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Ways to Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  February 18th, 2025

National Love Your Pet Day is on February 20, and it’s a day set aside for celebrating your companion, no matter which species you share your home with. Whether you celebrate this occasion every year or this is your first year recognizing the day, there are a lot of fun and creative ways to give your pet extra attention and affection.

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Not sure what to do or where to begin when it comes to recognizing and appreciating the strong bond that you share with your pet? Well, there aren’t any rules, so you can figure out what works for you and your pal.


To get started, below is a list of ideas that can help you plan the perfect activities for yourself and your best buddy this National Love Your Pet Day.


Give Your Pet Something New


A popular way to celebrate National Love Your Pet Day is by buying your companion something they’re sure to like. Every pet could use a little something new and exciting, so this is a wonderful way to show them how much you care.


The possibilities are endless. For example, this might be a new chew toy for your dog, a new mouse toy for your cat, a neat new exercise ball for your hamster, or some new toys and perches that provide enrichment for your birds.


Environmental enrichment is also important for cats, as it can help keep things interesting and entertaining for them even when you aren’t home. So, you could opt for something like a new cat tree, wall perch, or window perch for your feline to give them more places to explore and relax throughout the day.


For your dog, you might buy them a new personalized collar and tag set. Or, if their old bed is worn out, a comfortable, perhaps even orthopedic, dog bed might be what they’ve been waiting for.


You can even consider puzzle toys for cats and dogs that provide mental stimulation and keep boredom at bay. Snuffle mats are also great for dogs because they make them “hunt” for their food.


Tip: Want to get your dog something new but you aren’t sure what they’d like? Take them to the pet store with you and show them all of the toys for sale. They might surprise you by picking their favorite, and you can just go with that!


Feed Your Pet Some Tasty Treats


When shopping for your pet for National Love Your Pet Day, consider getting them a new tasty treat that they can try. There are so many options on the market these days, from chewy and crunchy treats to raw and freeze-dried treats.


One treat that is made for dogs and cats is Choolip Squeeze Vita Sticks. These come in the form of a smooth puree, which they can eat right out of the pouch or as a topper on their meals. They are vet formulated, human grade, and contain natural ingredients. The variety pack has multiple flavors, and each one targets a different body part: joints, skin, heart, kidneys, liver, eyes, and brain.

Some pet parents even go a step further by making homemade treats for their pets. This can be extra special because you’ve taken the time to make something for your companion by hand and in your own kitchen.


If you are planning on making homemade treats for your canine or feline, just be sure to carefully research recipes. Make sure that any treats you are thinking about making contain ingredients that are totally safe for your pet. After all, there are a lot of foods that are safe for humans but harmful to dogs and cats.


Head Outside for a Mini Adventure


Yet another way to have fun with your pet on National Love Your Pet Day—weather permitting, of course—is by heading outside for a mini adventure. This might involve finding a new trail to hike with your canine or going for a walk with your cat using a leash and harness or a stroller.


If you have a dog who has a lot of energy and likes to exercise with you, you could even consider going for a bike ride with them. Using a bike leash will ensure they stay secure while jogging alongside you riding your bicycle. A product like the Bike Tow Leash is designed to easily mount onto your bike and attach to your dog’s harness. It keeps your dog at your side while you cycle, and ensures they are at a safe distance the whole time.

Spend Extra Time Pampering Your Pet


Spending extra time with your pet on National Love Your Pet Day doesn’t cost any money, and your pet is sure to enjoy the attention. This could be as simple as playing with your dog longer in the backyard or going for a longer walk with them. For your cat, it could be as simple as spending more time brushing them to smooth out their fur and give them a gentle massage.  


While some pet parents go the extra mile and even throw a party for their pets on National Love Your Pet Day, there are a lot of surprisingly easy ways to let your companion know how much they mean to you. So, have you decided how you’ll shower your pet with love that day?


