Here’s What Your Pet Actually Wants for National Pet Day!

Here at BreezeGuard, there are few national holidays that warm our hearts more than National Pet Day! And, as pet owners ourselves, we’ve been thinking about the perfect gifts to give our beloved animals.

As it turns out, what our pets actually want is pretty simple. Take a look!

An extra five minutes of playtime
Whether you’re playing fetch in the backyard or enticing your cat to chase after their favorite toy, the first thing your four-legged friend wants for National Pet Day is just a little bit of extra playtime! So, even though your arm might be tired or you’re hoping to hurry up and finish this play session so you can get on with your day, maybe give your pup or cat just five more minutes. It will mean the world to them! 

A new toy
Sure, your pet may have a favorite toy that they’ve had since they were little and that they carry around with them everywhere. But, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be excited to add a new toy to the roster!

In fact, in order to satisfy your pet’s natural hunting instincts, it’s a good idea to trade out their toys every few weeks or months. This novelty will help keep them mentally stimulated and happy. 

A trick-training session
We humans tend to see trick-training as a chore. But, when done the right way, training can actually be a fun bonding activity for your dog or cat (yes, cats too!) Here’s how you can incorporate an exciting training session for your pet this National Pet Day:

• Stock up on their favorite treats

• Break down new tricks into small steps

• Use plenty of verbal praise

• End the session after ten minutes, or when your pet starts to get restless

Your enthusiasm and patience is what will make or break your training session. So, be sure to keep a positive attitude, as if you’re playing a fun new game with your pet. 

Some uninterrupted naptime
We absolutely understand the urge to give your pet a smooch and a cuddle when they’re looking adorable during their afternoon nap. But, what your dog or cat actually wants this National Pet Day is a little peace and quiet to get some shut-eye. You might even take this opportunity to rethink nap times, possibly by setting them up in a separate room with a gentle fan, some aromatherapy, and a white noise machine.

A sensory garden
Want to appeal to your dog’s natural foraging instincts? A sensory game or garden is the perfect gift for their special day! Here’s how you can set it up:

• Get a variety of different smelling treats, such as strawberries, boiled chicken, bits of ham, and anything else that they love. 

• Scatter the treats in an area where they’ll have to sniff around to find them. You can do this by rolling them up in an old blanket or in the grass in the backyard. The more they have to put their nose to work, the better!

A playdate with their best friend
Who wouldn’t want to spend their national holiday romping around with their best friend? Your dog will love to have a special playdate with their buddy, whether it’s in the backyard, at the dog park, or going for a hike.

An at-home spa treatment
If your dog or cat likes a good grooming session, take some time out of your day today to pamper them! Regular grooming is a great way to keep their coat and skin healthy and happy. And, brushing them yourself can be a good bonding experience!

If your pet isn’t a big fan of the grooming brush, consider setting them up with a lick-mat or other tasty distraction that will make this time more enjoyable for them.

A nice drive with the windows down
If your dog loves to load up and go for a ride, this can be a simple activity that will bring your dog more happiness than you might realize. That’s because the sights and sounds of a car ride are mentally stimulating for dogs, especially if you’re able to roll down the windows and let all that sensory-loaded wind blow in their face.

The trick, of course, is to keep your dog safe by preventing them from sticking their head out the window. BreezeGuard Screens are the perfect solution, allowing you to roll down the window and let that fresh air in while your dog is safe in the backseat.

Pro tip: Don’t drive the same route you always do! Even taking a different side street can expose your dog to a whole new world of scents and sights that will feel like a new adventure.

A pet-friendly cake
If you would like to show your love for your pet today with a baked good, consider throwing together a pet-friendly cake for National Pet Day! And don’t worry, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen for this one. There are plenty of recipes online for fast, simple cakes and cake-like treats that your dog or cat is sure to love.

Your uninterrupted attention
Finally, we know that one of the things your pet actually wants this National Pet Day is to spend some uninterrupted, quality time with their favorite human. This means silencing the notifications on your phone, turning off the tv, and simply being with your pet. You’ll be amazed at how much your dog or cat will appreciate this quiet moment of connection with you. You might even make it a more regular activity to make sure that your pet feels loved and appreciated throughout the year!

From BreezeGuard, Happy National Pet Day!
No matter how you spend National Pet Day, our team here at BreezeGuard want to wish you a day full of love, cuddles, and plenty of tail wags. Let us know how you plan on celebrating your four-legged (or winged, or fish-finned) friend!