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5 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

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Four dogs standing in a row on a green lawn.

Happy National Dog Day! This is one of our favorite days of the year at Embark, and we couldn’t let it pass without a celebration. Here are our top five ways to celebrate National Dog Day.

1. Go on an outing with your dog

Take advantage of the holiday by dedicating the day to your furry family member. Try out a summer activity such as hiking with your dog, exploring a pet-friendly beach, or hitting up a local dog park. Treat your dog to a day of fun activities and create memories that you will cherish forever. For extra fun, get a crew of your dog-loving friends to join with their pups so you can all celebrate together.

Going on a longer outing? Check out our tips for car rides with your dog and how to travel with your dog.

2. Give to your local shelter

Today is about all of the dogs on Earth, so consider donating to your local shelter. The official National Dog Day website suggests giving your time as a volunteer or donating supplies. Shelters are always in need of extra help and resources. Check in with your local shelter to see if they’re looking for anything specific. Besides donating to a shelter, there are many more ways to help dogs in need, so you can find what works for you.

If you’re looking to bring a new dog home with you, National Dog Day is also a great time to foster a dog or adopt a dog from a shelter.

3. Send gifts to friends and family

We love dog-themed gifts every day of the year, but National Dog Day is the perfect time to surprise the dog lover in your life with well-timed gift. For inspiration, check out our last-minute gift guide for dog lovers and the best gift ideas for dog moms.

4. Throw a National Dog Day party

There are so many options when it comes to throwing a dog-themed party. If you’ve recently received your dog’s Embark results, now is a great time for a breed reveal party. Or maybe your dog’s birthday is right around the corner. In that case, it might be time for a dog birthday party. Whatever the reason, National Dog Day is a great time to celebrate dogs with their own party.

Of course, no party is complete without the perfect party playlist. Take our quiz to discover which party song best matches your dog’s personality.

Did you know that dog owners in Connecticut celebrate dog birthdays the most, compared to other states? Find out more in The State of Dog Care.

5. Spoil your dog

We think the most important thing to do on National Dog Day is to treat your dog to some extra love. Give them lots of belly rubs and kisses to let them know you care. Treat them with their favorite bone, an extra lick of peanut butter, or a new toy. Cool off with some ice cream made just for dogs. National Dog Day also suggests buying your pup a new, trendy dog leash or collar. Dogs are such a special part of the family, and today is a day to celebrate how much they are loved!

If you want to give your dog the best gift this National Dog Day, get to know them even better with an Embark Breed + Health Kit. Getting your dog tested with Embark not only informs you of their genetic health risks, but also gives you the opportunity to connect with their relatives and find out where they came from before they became such an important part of your family.

No matter what you’re doing today, we hope that you’re having the best day possible with your pup. Let them know how much they’re loved and appreciated. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and today is about celebrating them.

Happy National Dog Day! Follow @embarkvet on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more.

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