We celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, and even days set aside for National Sons Day and National Daughters Day. So, it’s only natural that our four-legged family members have their own day as well. August 26 is National Dog Day, celebrating all dog breeds—pure and mixed—and acknowledging these amazing pets, service animals, and working dogs.
As veterinarians, we want to draw extra attention to this special day and highlight the many positive roles dogs play in our lives, both directly and indirectly.
Dogs Are Beloved Pets
They’re not only our fun-loving, playful companions but often our watchful protectors, alert to anything out of the ordinary. They exemplify the very definition of loyalty and show their owners nothing but unconditional love. For those who live alone, they are a companion and a source of much-needed company. Tens of millions of U.S. households include at least one dog, but many dogs remain in shelters awaiting their forever homes. According to the ASPCA, millions of dogs enter shelters every year. If you’re looking to add a dog to your home, visit your local shelter and save a life by adopting.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability—from helping someone who is blind or has low vision navigate safely, to alerting a person with epilepsy to an oncoming seizure, to retrieving items for someone with limited mobility. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs may accompany their handlers into public places where dogs are not otherwise permitted. Air travel is governed by separate rules that have changed in recent years, so anyone planning to fly with a service dog should check the current requirements with their airline well in advance.
Emotional Support Dogs
Emotional support dogs bring comfort to people living with mental and emotional challenges such as anxiety, and a licensed mental health professional may recommend one as part of a treatment plan. They are not service dogs under the ADA, though, and they do not have the same public access rights—a distinction that catches many owners out. Emotional support dogs can be any age or breed, and for the right person they make a real difference to quality of life.
Working Dogs
Working dogs include those assisting law enforcement, search and rescue teams, hunters, and farmers. They are quick to learn, intelligent, strong, and alert. Bred to assist and to save, they excel at guarding, water rescue, herding, detecting illegal substances and explosives, tracking missing people, and much more. The American Kennel Club breaks down the breeds in the working group and the characteristics that suit them to particular roles. Working dogs need to stay genuinely fit and eat a diet that supports the demands of their job, and they benefit from regular veterinary attention to catch the joint and soft tissue problems that come with hard physical work.
Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day
Now that you’re aware of National Dog Day, make it memorable.
Celebrate National Dog Day in any of the following meaningful ways:
- Volunteer at your local animal shelter
- Donate money or supplies to your local animal shelter
- Conduct a fire safety check of your home, and make sure your pet’s microchip registration and ID tags are up to date
- Take your dog somewhere new for a walk and let them sniff to their heart’s content
- Spend quality time with your dog, teaching them a new trick
- Take some photos of your dog, or book a photographer if you’d like something special
- Take a stand against unethical puppy mills by writing to your state representatives
- Spoil your dog with a new supply of safe, mentally stimulating toys
- Give your dog a special treat—a small dog-friendly “cake” or a frozen stuffed Kong makes a good one. Keep portions modest, and remember that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories
- Book their annual check-up if it’s due, and tick it off the list
This year, set aside August 26 on your calendar for some quality time with your dog and plan a day centered around National Dog Day. You can learn more at the National Dog Day website, and if visiting a shelter is among your plans, the ASPCA can help you locate one close by. If you’ve recently adopted a dog, call us right away to get them scheduled for a wellness exam and any necessary vaccinations along with other preventive measures.