Love & Pets Go Hand in Hand on Love Your Pet Day

February 20th is officially Love Your Pet Day! Though you love your pets every day, Love Your Pet Day is an opportunity to give those pets even more of the affection and attention they crave and deserve. Here are some fun, pet-approved ideas:

Spend Extra Time Together

Nothing is more meaningful to your pet than the time you get to spend together. Carve out some extra time in your schedule so you can engage in activities that are favorites for your furry or not-so-furry friend. Even things as simple as an extra ten minutes in the morning devoted to cuddling or petting can make a big difference to pets who do best with interaction.

If your pet is a fan of bathing or brushing, make time for some extra grooming and care. Even pets can enjoy the occasional spa day!

Weather allowing, many pets will enjoy some outdoor time. Even brief walks can be a nice treat for an animal who has to stay in most of the time. For pets that enjoy riding in style, it is a great day to take them for a little drive, even if it is only to complete errands.

Try Some New Activities

Create an obstacle or activity course. This is a fun idea for indoor animals like small dogs, hamsters, or mice. It does not have to be elaborate. Use items you already have around your house to make inclines, objects for your pet to climb over or under and hoops to jump through. You can even incorporate a trail for your pet to follow using something simple like chalk or pieces of paper.

Play hide and seek. Dogs especially enjoy this. You can do this traditionally by hiding and having your pet come to you by the sound of your voice or smell, or you can hide an item for them to look for. Choose an item to hide such as food, a treat, or a favorite toy. Show and tell them that you are going to be hiding their item and that they will need to find it. Choose a place they will be able to access easily through sense of smell or brief searching. Once the item is hidden, set them free to seek and praise them when they find the item.

Give Gifts

Animals, just like humans, get excited about presents. These do not have to be elaborate or expensive. They only have to be safe for your pet.

Cats, for instance, love yarn and boxes, both of which you might already have in your home but would make a special treat for your kitty to play with. Cats also enjoy toys that allow them to bat at string such as fishing pole toys. You can even fashion one out of a stick and some yarn to move around for them to chase and swing at. Scratching posts or climbing toys that let them stretch and move independently are also wonderful gifts for cats who might not enjoy uninvited affection.

Interactive toys that let pets work to get treats are great for animals of all types, from chinchillas to dogs. Birds enjoy shreddable toys that they can nip and tear to occupy their beaks and time. Rabbits enjoy willow-branch balls that they can nudge and nibble at leisure.

Finally, we often spend time trying to correct the behavior of our pets, so make sure to give praise for positive behavior.

This Love Your Pet Day, show your pets they are more than just your animals. They are your family, and they are loved.