Happy National Puppy Day: Ways to Celebrate

National Puppy Day is the time for you to commemorate the unconditional love that your puppy has given you. All eyes are on the most adorable pups as they get the royal treatment they deserve. 

When is National Puppy Day?

National Puppy Day is celebrated on March 23. Although a majority of people know it as a special day to celebrate all things puppy, this day was originally created to raise public awareness on the number of dogs that need to be adopted and rescued each year.

Animal welfare advocate and founder Colleen Paige first brought awareness for the growing need for adoption in 2004 with National Dog Day, which was then adopted by the New York State Legislature in 2013.

From that moment on, National Dog Day, which is celebrated on August 26, and National Puppy Day are seen as days where people could celebrate their furry friends and raise awareness on opportunities for adoption.

There are many ways to celebrate National Dog Day with your dog, from taking them on a special outing to simply spending some extra time cuddling on the couch. 

Here are some ways you can spend National Puppy Day with your furry friend and take care of them like the pro that you are.

Take your puppy on a special outing, like a hike or beach trip

Taking your puppy on a vacation is one of the best ways you can spend this special day with him. However, there are some things that you should consider before you go.

Here are some tips to ensure that your puppy is safe and comfortable.

• Talk to your veterinarian. First and foremost is to make sure that your puppy is healthy enough for travel. Its vaccinations should be complete and updated.
• Check if your vacation destination is safe for dogs. Determine if the region doesn’t pose any potential risks or dangers to your dog. Disclose your vacation destination to your vet or simply do a quick Google search to know if there are potential dangers like ticks, heartworms, or flea in the area.
• Make sure that your puppy is comfortable traveling in a carrier. A carrier is a must if you’re traveling by car, plane, or train. Make sure that your puppy is used to being in one. If not, then bag-train them early at home for a few weeks before your trip. 
• Look for pet-friendly accommodations. It’s always good to book early and make sure that the place you’ll be staying in is pet-friendly. 
• Pack the right things. 

Here is a list of things you should pack if you plan to go on vacation with your puppy:

• Pet food
• Puppy bowl for food and water
• Meds (if your puppy is taking any)
• Tick, flea, or heartworm preventives
• Puppy waste bags
• Leash and collar
• Grooming necessities
• Bedding
• Vaccination card
• First aid kit for pets

Give your puppy a new toy or bone to chew on

National Puppy Day is a good time to buy your furry friend a new toy. For puppies, choosing the right toy is important. You want to give them something that they would enjoy while also reinforcing good habits.

For example, refrain from buying toys that resemble household items. This way they can distinguish what is okay for them to play with and chew on from items that they’re not allowed to bite or suck on.

For starters, look for toys that are durable. Avoid toys that are too soft or that are hard but can break easily. Hard rubber toys might be a good idea, as well as hard nylon ones.

Another thing is to avoid toys with bells. Bells or the squeaky thing inside a toy will be the first thing your puppy will think of removing when they interact with the toy. If they’re successful, they might end up swallowing it.

Stuff toys are a good idea as long as they are constructed well. Make sure that the stuffed animal you’re buying won’t easily rip or else, the stuffing might end up getting ingested by your dog.

Make homemade puppy treats together

There’s no need to purchase expensive puppy treats from the store when you can make them yourself right at home. Since it’s a special day, you can bond with your puppy by making homemade treats together.

There are plenty of recipes out there that are both easy and affordable. The best thing about making it at home is that you can control the ingredients.

Many store-bought treats contain questionable additives and preservatives, but with a little extra work, you can make healthy snacks that your pup can enjoy on this special day or any day for that matter.

• Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats

These treats are as simple as they sound—all you need is some ripe bananas and peanut butter (make sure to choose a variety that doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs).

Simply mash the bananas in a bowl and mix in the peanut butter until you have a smooth consistency. Then, use a spoon or your hands to form the mixture into small bite-sized pieces. Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

• Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for dogs, so they make an excellent choice for homemade dog treats. 

For this recipe, you’ll need one large sweet potato and some whole wheat flour.

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, wash the sweet potato and slice it into thick rounds. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 30 minutes, or until they’re soft all the way through.

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a bowl. 

Add in the whole wheat flour and use a fork to mash everything together until you have a dough-like consistency. 

Use your hands to form small treats, then place them on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

• Pumpkin Dog Treats

Pumpkin is another ingredient that’s packed with nutrients that are good for dogs, making it an ideal choice for homemade dog treats. For this recipe, you’ll need canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), whole wheat flour, and an egg.

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, whole wheat flour, and egg until everything is evenly combined.

Use a spoon or your hands to form small balls of dough, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch. 

Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

• Turkey and Cheese Dog Treats

These treats are an excellent way to use any leftover turkey you might have. You’ll also need some shredded cheese, whole wheat flour, and an egg.

In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, whole wheat flour, and egg until everything is evenly combined. Then, use a spoon or your hands to form small balls of dough. 

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch. Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

Bake a cake for your puppy

If you really want to spoil your puppy on this special occasion, then why not bake a puppy cake? This isn’t solely for National Puppy Day, you can also bake a cake for your puppy’s birthday or any other day.

Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs, beaten well
1/2 cup finely grated carrots
1/4 cup well-drained, canned crushed pineapple
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting, you’ll need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup shortening
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup well-drained, canned crushed pineapple
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Butter and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. 
3. Sift together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. 
4. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. 
6. Stir in carrots, pineapple, and vanilla extract. 
7. Add flour mixture, and stir just until blended. 
8. Pour batter into prepared pan. 
9. Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 
10. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. 
11. Remove the cake from the pan, and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. 

Instructions for the frosting:

1. Cream together butter and shortening. 
2. Add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. 
3. Stir in pineapple and vanilla extract. 
4. Put the frosting on the cake.
5. Store cake in the refrigerator until chilled.
6. Serve and let your puppy enjoy the treat.

Spend some extra time cuddling or bonding with your pup

Puppies are really easy to please. All they want is for you to love and care for them. Yes, you do take care of your pet every day. You feed them, bathe them, and take them out for a walk. But now is an excellent moment to show them how you really care by spending more time with them. You can either cuddle with them on the couch or play with them.

You can also take this time to give them a spa treatment. A bubble bath with a grooming session at the end would be the perfect way to end the day with your pup.

Show You Puppy How Much You Care

National Puppy Day is that time of the year when you can shower your puppy with attention and show how much you love them. However, you can do this at any time of the year.

Puppies give you unconditional love. They don’t judge you or make you feel guilty and that is, in itself, priceless. The tips above can help you get ideas on how to pamper your puppy and make them feel special not just on this special holiday, but on any given day.