How to Celebrate International Cat Day and National Dog Day
August is a month full of celebrating our furry friends!
Did you know August 8 was International Cat Day? This day is dedicated to our feline friends and everything we love about them. If you’re worried you missed the big day, don’t worry—it’s never too late to celebrate your favorite feline(s)! And if you’re a pup parent, get ready for August 26—National Dog Day. It’s the perfect chance to recognize your beloved canine.
If you’re wondering about the best way to celebrate your pet, here are a few ideas to treat them and enjoy some time together!
Beyond quality eats for furry friends, grooming services are also available at Pet Food Express!
Treat Your Furry Friend to High-Quality Food and Treats
What better way to show your pet some love than by treating them to quality food every day?
From wet and dry food to gently cooked options, there are so many high-quality brands to explore that support your pet’s well-being.
Freeze-dried fish and meats or meal toppers can add some fun and variety to their diet. Functional treats (dental chews, joint health supplements, skin & coat support, and more) can boost their nutrition and support an overall happy fur baby!
Lickable treats for cats incorporate some moisture and support kidney health, while bone treats for dogs can support their dental health.
Have fun with your pet and explore adding some new, yummy options to their diet. Just don’t forget to transition your pet to the new food slowly so they don’t have tummy troubles.
Be Sure They’re Up-to-Date With Appointments and Vaccinations
Are there any appointments you’ve been meaning to schedule but keep forgetting?
These special days are a great reminder to take your pet in if they’re overdue for a vet visit!
Set aside time to be sure your cat or dog is up-to-date on all their checkups.
From a yearly vet visit and vaccines to regular bloodwork, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s health.
Even if your pet is indoor-only and seems to be in perfect health, it’s a good idea to still have regular checkups.
This gives you a baseline and also allows you to monitor or detect any potential concerns early.
Take this time to be sure you have an upcoming appointment on the calendar, and set a reminder for when the day comes.
Give Them a Spa Day
Humans aren’t the only ones who love “pam-purring”!
Whether it’s a nail trim, a grooming session, a bath, or a teeth cleaning, pet spa services are an awesome way to show your furry friend some extra love.
And if you want to enjoy a self-care session at home together, you can pick up some specialty products to spoil them.
Peninsula Animal Hospital offers award-winning care for animals across the Monterey Peninsula (and owners, too!)
From scruffy to fluffy, Suds n’ Scissors makes tails wag.
Pamper Them With Holistic Care
Who doesn’t love a massage or relaxing yoga session? Don’t exclude your pet from your self-care plans—include them! Holistic pet care supports your pet’s natural well-being.
For everything from meeting their nutritional needs to learning how to best communicate with them, this is the perfect avenue to take your connection with your pet to the next level.
For example, dog yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness and foster a deeper relationship with your pet, all while enjoying the chance to press “pawse” on the hectic day-to-day!
Sit, stay, and stretch at Dogma pet yoga!
Check Your Pet’s Microchip
You open the door to bring in the groceries and your furry friend slips out the door, into the street. It’s a pet parent’s worst nightmare. Microchips are a simple solution many pet parents choose to help avoid losing their loved one in the event they make an escape. But have you had your pet’s microchip checked recently?
It’s a good practice to have your pet’s vet check their chip at their yearly checkup. This ensures the chip is still functioning, in the correct location, and has your correct information. This way, in the event they are separated from you, you can be reunited safely and quickly!
If your pet hasn’t had theirs checked recently, Check the Chip Day (August 15) is the perfect reminder to schedule an appointment and ensure everything still works as it should.
Spend Time Together Doing Their Favorite Activities
Just like humans, every pet has a unique personality that shines through their interests.
Some pets are cuddlers while others thrive on playtime. Others may enjoy the curiosity and challenge that comes with a new puzzle feeder or other activity!
Whether it’s going for a walk, playing with their favorite toys, or spending some quality time snuggling together, one of the best gifts you can give your pet is participating in the daily activities that they love the most! Carve out some extra time on the calendar and make it a priority to celebrate them and what makes them unique.
Several pet prescriptions can be filled at your local CVS pharmacy.
Stock Up on Medicine
It can be stressful when you go to give your pet their medicine, only to find an empty bottle. To show them some extra love, stay ahead of their prescriptions by stocking up on medicine.
For meds that need to be administered regularly — like flea, tick, or heartworm medicine — explore an auto-fill option through your vet or favorite local pet store, so your pet’s medications can be sent right to your home.
This takes away the worry that your pet will have to go without medicine for long stretches of time, and helps keep your companion in their best health.
Pick Up a New Pet Toy
It may seem like a small gesture, especially for pet parents who regularly spoil their fur babies, but picking up a new toy can keep playtime fun and switch up the routine!
From chew toys to plushies, wands to interactive toys—there are so many exciting options to choose from!
For cats, consider catnip options to give them some stimulation!
For dogs, find a new chew toy to fetch.
Treat Your Pet to The Best of Carmel
Our pets are so much more than cute creatures we share a home with — they’re our companions, our friends, and our family!
That’s definitely something worth celebrating.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a pet spa, scheduling a check-up, or simply picking up a new treat, there is no shortage of places to pamper your four-legged friend at The Crossroads Carmel.
Explore the many pet-friendly stores available here and give your fur baby the best Carmel has to offer.
Check out Pet Food Express’ paws-itively fabulous collection of toys!