August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day, offering you an official excuse to go the extra mile for your canine pal with a new toy, outing, or whatever you know will feel just right. And why not? Your dog is there for you 24/7, hanging on your every word and movement, smiling when you’re happy and offering a paw or muzzle when you’re sad. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas for what might suit your dog’s fancy.
Drive-thrus: If your dog loves to be included on your errands, why not fold some canine happiness into the car ride by stopping at one of the increasing number of drive-thrus offering dog-centric treats? Stop for a Starbucks “Puppicino” or Dunkin’ Donuts “Puppy Latte,” both of which are simply a small espresso-sized cup with whipped cream. Dairy Queen, for its part, offers a small 4-ounce cup of vanilla soft serve in its “Pup Cups,” but if your dog prefers a more meaty offering, try In-N-Out Burgers for one of their unseasoned dog-friendly patties. Even the teller at the bank’s drive-thru window might have a dog biscuit.
Pet stores: Your dog will feel like the proverbial kid in a candy shop at any of the pet stores that allow visits, including Petco, Petsmart, and even smaller shops. Your pet can sniff out who else has been perusing the rawhide and toy displays, and he may even run into another dog. Top off the visit by surprising your dog with the item he lingered over most.
Swimming: As you know from the article on water activities in our July issue (“Poolside Safety Precautions”), not all dogs enjoy taking a dip, but those who do would appreciate time in a local lake, pond, or stream, or even a kiddie pool in your yard. The fun of repeatedly retrieving a ball from the water in the warmth of the sun never fails to increase some dogs’ happiness. You might also look into local dog facilities that provide supervised time in an indoor pool where your pet can splash and dive with new-found friends — or where there might be aquatic exercises for your senior dog to help strengthen and soothe his limbs.
Music: Studies report musical preferences among dogs, with most canines showing greater calmness when listening to soft classical or other soft music. Check out YouTube melodies alongside your pet. It’s worth a try to see if your dog enjoys a specific type of music or song. Note: Dogs do not like endless music. Their hearing is sensitive, and too much of a good thing will only become a stressor.
Adult Education: Some dogs enjoy taking classes to get better at fun tasks like chasing down imaginary prey or jumping through hoops. Find a course that best suits your dog’s natural inclinations. Besides keeping him happy and entertained, your pet will leave off with a sense of accomplishment and greater focus.
Massage: Many dogs would enjoy a gentle massage, which calms while relieving aching joints, improving circulation, and providing greater mobility with decreased pain. Look for a professional canine massage therapist who can work on your dog right in the comfort of your home. At this time, Washington is the only state requiring licensing for canine massage practitioners. We suggest going with someone who has received training from the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage. That group requires at least 200 hours of hands-on training — not simply watching videos —in order to receive certification. The Board also has on their site a number of schools around the country that meet their standards. For more information, visit www.nbcaam.org.
Play Date: If you have seen your dog enjoy the company of another local dog, arrange a play date. You can offer to take the other dog along for a walk in the park or have the other dog over for play fights, toy tussling, and nap time—all the best parts of dog friendship.
New haunts: As much as your dog enjoys his walks with you, a change of scenery (which for your dog is very much about a change of odors) is not a bad idea. Perhaps you’ve heard of a dog park nearby where dogs can walk and play together, or maybe there is a wooded area or neighborhood you’ve heard about but never visited.
