Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Pet Appreciation Week

Pet Appreciation Week, or PAW, is always the first full week in June, which means this year, it’s June 4-10. To help you show your dog how much you appreciate all the love and loyalty he gives you all year long, we’ve put together our Top 10 Ways to celebrate the week.

1. Stock up on treats. This is probably the easiest way you can show your pet appreciation. Stock up on his favorite Bil-Jac treats—and consider trying some new ones!

2. Buy a new toy. Along the same lines as stocking up on treats, you can easily show your dog some extra love with a new toy. Take him shopping with you so you can enjoy the experience of choosing the toy together.

3. Spend extra time walking or playing with your dog. Bust out that new toy and spend some time together! Or just take a longer walk, or more frequent walks. Dogs love nothing more than having fun with you!

4. Make and keep those vet appointments. Your dog counts on you to make sure he stays healthy and strong. So keep those check-ups and keep his vaccinations up to date!

5. Consider microchipping. It’s estimated that one in three family pets will get lost during their lifetimes, and without proper identification, 90% will not return home. A microchip can significantly increase the odds of your dog being returned to you if he gets lost. The size of a grain of rice, a microchip can be placed under your pet’s skin right in the vet’s office. If you don’t want to microchip your furry friend, at the very least, make sure his license and tags are up to date.

6. Perform a safety check around your home. Pet Appreciation Week is a great time to make sure your home is as safe as it can be for your pet. Check to be sure that all household cleaners, antifreeze and other potential toxins are locked away out of your dog’s reach. Do the same with small tools, batteries and other items small enough to pose a choking hazard. Mothballs, tobacco, nicotine replacement gum, rubber bands, string, dental floss and most sugar free gum can also be dangerous for your pooch, so keep them up and out of the way.

7. Donate food and toys or other items to a local animal shelter. If you adopted your pooch at a shelter or rescue, say thank you by helping them take care of other pets. Animal shelters are in constant need of funding and other items that help them care for the animals they house. Many shelters have their own wish lists. Check with your local shelter or rescue to see what they need, then become a “forever” friend by donating.

8. Assist an elderly or ill neighbor by walking their dog. Many elderly people have pets, but don’t have the ability to exercise them. You can help out by offering to walk their dogs for them. It’s a win-win for both the dogs and your neighbor — a simple act of kindness that will benefit everyone involved.

9. Teach your dog a new trick. Whether your dog is a pup or is just ready for some new tricks, we have training tips with plenty of videos to help you. Watch Joel Silverman, Hollywood animal trainer, as he walks you through the steps of teaching your dog everything from “stay” to “lie down” to “take a bow!”

10. Schedule some grooming time. Whether you bathe your dog at home or make an appointment at your favorite groomer, every dog needs a date with a brush and some bubbles. Take some time this week for a good wash and nail trimming. Then show him off with a nice walk around the neighborhood!

How will you celebrate Pet Appreciation Week with your fur babies? We’d love to know!

Sign Up for the Best Friends Club