11 Ways to Celebrate International Dog Day in Australia

International Dog Day could easily one of the most exciting days of the year. Sometimes called Dog Appreciation Day, it’s all about celebrating our best buds.

A dog’s tail wags easily – they’re possibly the happiest creatures on the planet. Give a dog a bit of care and in return they’ll heap on the unconditional love.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

– Josh Billings (humourist)

In this article you’ll find the PD Insurance list of 11 wonderful ways to celebrate your dog this International Dog Day. Plus we’ll throw in a few tips on staying safe while putting your best paw forward (because safety is our thing).

What and when is International Dog Day?

International Dog Day is also commonly called Dog Appreciation Day. Whatever you choose, the meaning is a resoundingly good one, filled with wagging tails. This auspicious day happens on 26th August every year, so this time it’s a Friday – could that possibly have been planned better!?

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

— Roger Caras (photographer and writer)

If you’re not already a WFH parent, that likely means getting off work early so you can head straight to your pup for some good ol’ dog appreciation. How? Well, for starters…

1. Dog appreciation day is the perfect day to adopt

Whether you have a dog already or you’re just gaga over surfing the net looking at cute dog pics and feeling that tug… why not consider dog adoption on International Dog Day?

If you’re considering this route, know that you’ll also be helping reduce the following issues:

• Shelters are overpopulated

It’s an especially great choice when you consider how many Aussies were forced to give up a pet to a shelter because of tough times during COVID. Unfortunately the trend continues now with rising inflation putting serious financial pressure on so many pet parents. (Read our budgeting tips for vet bills and other pet care costs).

• Many unwanted pets are put to sleep

Another reason is that perfectly wonderful dogs are put on death row simply because of over-populated shelters. Is your heart beating faster hearing this? Just think, somewhere out there could be a dog whose heart beats in tandem with yours. Giving it some serious thought? Then read our tips for bringing home your adopted dog.

2. Enjoy Dog Appreciation Day at a dog café and spa

Lest we mislead you, there aren’t any dog café and spa packages rolled into one (that we know of). But going to one and then the other will certainly pack a good treat for Rover. Australia has ample options whether you’re stationed in a state or territory.

Conveniently choose from our list of dog cafés and dog spas across the continent in our pamper your pet article. We’ve made a list of choices that will get you coffee and a croissant while your pup snaps up a doggy friendly dish. Then you can move on to the spa treatment where your pooch will come out smelling like roses.

Of course you could do it the other way around too and take pup to a café already smelling of roses.

3. Make some International Dog Day treats

The best food is homemade, whether you’re talking dog food or human food. In this case, we’re talking both. What could be more rewarding than making (simple), delicious dog treats that double as human snacks too?

You can nibble on a snack together in the park, have a picnic or even indulge in a high tea to celebrate International Dog Day! Because we’re partial to savoury and confectionary, we’ve rounded up a list of both:

• Christmas dinner for pets (International Dog Day seems a worthy reason to break out the turkey)
• Delicious DOGNUT recipe (just like a doughnut but better)
• Dog birthday cake recipes (nom)

Mix up these dishes and dine to your heart’s content. We’ve also included many tips in the above articles on what not to feed pets, such as avocados, grapes and chocolate.

4. Watch TV with your dog

Not only are there now ample TV options for dogs to watch, they’re also mostly free. Good Samaritans around the globe compile hours of free content that dogs truly enjoy watching.

This includes lots of screen time spent watching dogs doing stuff. There are a lot of nature documentary-type videos with animals in general because, believe it or not, dogs are stimulated by scenes that emulate reality, just like we are.

To find some good videos, simply open YouTube and search ‘dog TV’. Top contenders include outdoor adventures, animals doing stuff, birds and squirrels and dogs and cats in nature.

If you or your dog get hooked, you could consider subscribing to Dog TV (they have a free trial). While we appreciate the wonders of dog TV, you might want a little human TV to balance the mix. If so, why not see if your canine buddy wants to watch these dog themed movies with you?

5. Let pup sleep in your bed on Dog Appreciation Day

You may have heard good things about letting your dog sleep in your bed, and they’re all true! Dogs have a therapeutic effect on not just our minds and hearts, but our chemical balance and internal workings too.

Dog owners live longer, according to science. The benefits of dog ownership on the human psyche and body are simply immense, so adding a dose of dog to your sleeping environment can only but up the benefits. Dogs decrease stress, reduce risk of heart attack and help balance cholesterol levels.

