Dog lovers celebrate National Dog Day every year on August 26. But let’s be honest- if you love dogs, every day is a day to celebrate our furry friends and family members! I love animals, and my family has always had pets.
Why August 26? According to Country Living, National Dog Day was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert. She chose that date because it was the day her family adopted their first shelter dog when she was 10 years old.
If you want to celebrate National Dog Day, here are a few ideas:
- Volunteer at your local animal shelter
- Make a donation to an animal welfare organization
- Take your dog- or a friend’s dog- on a walk
- Hire a pet photographer to take photos of your dog
- Buy your furry friend a new toy
Do you have a dog? What supplies do you buy for your pet? Let me know in the comments, and tell me a fun fact about your pup!
Popular Dog Names
Move over, Rover! According to Daily Paws, the most popular names for dogs are:
- Bella
- Max
- Luna
- Charlie
- Lucy
- Cooper
- Daisy
- Milo
- Zoe or Zoey
- Rocky
Puppy Parties
Do you celebrate your dog’s birthday with presents, special treats, or even a party? According to research by Rover.com, 56% of dog owners have celebrated their pet’s birthday! Many pet supply stores offer free birthday treats for pups, too. And don’t forget the popular “pup cups” at ice cream stores!
If you’ve never thrown a party for your pet, the American Kennel Club has a great guide that includes tips on who to invite, food and drinks, party activities and even goody bags! National Dog Day is also a great time to throw a party for all your favorite pups.
Taking Care of Dogs
Dogs add a lot of love to our lives, but they also bring a lot of expenses! From trips to the vet for shots and exams, to food, to all the extras like treats and toys, it can add up to a lot of money.
PetPedia’s website has some interesting facts about the cost of owning a dog.
- Dog owners spend an average of $73 per year on grooming
- 43% of dog owners buy premium pet food
- 40% of dog owners bought clothing for their pet in 2020
- More than 50% of pup parents buy their pet a Christmas or holiday gift– and a quarter of them also celebrate Halloween with a present!
Scan Pet Supply Purchases
Remember to scan purchases you make for your dog, including food, treats, and other supplies! Companies want to know about who’s buying what type of pet food and pet supply products.
Not a panel member and want to join? Learn more and sign up here. Now, go give your dog a big hug from me!
Regards,
Taylor
I have a mixed breed baby girl dog named Gracie. I don’t know her birthday 🎂 but we celebrate it February 2, 2023 My son found her and 4 brother’s in a store parking lot in a 5 gallon bucket where they were abandoned. My son loves all animals and just can not leave them when they are in trouble. He told me he looked up a lot of stuff on them he told me he just had to find them a good home I got the only girl 😀 she would run up to me standing on her front legs leaning on me I just fell in love with her I named her Gracie because it reminded me of Jesus saving us by grace she has truly taken my heart. She gets birthday gifts on February 2, I always get her gifts at Christmas I get her sweaters 😁 in the winter and those cute little boots they have for dogs. I am glad I read your blog about national dog day I got another day to make her happy I didn’t know anything about it I thank you so very much and I know Gracie does to.
I have two dog I rescued them almost 4 years ago they’re healthy puppies I have one cat and she’s an awesome monster and awesome companion
I didn’t know about National Dog day and just happened to adopt my dog Ghost on August 26th. He’s already very special but that’s an added cool bonus.. Thanks for the blog we appreciate it.
You celebrated National Dog Day the ultimate way! Congrats on your new family member!
My dog Biggie is my best friend who barks at me when he wants me to walk him. He makes sure that we both get our exercise at least 3 times a day. He pulled me out of a depression after a suicide. I can’t imagine life without my best dog Biggie.
I have two very special dogs. My oldest is Lexi, a Min Pin someone one mistreated. He no longer wanted her so we took her. Now she is pampered every day.
My other dog is a 5 year old black German Shepherd named Titus. We bought Titus and had him trained to be my husbands service dog. My husband has severe PTSD and Titus has been a life saver.
How did you locate place to have. Trained? I need the same but not sure were to start. Plus I do not have a truck load of money to spend.
Scotty was my service dog and thus we were connected constantly over the last 12 years. He could sense when others near us had a need as well. He was a labradoodle. Unfortunately arthritis took over. I miss him something fierce. I will always be grateful for the independence and love he shared with me.
Our Sidney is the love of my life. We are emotional support systems for one another. Her favorite thing is to take walks and be amongst a crowd of people; other animals not so much. Although a Maltipoo, she is half animal and half human. There’s no doubt about it. We get each other and as an advocate for animals and schooled in the same, I am involved with many aspects of her emotional and physical well-being. Well, I try to be when my Sister allows me. She loves chasing rabbits or it’s a territorial thing. I tried to get her to make a friend, but not interested. Neighbors she tolerates. Seriously she just wants the simple life, but a million walks when babysitting…well, it’s exercise and we share our days. Pumpkin is her favorite toy that amongst many has given her comfort. Very smart, our Sid. I melt when she stares in my eyes..even if it’s because she wants something to eat or another walk. TV..forget it.
I had a very special dog named bear. My daughter and I birthed the litter since the momma wouldn’t push them out. Bear would sit in my lap just like a person and watch tv with me. He was my heart and my world. When he got out of the yard and was run over I cried almost constantly for 7 months. My heart will forever have a big hole where he was. His nickname was rocket fog because he ran so fast. My son have me a new furbaby to help me come to terms about bear. Her name is Hazel and she is a bully. She stays right by my side and if not there she is always where she can see me. She is a rescue and was very timid she didn’t know how to play. The first time I saw her play was when she finally picked up the ring toss rope and carried it around for 2 days. She now dances when it is treat time. She will never replace bear but she is making. A new sit l spot in my heart.
I have 3 dogs and 2 cats and I love them with all my heart. They are so comforting to have. They love to cuddle they are the best fur babies. I thank God for everyone of them.
My two babies are what help me get thru my days! Lillie and Dex love the Pawsome Ice cream that we buy for them at Walmart and on hot days in Florida it makes for a really nice treat! On their birthdays they get carob cake and party hats and they love it.
I was rescued by my dog Shaggy in December 2019. He’s a Jack Russell Mix. I spend a ridiculous amount on toys and treats. He has the worst temperament. Cute as a button so everyone wants to pet him. I say no, he is anxious and will bite. They claim “they are great with dogs, a dog whisperer” and pet him a stroke or two. Just when they think they have proven me wrong…he bites them. So now when I see these people, I’ll tell them that Shaggy wants a hug.
I have 3 Maltese dog and there names are Lillie and she is a girl and we have her two puppies and there names are momo and Dondon. Also I have a pit bull and she is a girl and her name is cassie and we love them all. They eat a lot and they play well together and they are so cute.
We’ve got 6 dogs! They get along great went to Walmart today and bought them all a toy happy national dog day! Eszee,hoss,chance,Duke,karma,and,skippy
I love my dog soooo much! I don’t know what I would do without my “Sweetiepie”! She got her name honestly! I celebrate her every day!❤❤ And she’s not spoiled! ❤❤
My dog Sage is a 6 Year old border collie.
He loves Purina prime bones
I am always amazed how he knows what time it is walkies time, treat time, bedtime, he will give you the look I am sure most dog owners know what I mean.
Definitely would be lost without all my furbabies. I am a bit more of a dog mom, but a cat mom as well. 5 furbabies all together Aaliyah, Rigger, Annabelle, Brother, and Sister. They are treated like Queens and kings.