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National Puppy Day: 5 ways for dog owners to pamper their furballs

National Puppy Day was established to celebrate the magic puppies bring to our lives, educate the public about puppy mills, and promote adoption

BY KHUSHALI SRIVASTAVA

PUBLISHED MAR 23, 2023

National Puppy Day is celebrated across all breeds and sizes of puppies (Meredith Lee/Getty Images)

Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert, and animal behaviorist established National Puppy Day in 2006. The goal was to celebrate the magic puppies bring to our lives, as well as educate the public about puppy mills and promote adoption. The 23rd of March is designated as National Puppy Day each year. This day is celebrated across all breeds and sizes of puppies.

National Puppy Day is not just about celebrating man's best friend, but also spreading awareness about “Adopt. Don’t Shop.”

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Here are 5 ways to celebrate National Puppy Day.

Keep your best friend safe and healthy

A seven week old Daschund cross puppy waits to be re-homed at the Cheshire Dogs Home on January 4, 2010 in Warrington, England. The puppy is one of hundreds waiting for a new home at the Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home and other animal shelters across Britain. There has been a huge surge in the number of abandoned pets over the Christmas and Winter period. — Your pets should always be immunized (Getty Images)

Puppies should always get immunizations to safeguard them against common illnesses like parvovirus, sickness, and rabies. A schedule detailing when each vaccination should be administered to your puppy will be provided by your veterinarian. This is the best gift you can gift to your best friend because, as they say, “Health is Wealth”.

Take them out on a date

(Ghetea Florin/EyeEm/Getty Images) — There are many pet-friendly restaurants and cafes (Ghetea Florin/Getty Images)

Most of us know the way to a puppy’s heart is through its stomach. This is the paw-fect way to give your pet a well-deserving day out. So many cafes and restaurants are pet friendly now. Both you and your pets can grab a quick bite as they even have a separate menu for pets.

Toys

Adorable golden retriever playing fetch at home — Golden retriever playing with a toy (Getty Images)

It's very important to replace toys that are worn or damaged to prevent the ingestion of unsafe materials. Choose toys that are safe and appropriate for their age and size. Ask your vet and get them toys as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Be a virtual volunteer

Texas puppy Kayak. — There are also things you can do from home, like spreading the word on social media (Getty Images)

Volunteering doesn’t have to be all fun and an in-person event. You might not be able to play with the puppies, but you will still be helping them. Start by filling out an online application on the website of any NGO that you are looking for and ask for an opportunity to help them. There are also things you can do from home, like spreading the word on social media. Share infographics that encourage spay and neuter programs, as well as pictures and stories of new puppies up for adoption. This is how you can actually celebrate your national puppy day.

Donate

Seven golden Labrador puppies were found abandoned inside a crate in Kent (Swale Borough Council Stray Dog Service) — Seven golden Labrador puppies were found abandoned inside a crate in Kent (Swale Borough Council Stray Dog Service, Getty Images)

Ask your local shelter what they need most and donate. Every animal shelter and rescue organization has expenses to cover, so your generous financial contribution will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be used to help pay for things like supplies, staff training, upgrading animal housing, community outreach programs, animal enrichment, and other necessities.