It’s National Dog Day! A day to celebrate all the furry friends in our lives who bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. While we should show our appreciation for our dogs every day, this is a special day to go above and beyond to make them feel extra loved. Here are some fun activities you can do with your dog to celebrate National Dog Day.

1. Go for a long walk or hike.

One of the best things about dogs is that they love being active and spending time outdoors. So, take advantage of that and go for a long walk or hike together. This is a great way to bond with your dog while also getting some fresh air and exercise yourself. Just be sure to bring along some water for both of you to stay hydrated.

2. Make homemade dog treats. Store-bought dog treats are fine, but there’s nothing like a homemade treat made with love. And your dog will be able to taste the difference! There are tons of recipes online for healthy and delicious dog treats that you can make right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s peanut butter banana bites or salmon & sweet potato chews, your pup is sure to enjoy anything you make for them.

3. Have a picnic in the park.

This activity is twofold: you get to enjoy a lovely picnic lunch in the park with your dog by your side, and your pup gets to socialize with other dogs! If your dog loves meeting new friends, this is the perfect activity for National Dog Day. Just be sure to pack some extra dog biscuits or treats to share with all their new four-legged friends.

4. Give them a much-needed bath (or just a good brushing).

Let’s be honest—most dogs don’t exactly love baths (or brushes). But they definitely need them from time to time to stay clean and healthy. So, on National Dog Day, why not give them a nice bath or good brushing? They may not thank you at the time, but they’ll definitely appreciate it later. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your furry friend.

No matter how you choose to celebrate National Dog Day, just remember that it’s all about showing your furry friend how much you love and appreciate them. They bring so much joy into our lives, so take some time today to show them just how much they mean to you!