May is National Pet Month, a time to celebrate and appreciate our furry, feathered, and scaly friends who bring so much joy to our lives. This month-long celebration provides an opportunity for pet owners to honor their pets and raise awareness about what it means to have a responsible pet ownership relationship with your pet. While we lean more towards dogs, we do realize you could also have a cat, bird, hamster, fish, or reptile. So no matter what you love as a family pet, there are countless ways to show them how much you care. Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate National Pet Month!
Pets are a big deal for most of us. In fact, the American Pet Products Association's most recent study, called the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Study, showed that 70% of U.S. households own some type of pet, an increase from 67% in the 2019-2020 survey. In fact, 14% of the total respondents added a new pet during the pandemic. And 1 out of 4 said the pandemic influenced their decision to add a pet to their household. With all these new pets, it's time to celebrate them this month. Now let's get to celebrating National Pet Month with your pet!
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month
1. Schedule a Vet Checkup
One of the best ways to celebrate National Pet Month is to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. Schedule a visit to the vet for a checkup and make sure that all of your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. If your pet has any health issues, now is a good time to address them.
2. Go for a Walk
If you have a dog, take them for a walk in the park or on a hiking trail. Not only will your dog enjoy the exercise and fresh air, but it's also an excellent opportunity for bonding with your pet. Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a leash.
3. Try a New Activity
National Pet Month is an excellent time to try a new activity with your pet. If you have a dog, you can try a new dog park, a new hiking trail, or even agility training. If you have a cat, you can try playing with new toys or introducing them to a new climbing tree. For birds, you can try a new type of bird feeder or perch, and for fish, you can try adding new decorations to their tank.
4. Donate to an Animal Shelter
Animal shelters are always in need of supplies and donations, so why not celebrate National Pet Month by giving back to these organizations? You can donate money, pet food, toys, blankets, and other supplies to your local animal shelter. You can also volunteer your time by walking dogs, playing with cats, or helping with adoption events.
5. Take a Cute Photo
National Pet Month is the perfect opportunity to take some adorable photos of your pet. You can take pictures of your pet sleeping, playing, or just being cute. You can also take photos of you and your pet together. These photos will make great memories, and you can even use them to create a personalized calendar or photo album.
6. Have a Playdate
If your pet is social, why not arrange a playdate with another pet? You can invite a friend over with their pet, or you can go to a dog park or a pet-friendly café. This is an excellent opportunity for your pet to socialize and make new friends.
7. Teach Your Pet a New Trick
National Pet Month is an excellent time to teach your pet a new trick. Whether it's teaching your dog to sit, teaching your cat to fetch, or teaching your bird to sing a new song, training your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can use treats, toys, or positive reinforcement to encourage your pet to learn.
8. Pamper Your Pet
National Pet Month is also an excellent time to pamper your pet. You can give them a bath, brush their fur, or take them to a pet salon for a spa day. You can also buy your pet a new toy, bed, or accessory to show them how much you care. Lots of hugs and kisses are the way of the day!
9. Make Homemade Treats
Why not celebrate National Pet Month by making your pet some homemade treats? You can find plenty of recipes online for dog biscuits, cat treats, birdseed cakes, and more. Homemade treats are often healthier than store-bought treats, and your pet will appreciate the effort you put in to make them.
10. Watch the Westminster Kennel Club Show
This week is the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! If you love dogs, you will love this show. While there are activities all this week, the main dog show begins Saturday, May 6. Most events will be broadcast on the free, live-streaming channel at Westminster Kennel Club on Fox-1 Sports App. When you tune in, you can see over 200 breeds compete, and watch the fastest agility dogs in the country and the most obedient dogs with professional and junior handlers.
May is Arthritis Awareness Month
May is a busy month! Since we are talking about how to celebrate May's National Pet Month, it's a good opportunity to be sure you focus on your dog's joint health. Dogs are active creatures by nature, so caring for their joint health is one of the best things you can do so your dog will live an active, healthy and happy life. Arthritis is a common condition that affects dogs, particularly as they age. As a pet owner, it is essential to understand the signs of arthritis and how it can impact your dog's quality of life.
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. The symptoms of arthritis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common signs include limping, reluctance to walk, difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, and decreased activity levels. Arthritis can impact dogs of any age, breed, or size. However, certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, may be more prone to developing arthritis.
As a pet owner, there are several things you can do to manage your dog's arthritis.
- Regular exercise and weight management can help to reduce stress on the joints and maintain muscle strength.
- Provide your dog with a comfortable and supportive bed, ramps, or steps for accessing furniture or the car, and using non-slip mats can help to make daily activities more comfortable for them.
- Add quality a high joint supplement, like Glyde Mobility Chews for Dogs, to your dog's diet to protect their joints so they can do all they want to do. Joint supplements also help manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, if you already suspect arthritis in your dog.
By understanding the signs of arthritis and taking steps to manage the condition, pet owners can help to improve their dog's quality of life and provide them with the care and support they need.
Do you think your dog might have arthritis? Take the quiz now and find out!
