With Mother’s Day behind us and Father’s Day not quite underway, it’s the perfect time to show appreciation to our four-legged family members.
That’s why, during the first full week of June, we celebrate Pet Appreciation Week, or PAW.
Started by the The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 1981, Pet Appreciation Week is a reminder of the importance of proper care for the dogs, cats, and other companion animals in return for the love and joy they bring our families each day.
In appreciation of the animals that make our lives special, celebrate with us with a day-by-day itinerary of fun for you and your pets:
Sunday
Sunday sets off the first day of Pet Appreciation Week. Why not get the festivities started with a kick-off dinner?
It doesn’t take much to make your pet’s meal special, and you might decide to keep it simple and easy on their tummy.
You can mix up their usual meal by adding their favorite wet food, a sprinkle of freeze-dried treats, or a tasty broth topper.
Monday
The first weekday of PAW is a great time to “paws” and reflect on how your pet joined your family - whether you adopted them at your local shelter, awaited their homecoming from their breeder, or they showed up on your doorstep one day.
Maybe you chose your pet, or perhaps they chose you. Either way, by fate, luck, or destiny, you’re an intrinsic part of one another’s lives, and they’re an irreplaceable member of your family.
As we reminisce, let’s remember the pets in shelters and rescues still waiting to find their forever homes.
On this day, consider donating to your favorite shelter, humane society, or animal rescue organization in your pet’s honor.
Tuesday
Tuesday is Toys-Day, a day to refresh your pet’s toy collection.
Toys not only make your pet’s tail wag or their claws come out - they’re an essential, exercise-inspiring outlet for their innate need to chew, claw, and chase.
Refresh your dog or cat’s favorite, still-intact-but-somewhat-smelly toys with a thorough clean. Look for care instructions on the tag, if there are any. Plush toys can be surface wiped or washed in mild detergent, then air-dried or machine-dried on low heat.
If your cat’s catnip toys have lost their luster, spice them up by placing them in a jar with a sprinkle of catnip. Shake and marinate for a few hours, then watch your cat go wild for their favorite toys again.
Check over all of your pet’s toys for any broken parts, loose pieces, holes, rips, or tears. Broken toys can be a choking hazard and should be discarded.
Find your pet’s new favorite pet toys, puzzle games, cat scratchers, and more at PetMeds.com.
Wednesday
To brighten up the middle of the week, pamper your pet from nose to tail with a spa day.
Bath time may not be your pet’s favorite, but if your pet could use one, give them a quick scrub with a pet shampoo that deodorizes while leaving their skin and coat strong and healthy. Finish off with a leave-in conditioner for extra softness and shine.
Not time for a bath? Brush your dog or cat with Tropiclean Deep Cleaning Waterless Shampoo to help release shed fur, condition the skin and coat, and leave your pet smelling fresh.
Today’s also a good time to trim nails, brush teeth, and check your pet all over for any lumps, bumps, or skin issues that you may need to bring up with your vet.
Thursday
As we meet the tail-end of Pet Appreciation Week, why not commemorate your pet with an impromptu photo shoot? Good thing they’re fresh and clean after their spa day!
You don’t need professional props or a fancy camera to take stunning, frame-worthy photos of your pet.
The key to picking up clear, eye-catching details with any camera - even your phone - is to capture your pet in great lighting. Natural lighting is best, though direct sunlight will wash out your pet and create harsh shadows.
Try taking candid shots of your pet next to a window while they perch in their favorite spot. Bonus points if you can take photos during golden hour - the hour just after sunrise, or the hour just before sunset when the sun offers a warm, gentle glow.
Hoping to get more creative? Try these fun pet photoshoot ideas.
Friday
To tie up a busy week, kick back on Friday with a movie night in your living room.
For pets that love watching movements on the screen, you can stream a nature documentary, aquarium, or even cartoons - the colorful, high contrast characters just might catch your pet’s attention.
Chances are, though, your dog or cat will prefer to snuggle up to you on the couch during any movie of your choice.
When the movie night munchies hit, your dog can enjoy air-popped popcorn in moderation without salt or butter, though healthy pet treats are a better choice for worry-free snacking.
Saturday
Finish off Pet Appreciation Week by planning the best day ever. What does your pet love to do the most?
Saturday might be the perfect day to plan a special outing.
Maybe you’ll take your first dog beach trip of the summer. Or, maybe you and your pup will take a hike, go kayaking, have a picnic, or go camping this weekend.
If your pet isn’t the outdoorsy type, you can find a restaurant, cafe, or brewery with a pet-friendly patio.
Cats and dogs that aren’t suited for walks or long outings can still enjoy a short trip from the safety of a pet carrier backpack or pet stroller.
As you enjoy quality time with your pet this week, remember that safety always comes first. Call ahead to make sure destinations are pet-friendly and have an exit plan if your pet gets tired or overwhelmed.
Wrapping Up Pet Appreciation Week
Remember, your pet doesn’t need special trips, fancy meals, and new toys to know they’re appreciated. After enjoying a fun week with your pet, continue to return your pet’s love by seeing your vet regularly, protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworms, and feeding a premium pet food. During Pet Appreciation Week and year-round, PetMeds® is proud to help you provide your pet with everything they need to stay happy and healthy.
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