10 Ways to Love Your Dog on National Love Your Pet Day!

February is known as the month of love, and while the 14th may be a time to tell those on two feet how much they mean to us, on February 20 dog devotees can celebrate ‘puppy love’ during National Love Your Pet Day. This pet holiday is set aside as a virtual Valentine to the friendships we form with the members of our fur family.

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Although February 20th has been marked as a date to show appreciation for our pals with fur, fins or feathers, all pets parents know that every day is National Love Your Pet Day.

In fact, in a survey conducted by VetIQ, more than 80 percent of those queried revealed that their dog or cat companion receives more smooches than their significant other.

Visit our Pet Holidays Calendar for more special pet days!

How can you show your pets how much they mean to you? Here are 10 ways to celebrate National Love Your Pet Day with your dogs, cats, and other furry companions:

Take an extra-long dog walk.

We’re all so busy and it’s easy to find ourselves rushing through our walks.

But just a few extra minutes can be a special treat to our dogs. We love to enjoy an extra-long, leisurely dog walk with our dogs whenever we can, allowing them time to sniff around, sit and listen to all the sounds, and just enjoy the outing.

Spend time together at your pet’s level.

Take a few moments and sit with your dog or cat at their level. Lie down on the floor with them and see the world from their perspective.

Plan a trip together.

Whether it’s a visit to a local lake, a day trip to a state park, or a multi-day getaway, some time away with your dog can be a great present for both your and your dog.

We love traveling with our dogs; our trips have given us the opportunity to relax and explore the world together with Barli and Tiki.

Take your dog to lunch.

Head out to a dog-friendly patio restaurant or coffee shop with your dog. No dog-friendly restaurants in your town? Pack a picnic!

Make a new pet toy.

Whether you turn an old t-shirt into a braided tug-of-war rope for your dog or perhaps create a cat condo from old boxes, it’s fun and inexpensive to make toys for your pets from materials around the house. All it takes is a little ingenuity, a few minutes of your time, and some love. See How to make an interactive dog toy

Go shopping with your dog.

A growing number of stores are welcoming dogs to join their people on a shopping excursion! Check our list of dog-friendly stores then call your local store to see if they are dog-friendly!

Teach a new trick.

Positive reinforcement (with extra-yummy treats) can help you teach your dog how to speak on command or train your cat how to high five. The fun you’ll have training will help strengthen the bond you share.

Bake some homemade dog treats.

Show some love with homemade dog treats, even in fun heart shapes if you choose. From homemade chicken jerky to tasty training tidbits, it’s fun to make pet-safe foods.

Learn pet massage.

Tellington TTouch is a gentle massage done with a circular motion that helps not only the physical well-being of your dog but also enhances the trust and bond the two of you share.

Experience the moment.

Put down your phone.

Stop thinking about tomorrow’s meeting.

Make a conscious effort to live in the moment, just as our pets do.

For our dogs and cats, there are no worries of about yesterday or tomorrow; they live in the moment. Learning to live in the present can prove to be a present, not just to your pet, but to yourself as well!