April 11th is National Pet Day. While many of the pet holidays we celebrate are dedicated to specific breeds or causes, this one is quite broad: it’s simply a time to honor our animal companions and their love, loyalty, and friendship. A Dayton, TN vet suggests some ‘pawesome’ ways to commemorate this momentous milestone.
Give Your Furry Friend A Special Treat
Snacks are always a great way to indulge your furry pal a bit. Store-bought snacks are acceptable, obviously. You can also create your own!
For an easy dog treat, just mix some ripe bananas and peanut butter. Check the peanut butter label first, and make sure it does not contain xylitol (birch sugar), which is hazardous to our canine companions. Blend and then separate into small portions. You can use a bone-shaped mold. If you want to go all out, consider purchasing a dog treat maker. This is similar to a panini press or waffle maker, but the form is fashioned like a little bone.
Of course, we cannot forget about Fluffy! To please your feline overlord, make her some tuna yums by mixing canned tuna or chicken with plain Greek nonfat yogurt and parsley. Divide into small portions and bake at 375 degrees until desired consistency is achieved. (Tip: A bottle cap works great for portioning them.
These are just a few of the possibilities. You can also test something new. Just use safe ingredients. Safe options include shredded, canned, cooked, or minced meat, fish, or chicken; an egg; fat-free yogurt; and sodium broth are also healthy possibilities. You can also include acceptable vegetables like spinach or peas.
Don’t give your dog or cat garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, or raisins; alcohol; caffeine; chocolate; avocado; nuts; mushrooms; meat on the bone; or anything containing xylitol. Ask your Dayton, TN veterinarian for further information.
Craft Something New For Your Furry BFF
This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy creating, have children, or both. There are plenty of excellent DIY projects available.
You can make catnip mice for your feline friend. You can purchase catnip or grow it yourself. Cut two pieces of fabric into the same shape. (It does not necessarily have to be a mouse.) Put them together, outside facing in. Sew them together, leaving only a slight gap. When you’re finished, utilize that opening to pull the material through so it’s no longer inside out. Fill a tiny funnel with catnip, and use that to stuff it. Sew the top shut, and there you have it! The cat is content.
You could make Fido a rope toy. Simply cut tiny strips from an old shirt or pillowcase. Put those strips together in a braid. After that, braid the braids together. Continue until you reach the desired thickness, and then tie the ends together in a knot. That’s the fundamental version. Tennis balls or dried sweet potato jerky slices can be used if you want to be creative.
Those are only a few things you can try. You can find a lot more possibilities online! You may construct items such as beds, box castles, and puzzle toys. Just be sure to stick to safe items. Consult your veterinarian for more information on this.
Bring Fido On A Fun Walk
This particular one mostly relates to dogs, though if your feline friend has been taught to walk on a leash, you can indulge her as well.
Many of our canine companions like seeing new locations. Fido’s adorable nose can gather a lot of information. Going somewhere new can provide enrichment and mental stimulation, both of which are vital to his health and well-being. The exercise is good for him, too, as is spending time with you.
You may try utilizing an app to find a new place. BringFido is a nice example, but there are plenty of others to try out.
Give Fido And Fluffy Some New Digs
It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is; you can make it more fun and cozy for your pet. This does not have to involve huge projects; simply taking small steps can have a significant impact.
If you have a kitty you can create a catio for her. Simply place some pet-friendly plants and a cat tower on a closed-in porch or patio, spare bedroom, or sunny area. Put a bird feeder where your feline friend is able to see it to get extra purrs. Fluffy will spend hours relaxing in the sun, snooping on local wildlife, and daydreaming about being a hunter in the wild.
As for Fido, if you happen to have a yard for him to chase squirrels around in, give it a pupgrade. A doghouse is an excellent choice. Our canine companions should always live indoors with their humans, but they do love and value having their own little ‘digs’ to look adorable in.
Another alternative is to provide a sandbox for your canine companion. This is an awesome option for pups that enjoy digging, such as terriers. If your furry friend enjoys swimming, he may like a kiddie pool or a pet fountain.
Pet Photo Shoot
We will never get tired of seeing adorable images of our furry patients. Getting excellent pictures is now easier than ever. The ordinary smartphone camera can capture stunning shots!
Here are a few suggestions:
Carve Out Pet Playtime
Playing is not only enjoyable for pets, but it is also beneficial to their mental and physical well-being. Just a few minutes per day holding a laser pointer for Fluffy or a wand toy for Fido can be beneficial. This will not only keep your child entertained, but it will also help them stay healthy.
Just Hang Out With Your Furry Pal
At the end of the day, pets simply want to spend time with their favorite humans. Set aside some additional time for your furry friend. Purrs and tail wags are among life’s most valuable gifts.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Dayton, TN Pet Hospital
Proper veterinarian care is crucial! Keep up scheduled veterinary appointments. If your pet hasn’t been to our animal clinic in a while, book an appointment today!
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Has it been a while since your four-legged friend has been to their doctor? Please reach out to us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your Dayton, TN pet clinic, we are happy to help!
