National Pet Day, celebrated on April 11th, is more than just a day for deals and discounts on pet supplies. It's a day to celebrate the incredible bond we share with our animal companions, those furry members of our families who bring us unconditional love, endless joy, and heartwarming moments every day.
While spoiling your pet with a new toy or a delicious treat is always appreciated, National Pet Day is also a perfect opportunity to go above and beyond and create lasting memories together. Here are some fun activities and enrichment ideas to engage your pet and make this National Pet Day truly special:
Tailored Activities for Different Species:
- Canine Companions: Dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Take your furry friend on an adventure beyond their usual walk. Explore a new dog park, embark on a scenic hike on a dog-friendly trail, or visit a local pet-friendly store. If your dog enjoys water activities, a trip to a designated dog beach or a refreshing doggy paddle pool session in your backyard could be the perfect way to celebrate. For a mentally stimulating activity, try homemade puzzle feeders or hide-and-seek games with their favorite treats.
- Feline Friends: Cats are known for their independent nature, but they also enjoy playtime and affection. Dedicate some quality time to engaging interactive play sessions. Use feather wands, laser pointers, or crinkly toys to spark their hunting instincts. Rotate their toys regularly to keep them interested and introduce new scratching posts or climbing structures to provide vertical space for exploration and relaxation. Consider creating a "catio" - a screened-in enclosure allowing your feline friend to safely enjoy the outdoors.
- Beyond Cats and Dogs: National Pet Day isn't just for the traditional furry companions! For smaller pets like rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs, create engaging enrichment activities within their enclosures. Provide new hiding spots, tunnels, or chew toys to explore. For pet birds, invest in new perches, swings, or foraging toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Don't forget about our reptilian and amphibian friends! Offer them fresh hides, explore new basking spots, or create a scavenger hunt for their favorite treats to encourage natural behaviors.
Beyond Playtime: Bonding Activities for All Pets
- Training Sessions: Turn National Pet Day into a learning opportunity! Short, positive reinforcement training sessions can strengthen your bond with your pet while teaching them valuable new skills or reinforcing existing commands. Reward their successes with affection, praise, or healthy treats.
- DIY Enrichment Projects: Get creative and create homemade enrichment activities for your pet. For dogs, fill a Kong toy with treats or peanut butter and freeze it for a long-lasting challenge. For birds, shred colorful paper and hide treats within it for foraging fun. Small animals will appreciate cardboard boxes filled with crinkly paper or toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay.
- Spa Day at Home: Pamper your pet with a spa treatment at home. Brush their fur thoroughly, trim their nails (if comfortable), and offer them a relaxing massage. For aquatic pets, perform a water change and clean their aquarium or enclosure.
- National Pet Day Photoshoot: Capture the joy of National Pet Day with a fun photoshoot! Get creative with costumes, props, and backdrops. Share your adorable photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay and spread the love for our furry friends.
Making National Pet Day a Lasting Celebration
National Pet Day is a time to celebrate the incredible impact our pets have on our lives. However, the love and care we provide should extend beyond one day. Here are some ways to make every day special for your pet:
- Prioritize Regular Exercise: Regular walks, playtime, or outdoor exploration are crucial for your pet's physical and mental well-being. Tailor activities to your pet's age, breed, and energy levels.
- Healthy Diet and Hydration: Provide your pet with a balanced diet appropriate for their species and specific needs. Ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Routine and Mental Stimulation: Establish a regular routine for feeding, walks, and playtime. Provide mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or training sessions.
- Veterinary Care: Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure your pet's health and well-being. Early detection and prevention of potential health issues are crucial for their long-term happiness.
The Significance of National Pet Day
National Pet Day is not just any ordinary day. It's a day when we celebrate the joy, companionship, and love that our pets bring into our lives. Science supports this bond, with research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealing that pets can contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels1.
Spoiling Your Pets with Love and Products
What better way to show your love for your pet than with some fabulous pet products? Here are some amazing National Pet Day deals that both you and your pet will love.
Walmart
- Automated Pet Feeders: The ZUPOX automatic feeder, featuring a camera and 2.4G WiFi, is currently available for just $99.992, a significant reduction from its usual price of $239.99.
- Dog Houses: Numerous dog houses are currently being offered at discounts up to 65%3.
- Ferret Cages: The Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Ferret Cage is available for $112, down 41% from its original price of $188.954.
PetSmart
- Dog Treats: At PetSmart, buy two select dog treats and get a third treat at 50% off5.
- Cat Trees: The Whisker City 70-in Plush Tall High-Rise Haven Cat Tree is now on sale for $101.996, reduced from its $169.99 regular price.
Chewy
- Pet Food: If you buy one of the select treats or wet food from Chewy today, you can get another for 50% off7.
- Cat Litter Box: The Frisco Walkway Entrance Two Door Bench Cat Litter Box Cover is available for $100.03, down 8% from its usual $108.458.
BarkBox
- YETI Dog Bowl: You can get a free YETI Dog Bowl with your first BarkBox order9. Each BarkBox comes with two original plush toys and two bags of healthy treats.
PetSafe
- Cat Litter: With a 5% discount, you can buy an eight-pound bag of PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Natural Cat Litter for $25.6010.
Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango is a subscription-based custom dog food delivery service. By taking a 3-minute quiz about your dog's health, the company will recommend a meal plan11. If you sign up today and use the code REVIEWED50, you'll save 50% on your first order.
Conclusion
National Pet Day is a great opportunity to express our love and gratitude for our pets. By taking advantage of these deals, you can ensure that your pet feels the love they deserve. Don't forget to capture the moments of joy and share them with your friends and family. Happy National Pet Day!
Please note that all deals are subject to availability and may change at any time. It's always best to check the retailers' websites for the most up-to-date information.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). "How Pets Contribute To Overall Health." ↩
- Spot & Tango. "Custom Dog Food Meal Plan." ↩
- Walmart. "ZUPOX Automatic Feeder." ↩
- Walmart. "Dog Houses Sale." ↩
- Walmart. "Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Ferret Cage." ↩
- PetSmart. "Dog Treats Sale." ↩
- PetSmart. "Whisker City 70-in Plush Tall High-Rise Haven Cat Tree." ↩
- Chewy. "Pet Food Sale." ↩
- Chewy. "Frisco Walkway Entrance Two Door Bench Cat Litter Box Cover." ↩
- BarkBox. "Free YETI Dog Bowl." ↩
- PetSafe. "PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Natural Cat Litter." ↩
