Pet appreciation week is a time to celebrate how much our pets mean to us. This can be done in many ways to show your pet how you appreciate them, whether it’s with a special treat or toy, or simply by spending extra time with them.
Our pets do a lot more for us than provide unconditional love. They help us relieve stress and encourage us to exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pets can decrease your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol and increase your opportunities for socialization.
Here are just a few ideas on how to celebrate this week. This is our chance to encourage our pets to exercise, help them relieve some of their stress, and keep them healthy.
Ideas for Dog Owners
- Add an extra ten minutes to one of your daily walks
- Learn to give your dog a massage to reduce his stress
- Visit the dog park
- Bake homemade dog biscuits with all of his favorite flavors baked in
- Make sure his license, vaccines and microchip records are up to date
Ideas for Cat Owners
- Play laser beam for a few minutes of exercise each day
- Gently brush your cat or use a massaging grooming glove for a few minutes each day
- Plant some cat grass near one of his favorite hideouts
- Make sure his license, vaccines and microchip records are up to date
- Simple toys like plain paper, cardboard boxes (without staples or tape) or paper bags can make for a fun toy
- Plant your rabbits favorite herb in a pot that you can add in their salad or save to give them as a healthy treat ·
- Give them extra run time in a large room such as your living room (after bunny proofing) ·
- Brushing your rabbit gently for a few minutes every day can greatly reduce the risk of digestive issues
- Bring your rabbit to the vet for their annual check up
Ideas for Other Pets
- Buy new treats and toys, or maybe get more of their favorite kinds
- Spend extra time with them
- Get them a new hideout to explore
- Take them to the vet to make sure they’re on the right track to staying healthy and happy