The first full week in May was selected as National Pet Week by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1981. It’s a time to step back and fully celebrate the bond we feel with our pets. This year’s celebration runs from May 6-12, so it’s time to think of ways to honor your pet, above and beyond the day-to-day lovefest you show them.
This is a special time for dog devotees, fans of felines and other animal lovers to take it up a notch. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Puppy Play Date
Organize a special play date for your puppy. Get in touch with a trainer in your area to help run the event and keep the pups on their best behavior. The trainer can help spread the word among other puppy owners. Not only will your pup sharpen his socialization skills, you may bond with another human puppy owner!
Kitty Bling Upgrade
The spring just feels right for a new outfit anyway, so why not go out and find your favorite feline a new collar with a bit of bling or strong social message. Be sure to transfer your ID tags. We don’t want to sacrifice safety for fashion.
Doggy Spa Day
Whether at home or a professional grooming salon, plan to get Fido all polished up from head to tail. Take extra time to massage in his shampoo and conditioner while giving him tons of praise. Clip the nails and overgrowth of hair between his toes. Don’t forget the ear cleaning! And, after he’s fully dried and brushed, top it off with a new scarf and watch him strut his stuff.
Kitty Cognition Challenge
Nothing better to shake off the winter doldrums than a kick in the brain (not literally, of course). Get your cat’s puzzle solving skills awake with some new toys. Check out the toy aisle at your local pet retailer or pick up your favorite pet magazine to see the latest and greatest. If you can find an interactive toy, that’s even better. More bonding time, how purrrrfect.
Thank Your Vet
That’s right, since this celebration was created by the AVMA, let’s not forget to show our appreciation to the vets that ensure our pet’s well-being. They work like a dog to stay up to date on the best ways to keep our furry companions in the best of health so we can enjoy them in our lives. Why not call your local newspaper, inform them of this celebratory week and ask them to do a feature on your veterinarian?
However you decide to embrace the celebration, don’t forget to honor yourself. Thank you for being a loving, caring, responsible pet parent!
This blog is brought to you by Under the Weather®, producer of a wide range of products to support optimal health for pets, including our award-winning bland diet foods and a family of functional supplements for dogs and cats. Check out our new line of products!
Under the Weather is also an avid participant in the pet overpopulation cause. A portion of every sale is channeled to the Ruffy Rescue Transport Fund which finances the transportation of pets from overpopulated kill shelters around the U.S.A. to Vermont for adoption. The fund also covers the cost of spaying and neutering these animals. Get to know more about Ruffy and the inspiration for our company.
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