for signs of skin problems, ticks, or fleas. Often, your dog's coat can warn you when your dog isn’t feeling well, making it extra important to keep an eye on your dog's coat and skin health. If you need to stock up on cleaning supplies or give your dog a much needed upgrade for a truly fun and stress free bath time, we’ve got you covered: Check out our line of dog grooming products here!
• Alternative Wellness Options: With advancements in canine care, dog owners are exploring various health and wellness options. CBD oil for dogs is one such option that many are considering to support their dog's overall well-being. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD oil is believed to have a range of potential benefits for dogs. There has even been an upswell in probiotics for dogs too. The truth of the matter is that we’re still discovering new ways to help improve not only our own health, but the health of our pets. As such, we should always keep an eye on the horizon for potential new opportunities. That being said, always prioritize safety first. It’s not worth risking your own safety or the safety of your pet to try an unvetted (Ha, get it? Un-VET-ted? I’ll see myself out…) product.

Celebrating National Dog Week with your Dog

It’s just not celebrating National Dog Week if you aren’t doing something fun WITH your dog! Consider planning a vacation, a fun outing, or something different and exciting with your loyal companion to truly embrace the joys of dog ownership. Let’s face it, they’ll enjoy every minute with you! 

Helpful platforms like BringFido make it easier than ever to find dog-friendly hotels, tantalizing restaurants, engaging activities, and special events that welcome our dogs. I’ve actually personally used this service to help me move across the country and find hotels and restaurants that accept dogs, but cats too! Using this as a tool ensures that you can create memorable experiences without leaving your dog behind. As you prioritize your dog's well-being in daily life, try to make them a part of your adventures, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

While you’re out there, take some fun pictures with your dog! Tag us on our Instagram and let us know what you did with your dog to celebrate National Dog Week! #nationaldogweek