National Spoil Your Dog Day: When it is & How to Celebrate

As with most dog owners, there’s probably no limit on how much attention and love you give to your dog. So, it should come as a welcome surprise to both you and your dog that there’s an entire day dedicated to doing just that! Yes, you read that right. National Spoil Your Dog Day is on August 10, and we couldn’t be more excited.

No matter what kind of dog you have in the family, this day is a great excuse to get festive and show them just what a good boy or good girl they are. Read on for a brief history of this canine holiday and a list of fun ways to celebrate.

History of Spoil Your Dog Day

It’s unclear when exactly Spoil Your Dog Day first began (and there’s conflicting information online). The day is believed to have first been celebrated sometime in the early 2000s, although Google Trends data shows online mentions for it beginning in 2014. Regardless, Spoil Your Dog Day is now observed by pet owners and dog-centric organizations across the United States and Canada. Though let’s be honest — you can celebrate on August 10 wherever you happen to be with your dog.

7 Safe and healthy ways to spoil your dog

Spoiling your dog can be fun for both of you. However, it’s important to make sure you’re doing only safe activities. Doing things like giving them extra treats or letting them try people food may be “spoiling” them, but they can be damaging to your pet’s health. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy ways to celebrate National Spoil Your Dog Day that your pup will love.

1. Go on an adventure

Your dog needs daily exercise — why not make this day extra fun with an adventure out of the ordinary? Take your dog on a fun outing, like a trip to their favorite park, a day at a pet-friendly beach, or a hike on a trail with new scents and sights they’ll love. Whatever you do, just be sure to bring plenty of water (for both of you) and don’t push your pet too hard.

If your dog enjoys socializing with other canines, you may also want to bring them to a dog park or check out a local dog meetup.

2. Teach them a new game

Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise. And yes, this includes older dogs! To engage your pet’s mind in a fun way, try teaching them a new trick or game. You have a lot of options here:

• Name different items and have them retrieve them from around the house.
• Create your own dog obstacle course (this provides both exercise and mental stimulation).
• Make a scavenger hunt for them.
• Play hide-and-seek with them (you’ll most likely have to do all the hiding though).
• Teach them a new command or trick.
• Introduce a dog puzzle toy.

3. Throw a puppy spa day

No, this doesn’t mean bringing your pup to the dreaded dog groomer. Instead, you can create your own relaxing pet spa day at home. Set up a cozy blanket or bed for them to lay on, then give them a massage and nice brushing session. You can even try some canine aromatherapy for an extra dose of zen (using only dog-safe essential oils, that is).

Just maybe save the nail clippers for another day to avoid causing any stress.

4. Get dog insurance

One of the best ways to celebrate Spoil Your Dog Day is to prioritize their health — how better to do this than protecting them with dog health insurance? A good plan will cover them in the event of surprise health conditions, where your normal veterinary budget may not be sufficient for the care they need.

While your dog won’t necessarily realize when you sign them up for dog insurance, it’s a serious way of showing you care nonetheless. After all, the right policy can make all the difference in being able to get your pet the best veterinary treatment, especially when it comes to serious illnesses or accidents.

5. Upgrade their bed

Even the best dog beds wear out over time and can become less comfy for your pet. So, why not take advantage of a holiday meant to spoil them and give them an upgrade?

When choosing a dog bed that’ll give your pet years of relaxation, prioritize comfort and durability. Look for a bed with supportive, high-quality materials like memory foam or orthopedic padding (especially for older canines or those with joint issues). Naturally, the size of the bed should match your dog's size, allowing them to stretch out comfortably.

6. Make your own dog treats

While you shouldn’t overdo it on the treats for Spoil Your Dog Day, that doesn’t mean you should avoid giving your favorite pup any tasty snacks. On the contrary! Making your own healthy dog treats can be simple and rewarding for both of you. Homemade treats also allow you to control what your dog consumes, ensuring they enjoy a nutritious, tasty snack without potentially harmful preservatives or artificial additives.

Look for recipes with dog-safe ingredients like oats, peanut butter (without xylitol), pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or apples. Avoid harmful ingredients like chocolate, grapes, onions, and excessive salt. And of course, be sure to only serve treats in correct portions for your dog’s size and caloric needs (talk with your veterinarian if you’re not sure).

7. Focus on quality time

At the end of the day, the most important way to spoil your dog is to just spend quality time with them. This can be anything from tossing a Frisbee around in the backyard to cuddling on the couch with your favorite dog movie. And of course, this should all coincide with plenty of positive verbal affirmations and pets!

Whatever you choose to do this Spoil Your Dog Day, the key is to focus on what makes your dog happiest and letting them know you care.