For those who work an office job, trying to fit enough time spent with your dog is also far easier if you just add sleep time to the mix. Want to know more about the benefits? Read why sleeping with your dog in your bed on International Dog Day (and every other day) is good for you.

6. Get an International Dog Day gift for pooch

Who doesn’t love a gift? While your dog would probably settle for a treat, pat on the head and hug, seeing as it’s International Dog Day, what’s stopping us from adding a little something extra special…

Maybe you want to get something special that your dog needs anyways, like a new pet cooling bed ready for summer, healthy snacks or a special puzzle toy, the options are endless. You might even want to read our ‘how to build a dog kennel article‘ and give them a whole new home.

We’ve compiled a list of 14 Christmas gifts for pet lovers that will make your dog – or cat – happy any day of the year. The list includes incredible and locally produced chew toys made of real meat, cartilage or bone. It includes fancy dog collars, water fountains and much more.

With 14 options, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to what to spoil your dog with this Dog Appreciation Day.

7. Paint your dog’s portrait

Feeling your creative spirit come to the surface? Why not immortalise your dog’s cute looks in a hand painted dog portrait. Or if painting and drawing isn’t to your liking, try out a photoshoot to take your dog’s portrait. You can print and frame it and keep it on the mantle, or mount your picture on the wall.

Whether you’re more Robert Clarence Irwin or Sidney Nolan nothing beats celebrating your dog like a portrait made by you.

To make it easier to achieve this outcome, we’ve rounded up pet art and craft concepts, techniques and ideas. We’ve also put together your guide to taking pet pictures and pet photography.

Get that paint apron on, or that camera snapping and fur tail wagging.

8. Take an International Dog Day trip

You love getting out the house and your dog does too, so what could be better than an International Dog Day trip? You could take the whole weekend and go into the countryside for a cabin getaway. Or just enjoy a day trip to the beach, river, lake or park.

There are endless options in Australia with its incredible scenery of untold beauty. We’ve rounded up some sunny slopes and sparkling shorelines to choose from here:

• Pet friendly accommodation NSW
• Dog friendly camping trip tips
• Pet friendly accommodation in WA

If you’re flying with pets to New Zealand <—- read our article on that. If you’re sticking to the road, be sure to read the ultimate guide to pet safety in cars.

9. Take a walk in the park

You probably do this anyway, but nothing makes a dog happier than a simple walk in the park or hike up a hill. It could be that dog walks are one of the pivotal reasons many people become dog owners. You get the benefit of getting out the house too and if you’re feeling lazy in the morning, a slobbery kiss will help you get up.

Dog walks may sound like a simple feat, but dog owners will attest to the fact that practice makes purrrfect. That’s why we’ve rounded up some dog walking assets to give your walk that added boost:

• Preparation is key with your DIY dog walking kit
• Read your guide to dog leashes and leads
• Stay safe when walking with our pet road safety guide
• You’ll need point (1) above to keep your puppy poop etiquette box checked
• Teach your puppy to walk on a lead
• And also how to stop your dog pulling on a lead

You can always start your Dog Appreciation Day with a doggy walk then work your way backwards through the rest of these tail-wagging ideas.

10. Remember a pet you’ve loved and lost

International Dog Day isn’t just about our pets and the pets we’re thinking of bringing into our homes. For many, it’s also about remembering the dogs (and cats) who’ve left their pawprints across our hearts.

Sadly, pets don’t generally live very long compared to people. For this reason, we often have to say good-by to our furry, feathery and scaly friends. Dog Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to look at photos and remember dogs who’ve loved us and who we’ve loved.

11. Appreciate your dog with a PD Insurance plan

Nothing spells L-O-V-E like protection. Sure, it’s easy scratching behind your dog’s ears and getting that tail going. But the most important part of love is making sure they’re safe when things go wrong. That means knowing you can afford to send them to the vet unexpectedly.

Dogs are big experimenters and explorers. They safety test most things, from socks to poisonous creatures to dead things, with their mouths. Dog skin conditions, pet choking and dog vomiting are only a few hiccups you may encounter as a pet parent.

Knowing you can get to the vet quickly without second-guessing your bank balance can be a lifesaver. It’s a great puppy gift for International Dog Day and with PD Insurance you can get one or more months of free award winning dog insurance by signing up online.

Click below to find out more.