BLOG POST: Dog Days of Summer Mark Special Dog Howl-idays!

What better time to celebrate all that dogs do for us than in the “dog days” of summer!  We’ve compiled just a few of the month’s important dog celebrations and encourage you to get involved and join in the celebrations.

Aug. 5-11 is International Assistance Dog Week (IADW). The special holiday was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability related limitations.

The goals of IADW are to recognize and honor assistance dogs; raise awareness and educate the public about assistance dogs; honor puppy raisers and trainers; and recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities.

For ideas on how you can help honor and educate others on the immeasurable contributions of assistance dogs, visit http://www.assistancedogweek.org/

On Friday, Aug. 10, it’s Spoil Your Dog Day. Here at Camp Bow Wow, we spoil pups everyday, but for those dog parents that want to do something special for their pooch today, how about:

1. Preparing a special meal for your pooch. Keep it healthy by combining their favorite foods with some flavorful fruits and vegetables or natural dog treats.
2. Go for a cruise with your favorite canine! Take your pooch for a car ride, and be sure to fasten your pups securely in a seat restraint (they make car seats and seat belts for dogs), and watch the jubilation on their faces as the wind blows on their faces.
3. Give your pooch a new dog toy. Did a much loved stuffed toy stop squeaking recently? Buy a new one and watch your pet have a blast. And if your dog's more of a foodie, try gifting him some dog bones or dog treats.
4. Get wet - It can be as simple as taking a walk on the beach or along the edge of a lake. For the more active dogs, introduce them to your favorite water sports.
5. Bring your pooch to Camp!  Mixing and mingling with other dogs is great for dog’s attitude and energy levels. Simple social interaction is also an important step in dog  development too.

Whatever you do to spoil your dog, the most important thing is that you make the day extra special for both of you!

Saturday Aug. 18 marks the International Homeless Animals Day. On this day organizations around the world work hard to raise awareness about the pet overpopulation epidemic and what people can do to get involved to help alleviate the issue. Between 6-8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year in the United States alone and only about 50 percent of those are adopted to a new family. For more information or to find out what you can do to get involved and make a difference visit the International Society for Animal Rights website 

National Dog Day is celebrated Aug. 26 annually and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

Founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige, National Dog Day was created to honor dogs more than we currently do, to give them "a day," to show deep appreciation for our long connection to each other - for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways. National Dog Day encourages dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure - and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life”.  For more information on National Dog day, visit http://www.facebook.com/NationalDogDay

Aug. 30 is National Holistic Pet Day. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, an active AVMA and AVHMA member, and leading speaker and writer on pet health and nutrition.  She offers her top 10 tips to help pet owners adopt a healthy holistic lifestyle for their canine companions at http://www.halopets.com/holisticpetday/