National Spoil Your Dog Day

National Spoil Your Dog Day happens every year on August 10. It’s an unofficial pet holiday built around one simple idea, giving your dog a little extra love and attention beyond the usual daily routine.

A Day Just for Pups

Unlike some of the bigger pet holidays, this one doesn’t come with a ton of official history behind it. It seems to have popped up on internet forums in the early 2000s and spread from there, more of a grassroots tradition than something founded by a single person or organization.

There’s no set list of rules on how to participate, just an open invitation to make your dog feel like the center of attention for a little while.

Ways people celebrate include:

• A longer walk than usual, maybe somewhere new like a trail or dog park
• A special toy or a favorite treat
• A trip to the groomer for a fresh look
• A car ride with the windows down
• Homemade dog-friendly snacks

Deals Worth Knowing About

This date usually brings a wave of promotions from pet retailers and brands looking to get in on the celebration. Expect discounts on food, toys, and grooming services from major chains, along with flash sales from online retailers on popular brands.

• Petco and PetSmart might discount premium dog food, toys, and grooming packages
• Chewy sometimes runs flash sales on brands like Blue Buffalo and Kong
• BarkBox sometimes offers subscription discounts around the date
• Local pet boutiques and dog-friendly cafes may host events, samples, or special dog menus

Since these deals tend to be seasonal and vary by year, it’s worth checking retailer sites and local pet shops as August 10 gets closer.

Dog Ownership Stats to Know

• There are approximately 89.7 million dogs living in U.S. households, making dogs one of the most common pets in the country.
• The average annual cost of basic dog care, including food, vet visits, and toys, runs between $1,000 and $2,000, and that figure can climb higher with added services or health issues.
• Nearly three-quarters of pet owners let their dogs sleep in their beds.
• Almost two-thirds of pet owners say they would end a relationship with a partner who didn’t like their pet.