24 Fun Ways to Spoil Your Dog

August 10th is National Spoil Your Dog Day, the perfect time to show your pooch how much you care. One of the joys of being a pet parent is being able to pamper your dog with treats and fun activities. Especially during these crazy COVID-19 pandemic times, consider giving your faithful canine companion some extra-special love and attention.

From “spaw” treatments to high-tech, I’ve rounded up the very best ways to spoil your dog – today and every day.

1. Give your dog a frozen treat

Warm weather is upon us, making August the perfect time to give your dog a frozen treat. Try stuffing a Kong toy with peanut butter and putting it in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to your dog. You can even buy a plug for the small end of the Kong and fill it with broth before freezing.

2. Let your dog choose a new toy

A trip to the pet supply store is a fun outing for your dog. All the sights and smells provide mental stimulation and an opportunity to socialize. Let your dog explore the rows of toys and see which one he or she is most attracted to.

3. Buy your dog some swag

Help your dog look his or her best with a new collar. Get your dog’s name monogrammed on it for a personalized touch. You can add your phone number in case your dog gets lost. Or try an LED collar to light up your pup’s life.

4. Give your dog a massage

If your dog likes to be cuddled, chances are he or she will love a massage. A massage with help your dog relax and ease any sore muscles. Use soft, sweeping motions along your dog’s body; be sure to avoid any sensitive areas. While your dog is being spoiled with a spa session, you are also helping your dog get more comfortable being handled, making grooming, nail trimming and teeth brushing easier.

5. Take your dog for a swim

Many breeds love the water. For dogs who naturally love to swim, a chance to take a dip is a wonderful way to spoil them. You can also play fetch in the water by tossing a ball or toy in. Find a safe body of water, free of strong currents, and let your dog jump in. If your dog has never be swimming before, go slowly, stay positive and fit him or her with a life jacket.

If your dog isn’t interested in swimming, hook up a sprinkler in the yard and play with your dog in the spray.

6. Take your dog for a hike

Dogs love to go for hikes! There are lots of great hiking trails in our area where dogs are allowed. The change of scenery and smells will be enriching. Just make sure you bring along fresh water and a collapsible bowl as well as stool bags to clean up if needed.

7. Bake your dog some treats

What dog doesn’t love treats? Try baking your pooch some biscuits. You can tailor the recipe to his favorite foods (apple, pumpkin or apple perhaps). Since you control the ingredients, you know exactly what your dog is eating. Just make sure to only include foods safe for dogs.

8. Get your dog a new luxury bed

If you really want to spoil your four-legged friend, opt for a bed with high-density memory foam like the Pet Fusion Ultimate Pet Bed, which offers an extra level of comfort for dogs with joint pain and other forms of arthritis. Or try a high-quality donut shag cuddle bed with a raised rim to create a sense of security. This bed is perfect for dogs who become anxious in response to thunder or fireworks. Want more dog bed ideas? Check out our Dog Beds Pinterest Board.

9. Give your dog a paw-dicure

Splurge for a professional nail grooming session or give your dog a soothing at-home nail treatment.

10. Purify your dog’s water

Keep your dog hydrated with an advanced water filter. These high-tech watering systems remove impurities, heavy metal ions and chlorine. The PetSafe Drinkwell Water Purifier also acts as a fountain to provide your dog with a constant flow of clean water. Or, consider an outdoor easy paw-activated water fountain for drinking or play (or both).

11. Interact with a high-tech dog camera

This device is about as high-tech as it gets when it comes to interacting with your pet while you’re away. These wi-fi pet cameras allow you to not only see your dog but speak to them and give them treats. It will also alert you if there is movement or if your dog is barking.

12. Keep track of your dog with a smart dog collar

The AKC Smart Dog Collar combines a GPS tracking system with an activity monitor and connects to your smartphone so you don’t have to carry a separate device. It allows you to keep tabs on your dog no matter where he or she wanders off to. It’s great for those who do a lot of off-leash walking or sporting events such as tracking and retrieving.

13. Play with your dog even when you’re out

The GoBone is an interactive, app-enabled toy that allows you to play with your dog through your smartphone! The GoBone has intuitive technology that automatically adjusts based on your dog’s age, weight, breed and play style to engage your dog safely for longer periods of time.

14. Take your dog on a romantic dinner date

Choose your favorite dog-friendly restaurant like Pub Dog Colorado and take your best furry friend out for a quiet dinner for two. You can go as upscale or low-brow as you want; the time together (and a few scraps of people food) will be spoiling enough for your pooch.

15. Build (or buy) a doggie mansion

Whether you custom design a Victorian palace or buy a prefab “modern chalet”, your dog will love having his or her own space. Plus, it will be a cool decoration to your backyard!  Need DIY dog house ideas? Check out our DIY Dog House Pinterest Board.

16. Make your dog his or her own room

Nothing says pampered dog more than a custom dog room, even if it’s a closet, space under the stairs or a full room in your house. Fill it with soothing décor, a favorite blanket, a cozy bed and, of course, lots of doggy toys.

17. Go on an all-day adventure

Make the most of Spoil Your Dog Day by planning an all-day adventure.

Suggested all-day adventure itinerary:

• Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood
• Go to a park for a fun game of fetch
• Enjoy lunch on a dog-friendly patio
• Take in a movie at a local drive-in
• Fall asleep in a soft, fluffy bed.

18. Drop your dog off at daycare

Sometimes your dog needs a day to romp with other canines in the safe environment of daycare. Spending a few hours playing at doggie daycare is a great way to spoil your dog. As an added bonus, your furry pal will be tired and ready to relax with you after a play day at daycare.

19. Make reservations for five-star accommodations

If you have to be out of town, the least you can do is spoil your dog in your absence. Canine Campus will give your dog all the best dog boarding amenities, a full day of supervised play and all the attention he or she can handle while you’re gone.

20. Find a beach and dig a hole

If you really want to give your dog a special treat, take him or her to a beach and let him or her dig in the sand to his or her heart’s content. If your dog is a digger, take him or her to a sandy spot and let the digging begin!

21. Spend some one-on-one time together

Being present with your dog is one of the simplest ways you can spoil him or her. When you go for a walk, leave your smartphone at home or turn off the TV and snuggle on the couch. Let everything else go and just enjoy each other’s company.

22. Go for a fun ride

Most dogs love to go for a ride in the car, especially if you let them hang their ears out of the back window. Take a short drive, let all the windows down and let your dog sniff the wind as the air fills the car.

23. Schedule extra play time

Play time with your dog can get pushed aside when life gets hectic. Take some time for an extra-long game of fetch or tug-o-rope. Need more dog-human game ideas? Click here for 10 Fun Games to Play With Your Dog to Prevent Boredom.

24. Scratch your dog’s itchy spot

Every dog has a spot always in need of a good scratch. If you really want to indulge your pooch, give him or her an extra-long scratch time.

There are lots of simple, fun ways to show your dog how much you love him or her. The truth is, you don’t have to break the bank to spoil your dog rotten. Whatever you decide, the most important thing on Spoil Your Dog Day is to spend quality time with your best four-legged friend.

What are your favorite ways to spoil your dog? Please share in the comments below…