National Puppy Day {Including Vet Tips}

Writer Jonathan Swift once stated that “Every dog must have his day,” and for our tail-wagging chums in the springtime of their life that day celebrated every year on National Puppy Day!

When is National Puppy Day?

National Puppy Day is always on March 23.

Founded in 2006 by celebrity pet and home lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, the message of the annual ode to fur babies is two-fold– to celebrate the puppies who are the sunshine of our lives, and to shine a light on the option of pet adoption.

6 Tips for New Pet Parents

Offering advice to pet parents in order to assure that the first phase of Fido’s life is happy and healthy, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests:

First Vet Visit

Schedule a first check-up. Puppies should be vaccinated starting at six weeks of age, and an early vet visit will help to ensure the future health of your barking buddy.

{We can attest to the importance of this vet visit–and the following ones. Following our puppy Isla’s adoption, the shelter required her to have a vet visit within 10 days. I took her to the vet four days later and got her on a schedule of immunizations that lasted until she was 16 weeks old.}

Tracking

Purchase a tag or make sure that your puppy’s current tag is up to date in case your canine’s exploration of his or her environment leads to getting lost.

Household Harm

Puppy proof your home by both storing dangerous household chemicals out of the reach of curious canines and by keeping your pup away from the perils of ‘people food’ which can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions and avocados.

Puppy Blues

Puppies are more susceptible to ailments, so pet parents should educate themselves about the warning signs of sickness.

Potty Training

Like a child, puppies need structure in their lives and should be taught at an early age to go potty in an appropriate spot. Remember to reward your young Rover as he learns this bathroom routine!

Excess Energy

“Just a few minutes more!” As children didn’t we all beg our parents for more outdoor play time? Your puppy may not be able to express his thoughts with words, but his thumping tail when he gets the chance to expend his excess puppy energy outdoors speaks volumes.

Promoting the Option of Pet Adoption

Along with the chance to show how much we cherish our own puppies (as well as the playful pup in each adult dog), National Puppy Day is also an opportunity to spread the word about the option of pet adoption.

According to the documentary Madonna of the Mills, pet stores from coast to sell 500,000 dogs each year.

Taken from a mother who has lived her life confined in a wire cage, a large majority of these puppies are sick or harbor illnesses.

Meanwhile, an estimated 5 to 7 million homeless animals enter the shelter system, with only half ever finding forever families to love.

If you are looking to welcome a furry family member into your heart and home, please check with an animal shelter or rescue organization in your area, or go to Petfinder or AdoptaPet.

For more dog holidays, visit our Pet Holidays page!

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