7 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

Thanks to the long walks, yummy treats, belly rubs and soft beds, your dog is convinced that every day is National Dog Day. The actual event, which is celebrated annually on August 26, was designed to highlight the three million dogs in shelters and rescue groups waiting to find their “fur-ever” homes.

Whether you already share your life with a dog or want to adopt, here are seven ideas for how to celebrate National Dog Day 2022.

Adopt

Ready to welcome a new dog? Search adoptable dogs at Adopt-a-Pet. You can search by location, age and breed to find dogs in rescue groups and shelters that are ready to celebrate National Dog Day as the newest additions to your family.

Prepare for your new addition

Ask the rescue or shelter for information about adoptable dogs to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and bone up on the things to consider before adopting to ensure it’s a smooth transition.

Outfit your new four-legged family member with a Whistle Health, Health & GPS and Health & GPS+ device. The devices, which fit dogs of all sizes, include free tele-vet visits via chat, call, video, and email so you can get wellness exams to get your pet off to a healthy start.

Volunteer

Not ready to adopt? Volunteer. Shelters and rescue groups often need help with tasks like cleaning kennels, feeding dogs and walking dogs.

Volunteering gives you an opportunity to interact with dogs of all breeds, ages and temperaments and provides the dog with a break from the shelter environment. Call your local animal shelter or rescue to ask about volunteer opportunities.

Donate

Shelters and rescue groups depend on donations to provide food, shelter, vet care, and supplies to care for dogs that are waiting to find their forever families. Your contribution ensures they can continue their life-saving work.

Post Photos

Share photos of your dog on social media. Your followers will love to see then/now photos of the cute puppy you adopted and the adorable adult dog they grew into.

Don’t forget to share photos of your adventures—and your pups wearing their Whistle! Use the hashtags #nationaldogday and #whistlepack on Instagram to connect with other dog lovers.

Create a family tree

The rescue listed your short-legged, long-haired dog as a dachshund mix and you’ve always wondered what other breeds might be in their background.

The Wisdom Panel Premium DNA test provides a ton of data about your dog. Send in a cheek swab and receive details ranging from their breed mixes to genetic health risks; there is even information about genetic relative matches so you can find out about their siblings!

Spoil your pup

In honor of National Dog Day, treat your dog to the gift of good health.

Whistle Health, Health & GPS and Health & GPS+ provide proactive alerts about sleeping, eating and health habits like licking and scratching; you can also use the devices to set wellness goals for distance and calories, reminders for vet visits, grooming and medications to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life.

No matter how you choose to celebrate National Dog Day, your dog is sure to feel the love.