Your puppy is an adorable, sweet, delightfully rowdy
creature with a smile that always melts your heart — even after chewing a hole
in your favorite pair of shoes. On March 23, celebrate the unconditional love
this little furball gives you by finding a way to pamper your dog on National
Puppy Day.
Not only is puppy day a great excuse to spoil your dog,
it’s also designed to create awareness for dogs across the globe who aren’t
fortunate enough to live in loving homes. Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet and
home lifestyle expert and author, founded the holiday in 2006 as a way to help
save homeless puppies and to highlight the horrors of puppy mills. National
Puppy Day 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the occasion, so be sure to join
in the celebration by sharing pictures of your dog on social media using
#NationalPuppyDay.
Celebrating your dog on National Puppy Day doesn’t have to
involve spending lots of money. No matter what size your budget is, there are
plenty of fun and affordable ways to make your puppy feel special and loved.
Ways to spoil your dog on National Puppy Day
Adopt a Puppy
Get your dog another best friend — in addition to you of
course — by adopting a puppy from a local animal shelter or rescue. Not only
will you be saving a life, you’ll also cut costs. Generally speaking, it costs
an average of $250 or less to adopt a rescue dog — who will typically be spayed
or neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on shots — as opposed to paying $500
to $1,000 for a puppy from a breeder, plus the cost of shots, microchipping and
spaying or neutering. Plus, now your current pup has a new brother or sister to
play with.
Head to the Dog Park
Taking a trip to the dog park is free and your pup will
have a great time running off-leash and making friends with all the
neighborhood pooches. This is especially fun for puppies that live in an
apartment or a house without a yard.
Pamper Your Pup at the Spa
Treat your puppy to a day of pampering at the groomer for a
haircut, ear cleaning, nail cleaning and a bath. Costs can vary greatly by
location and the size of your dog, but typically range from $30 for a small dog
to $90 for larger breeds or ones with lots of hair.
Buy Your Puppy a New Toy
Your puppy is your furry child and kids are always excited
to get a new toy. Dog toys are available in a variety of price points, but
start as low as $1, so you can even work this fun surprise into a limited
budget. Alternatively, you can also look up how to make some easy DIY dog toys
for free.
Brush Those Puppy Teeth
Your dog has a strong set of teeth, so it’s important to
work hard to maintain his good oral health. He might not make brushing his
teeth too easy, but stay strong because this simple act can help prevent gum
disease, tooth loss, chronic oral pain and more as he ages. A dog toothbrush
and toothpaste can be purchased at major pet stores for under $10.
Update Your Dog’s Wardrobe
Anyone who claims puppies don’t need to wear clothes
clearly hasn’t seen the American Apparel line of dog clothing. Choose from a
variety of t-shirts and hoodies for your furry friend, priced from
approximately $10 to $30.
Get a Puppucino
If your dog doesn’t have a sensitive stomach, add a
puppucino — a cup with a little bit of whipped cream inside — to your Starbucks
order. This treat is free at participating Starbucks locations, and your puppy
will eat it up — literally.
Buy a Puppy Car Seat
Your dog goes everywhere with you, but buckling him into
the back seat of your car with a seatbelt doesn’t work. Keep him safe on the
road by investing in a car seat specially made for puppies, which can be
purchased at major pet stores starting at approximately $35.
Make a Steak Dinner
Supplement your dog’s dinner with a few bites of steak —
just be sure to trim the fat and remove the bones first. T-bone steak currently
averages $7.93 per pound at major retail supermarkets across the U.S., making
this special treat more than worth it.
Purchase a New Dog Bed
Even the highest quality dog beds can become worn out over
time due to wear and tear, so give your puppy an upgrade. New beds average in
price from approximately $30 to $100, so find a comfortable option you can
afford.
Spend Quality Time Together
You are your puppy’s hero and he wants nothing more than
your undivided attention. Spend at least an hour of one-on-one time with your
dog to make him feel special and loved. Going for a walk together, playing
fetch in the yard or hanging out on the couch won’t cost you a dime, but it
will make him feel like a million bucks.
Splurge for a Day of Doggie Daycare
Instead of leaving your puppy home alone while you’re at
work, drop him off at doggie daycare where he can spend the day playing with
new friends. The cost for this services varies by location, but ranges from $12
to $38 for a full day of care.
Go on a Road Trip
For most dogs, there are few things in life more exciting
than a car ride. Celebrate the holiday by hitting the road with your puppy for
a fun road trip. Dogs stay free at La Quinta Inns & Suites, Kimpton hotels
and Red Roof Inn, so it won’t cost you any extra to have your pooch in tow.
Microchip Your Puppy
Your puppy relies on you for everything, so it’s
devastating to think about what would happen if he gets lost and doesn’t know
how to find his way home. If he doesn’t already have one, take him to the
veterinarian to be microchipped. This procedure costs approximately $45 and
offers a lifetime of protection.
Donate to an Animal Shelter
As a dog lover, it’s only natural to want to do everything
you can to give all puppies a loving home. While it won’t directly benefit your
dog, making a National Puppy Day donation to the Humane Society, Best Friends
Animal Society, the ASPCA or a local organization in your area can literally
save a life. No amount is too small or too large to donate, so just give what
you can.