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Let's look at the potential causes…The Anatomy of a Dog’s EarBefore we discuss the many causes of ear irritation, let’s take a moment to understand why dogs are so prone to ear problems due to their basic anatomy. Like our own, a dog’s ear is divided into three sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear is the part of the ear that we can see. It serves as a funnel, directing sound into the ear canal. This canal, however, is where the biggest difference between a dog’s ear and a human’s ear can be found. Unlike the relatively straight ear canal in a human’s ear, a dog’s is L-shaped, taking a sharp turn. The unique shape helps to protect your dog’s ear drum. Unfortunately, it also creates the perfect trap for debris, moisture, and anything else that may find its way in. Adding to the risk, the ear canal is lined with extremely delicate skin, which can quickly become inflamed or irritated from exposure to these trapped substances. The combination of the L-shaped canal and sensitive lining makes dogs particularly susceptible to suffering from ear issues. Because of this heightened risk, regular ear cleaning is necessary to maintain their ear health and prevent problems before they start. After all, who wants to see their pup experiencing pain or discomfort? Not me! Common Reasons for the Itch The biggest challenge in identifying the cause of your dog’s ear discomfort is the long list of potential culprits. From microscopic parasites to fungal infections and allergic reactions, understanding the possible causes is the first step toward giving your pup some much-needed relief. Let’s explore some of the most frequent offenders behind itchy ears in dogs. Ear Mites These tiny parasites are a frequent source of ear irritation in dogs. They are so common because they are highly contagious, spreading easily between pets. In addition to causing intense itching, their presence is often accompanied by dark, crusty debris that can be seen in the ear canal. If your dog is dealing with ear mites, they may scratch at their ears obsessively and/or shake their heads frequently. You may also notice dark discharge or inflammation in the ear. Veterinarians diagnose ear mites by taking a sample of the dog’s ear debris and examining it under a microscope. If this is the diagnosis, they will typically recommend medication to kill the mites and a thorough cleaning of the dog’s ears. Because they are so contagious, all pets in the household will need to be treated if one is diagnosed with ear mites. Yeast InfectionsYeast is a fungus that can overgrow in your dog’s ear. It thrives in warm, moist environments. Several factors could predispose a dog to yeast infections, like allergies or weakened immune systems. Symptoms of a yeast infection often include itching, redness, discharge (which may have a distinct odor), and head shaking. Veterinarians diagnose yeast infections through a physical exam, and sometimes, they take a sample from the ear for cytology and examine the cells under a microscope. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications to take care of the current infection and steps to address any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the overgrowth to prevent it from reoccurring. Bacterial Infections Bacterial infections in the ear are often secondary to other issues, such as allergies or mite infestations. Bacteria exploit the compromised ear environment, becoming a full-blown (and very uncomfortable) infection. Symptoms of a bacterial infection resemble those of a yeast infection, sometimes with the addition of pus or a foul odor. Diagnosis typically requires a vet exam, and the vet may also perform an ear culture to identify the specific bacteria involved. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria and a thorough cleaning of the ear canal. AllergiesAllergies, whether food-related or environmental, can manifest in many different ways. Ear irritation and problems are common symptoms. When dogs have allergies, their immune system overacts to certain substances, leading to inflammation and itching, which can be particularly noticeable in the ears. Chronic ear infections, redness, and inflammation are all common signs of allergies affecting the ears. Diagnosing allergies can involve food-elimination diets or environmental allergy tests. Treatment focuses on managing the allergies themselves, which might include dietary changes, medication, or immunotherapy. Foreign ObjectsForeign objects like foxtails, grass seeds, and other debris can become trapped or lodged in your dog’s ear canal, causing sudden pain and discomfort. The most common signs your dog has a foreign object stuck in their ear include rapid onset of scratching, headshaking, and pain. If you suspect your dog has a foreign object in their ear, you should seek veterinary attention promptly for safe and effective removal. Attempting to remove any of these items yourself could push the object further in or damage the delicate tissues of the ear canal, leading to further health complications. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Less Common but Important Causes While the previously listed issues are the most frequent causes of excessive ear scratching in dogs, it’s important to be aware that less common but potentially even more dangerous problems can also be at play. Ear canal tumors or polyps, while not common, can cause significant pain and discomfort. They require veterinary intervention as soon as you spot them (or suspect they may be there) for diagnosis and treatment. These growths can obstruct the ear canal, leading to inflammation and secondary infections. Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, can sometimes affect your dog’s ears. They can cause inflammation and other symptoms. Additionally, hypothyroidism may contribute to your dog’s itchy ears. This is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, which can manifest in skin and ear problems. If your dog’s ear irritation results from either of these conditions, you must address the underlying medical concerns to reduce the risk of future ear problems. Consult your vet if your dog’s ear problems persist or don’t respond to typical treatments (more on those to come). A proper diagnosis is essential to address these underlying issues effectively.

PawSwing: Hands Free Grooming Experience Your Cat Will Actually Love

As someone who lives with six cats, pet hair is a daily reality. Skipping even a day of vacuuming means finding tufts in every corner, and lint-rolling myself is practically a ritual before I leave the house. That’s why I was eager – but skeptical – to try the PawSwing: an automatic self-groomer that promises to handle pet hair without fuss. A grooming gadget that works, looks cute, and that cats actually enjoy using? Sign me up!How Does It Work?The concept is simple. PawSwing is an automatic self groomer for cats which provides a 360° combing experience – no electricity required. It is equipped with innovative bionic tongue brushes (which are essentially brushes with short soft bristles that mimic the hook shape of cat’s tongue surface) that are situated on the grooming disc, aka the entrance to a felt box. The disc can be adjusted to suit different body types, so both petite kitties and chonky cuties can get the best grooming experience. 

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