August 10th is Spoil Your Dog Day. You can do so many things to spoil your dog, so we brainstormed 10 ideas to help you make Spoil Your Dog Day a memorial one for your pooch! These are in no particular order, so without further ado, here is Lombard Veterinary Hospital's Top 10 list.
1. Make Homemade Treats
This is one of our favorite things to do! Homemade treats are not only budget-friendly but you can also enjoy the treat with your pup! You can find so many amazing recipes on the internet that we are sure your dog will enjoy. When making homemade treats, it's important to make sure that you do not use any ingredients that may contain items that are toxic to dogs. Such as the artificial sweetener Xylitol, raisins, and of course chocolate, to just name a few. If you stay away from those toxic items, you'll be set! We've saved you a bit of time on having to find the perfect recipe, here's a quick and easy frozen treat that we know your dog will enjoy.
2. Go Shopping
Head to your local pet store with your dog and let them enjoy a fun field trip! Let them go down every aisle and take in the sights and smells the store has to over. They will be able to find a new favorite toy or a tasty snack. It is Spoil Your Dog Day, you might as well get them a toy and a snack, because why not?!
3. Go for a Walk
One of the easiest things you can do to spoil your dog is just going for a walk with your dog. Just going around the block is a great form of exercise for them. Or if you want a walk with a view or to get out in nature. Check out our blog from National Walk Your Dog Week, and head out to one of the county's great forest preserves.
4. Spa Day
Every dog deserves to be pampered. Why not get them a day at the spa, where they can get a bath, a mani and Pedi, and a haircut if needed? This is a great way to show them just how much you love them. If your dog doesn't like going to the groomer, you can always do it in the comfort of your own bathroom or yard! Either way, they will surely love it!
5. Spend Time Playing
Playing with your dog is such a simple way to show them how much you love them. Playing doesn't just mean physical, mental stimulation is a great way to let them learn new things. You can purchase a treat dispensing ball or even a puzzle for some playtime fun. Or if you want something a little more challenging, you can teach them tricks. YouTube is a great tool for finding easy step-by-step videos on a wide variety of tricks. Try teaching your dog to do the "Bang" trick.
6. Go for a Car Ride
Heading out to run a quick errand? Bring your pup along, most dogs love car rides. There are a few things you should keep in mind if you do take your dog for a car ride:
- If you stop at Starbucks, you must get them a Pup cup
- Never bring your dog for a ride if it is hot outside
- Always make sure that they can't get out of the moving car
7. Cuddling
Nothing is better than spending a few extra minutes (or hours) just laying in bed or on the couch cuddling up with your pup! It doesn't matter if they are a Great Dane or a Chihuahua. Take time throughout the day to let them cuddle up next to you!
8. Play Dates
Play dates with your dogs BFF, other than you of course, is not only great for them to get exercise but also for them to interact with our dogs. Meet at your local park, backyard, or forest preserve and just let the dogs have some fun! If your dog tends to like people more than other dogs, you can take them to a pet friendly area and let people come and give some head scrathes to your pup. Whatever you decide, we are sure that your dog will love it no matter what!
9. Dog-Friendly Field Trips
For this, don't take them to a pet store. Take them to a dog-friendly restaurant like the brand new bar Electric Garden in Chicago. You could also visit Quigley's Irish Pub in Naperville or even Dawg Park in Glenview. If going to a resturarant isn't your thing and you need to run some errands, you can take your dogs to Home Depot, Orvis, and even Bass Pro Shop. If you do decide to take your dog on a field trip, make sure that they aren't stressed in their new environment. Being out in public, around new people and animals, might not be for every dog.
10. Visit Grandma & Grandpa
Your pet's favorite people are your parents! Yes, your pet loves going to visit their grandparents, they get so many belly rubs, kisses, and treats when they are there. The grandparents get to spoil your dog and then get to send them back home with you at the end of the day. It's a win-win in their book!
