August 10, 2019, is National Spoil Your Dog Day! We know you try to spoil your furbabies every single day, but there are a few special things you can do on this incredible day to celebrate. We’ve put together this list in honor of all of the pups out there who deserve to be spoiled a little extra on this day.
Here’s how you can spoil your dog on a budget. 

Play Around

While your pup loves playing with you in the house, the dog park is an exciting place for dogs to socialize and play with their own kind. Dogs that lived in homes without backyards rarely get off-leash time, so the park will give them the opportunity to run free and play. Make sure to bring a water bowl because not all dog parks provide them. Also, to make sure your pup is playing safe, keep an eye on them the entire time. Remember, your dog is a sweetheart, but you don’t know how well socialized the other pups in the park are.
Some dogs may get overwhelmed by a dog park, especially if they are not used to being around other dogs. If you think your dog isn’t enjoying their time, don’t worry, we have tons of other things to do on this list that you’ll both enjoy. 

Buy a New Toy

If you could, you’d buy your dog a new toy every single day. However, that’s just not practical. There are some occasions that allow you to loosen the purse strings and buy your pup that delicious toy that you think they’ll love. National Spoil Your Dog Day is one of those days you can make him, or her feel extra special. You don’t have to buy the most expensive toy in the aisle, but make sure you buy a quality one that is safe for your fur baby.

Make a New Toy

Sometimes buying a new toy for your dog isn’t in the budget. That’s okay; there are tons of DIY dog toys that you can find on the internet. For our favorite crinkle toy, all you need is a long sock and a small empty plastic water bottle. Put the water bottle in the sock and tie off the end. If your dog loves crinkle toys, this will surely delight them.

Pump Up with a Puppucino 

Participating Starbucks locations put whipped cream in a cup for free if you order a puppucino with your own beverage. Spoil your pup while you spoil yourself. Spend some extra time sitting on a bench outside or in your car, looking at the beautiful scenery around you. Your dog will appreciate the time spent with you and will be so happy to be able to stick his or her head out of the window in the car.

Spend Quality Time Together

Spend as much time with your dog as you can on this holiday. Even if you’re busy while you’re home and can see your pup, but don’t get to spend that extra special quality time together, National Spoil Your Dog Day is the perfect excuse for taking a break and relaxing together. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it together and provide lots of belly rubs. Go for a walk, snuggle, and watch a dog movie together, or play your pup’s favorite games. It’s just that easy.

Cook Something Special

You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy treats or meals when you can cook something at home. Dog-friendly options include chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. Keep the service small, especially if your dog isn’t used to eating human food. You can also mix the gourmet food into their regular kibble. 

Make sure to avoid any foods that are dangerous to dogs, such as grapes, chocolate, and nuts. Stay away from hidden dangers, like xylitol or salt that might be added to processed foods like ice cream.

Pamper Your Pup

Pamper your dog with a trip to the spa for grooming, ear cleaning, nail cleaning, toothbrushing, and a bath. Costs do vary but typically range from $30 to $90 depending on the size and breed of your dog. Don’t want to spend that kind of money? Try a bath at home. Because it’s still summer, you can take a plastic rub outside and lift your dog into it. Don’t forget to suds up and let them dry off by running around. Once you’re done, give them a nice massage, and they’ll feel pampered and loved. 

If brushing your dog’s teeth is difficult at home, try the Bristly Dental Set, a way to spoil your pup for less.

The Bristly brushing stick lets your dog brush their own teeth. With paw pads for better grip, the Bristly’s bristles and nudges brush away stubborn plaque and tartar. The complete set comes with prebiotic toothpaste to help battle plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Think of it as a treat for both of you; you’ll receive fresher kisses, and your pup will have a healthy mouth!

Go Swimming

Warm summer days are the perfect time to let your pup romp around in the water. Take him or her to a local beach, lake, or stream. Remember, your dog may not be natural swimmer, so if you don’t feel comfortable taking them to an open body of water, you can fill a play pool at home with water and let them cool off outside.

Hunt for Treasure

Your dog probably loves to dig, so give him or her a chance to have fun outside and dig as much as they want. Take your dog to the local playground or a sandy spot and let them dig. You can also fill a child’s play pool with sand or use a portion of your yard. Bury bones, treats, and other yummy goodies for them to find.

Make Pupsicles

It’s August, which means it’s pretty warm outside. If your dog loves spending the sunny days outside but doesn’t remember to drink enough water, try making a pupsicle. To make a pupsicle, dilute low sodium beef broth with water and pour it into an ice cube tray. Use a dog treat as a Popsicle stick and prop it up in each cubed section.

If you don't have the right ingredients at home, try going to an ice cream shop and asking for a small cup of vanilla for your pup. Sometimes they're free with your own purchase!

How do you spoil your dog? Let us know in the comments below!