Celebrate National Dog Week Happy & Healthy

This week, September 19- 25 is celebrated as "National Dog Week."  It is surprising to think 93 years ago, author and publisher Captain William Lewis Judy was thinking of ways humans could be better to dogs and created the first “National Dog Week.” Captain Judy was known for great quotes such as: “Don’t call a man a dog. It’s unfair to the dog.” As this month is also Pet Pain Awareness Month, it is a good opportunity to take special note of their health, while celebrating all the love and joy they bring to our lives. Here are a few tips on how you can do just that. Read on!

Captain Will Judy was has been inducted to the Animal History Museum as an innovator of acceptable and more human practices when owning a dog. In those days, dogs were never in the house but always outside and often tethered. His ideas of how to more humanly let your dog be tethered with room to roam were at first shunned, then accepted. He would be very proud of how far we have come to appreciate dogs and be better pet parents in today’s world.

This year’s National Dog Week theme is “Man's Best Friend.” So with this in mind, here are ways you can celebrate your dog any time and reconnect as best friends always need to do.

1. Dog Walks Means time together

2. Read with your dog

3. Do what dogs do best: take a nap

4. Belly rubs anyone?

5. Dog kisses are always good.

 6. Regular Health Check-Ups

Since it is also Pet Pain Awareness Month, it's a good time to review and reflect on your dog's health. If you haven't recently, let this week serve as a reminder to see your veterinarian at least once a year. Also, it's a good idea to take the arthritis assessment every six months to see how your dog’s mobility is doing. As temperatures change, the pressure can also impact your dog's joints. This is why it's a good idea to do it twice a year. 

For most pet parents, EVERY week is dog week at our homes. No matter what you do – celebrate big with #NationalDogWeek your dog how you want to and share with us on our FaceBook page how you are celebrating!