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Make International Dog Day count

Ralph Revelar Sarza

<p>Your dog probably doesn&#x27;t know it&#x27;s International Dog Day. But August 26 is still a pretty good reason to put down your phone, clear a little space in the day, and give your dog some extra attention.</p><p>It doesn&#x27;t have to mean an elaborate celebration or a house full of new toys. A slower walk, an easy game, or an uninterrupted hour together can be enough to make an ordinary day feel different.</p><p>Here are five simple ways to spend the day with your dog without throwing its usual routine out the window.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787711904672Intl Dog Day - Garen.jpg" style="width:655px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Garen</span></span></span></div><div><strong>1. Let your dog set the pace on a slower walk</strong></div><p>Take a familiar route, but give your dog more time to stop, sniff, and look around. Bring waste bags and water, and make sure the leash or harness fits securely.</p><p>Dr. Roxanne Ignacio of Jads4 Animal Clinic, Dr. Shiba&#x27;s resident veterinarian, recommends skipping midday walks when the weather is hot and keeping fresh water available at all times.</p><p>Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with medical conditions may need shorter outings. And if your dog isn&#x27;t a fan of crowds, a quieter route or less busy time of day may make for a better walk.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787711964210Intl Dog Day - Lolo Paul.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Lolo Paul</span></span></span></div><div><strong>2. Turn part of the usual meal into a game</strong></div><p>You don&#x27;t need to add extra food to make mealtime more interesting. Set aside some of your dog&#x27;s regular kibble and use it for a simple enrichment activity.</p><p>Put it in a puzzle feeder, roll it into a towel, or hide a few pieces around one room. A properly sized KONG Classic can also be filled with part of the meal.</p><p>Keep the game easy at first and stay nearby. If your dog becomes frustrated or the toy gets damaged, stop and remove it. You can also bring out a familiar toy that has been sitting in storage for a while.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787711989491Intl Dog Day - Toky.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Toky</span></span></span></div><div><strong>3. Choose a treat that fits the rest of the day</strong></div><p>A special day doesn&#x27;t mean unlimited treats. Treats, chews, and supplement snacks all count toward your dog&#x27;s daily intake. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends keeping treats to less than 10 percent of a dog&#x27;s daily calories.</p><p>If dental chews are already part of your dog&#x27;s routine, Dr. Shiba Chompies is one option, with serving guidance based on a dog&#x27;s weight. Follow the label and supervise every chewing session.</p><p>Dental chews can be part of home oral care, but they don&#x27;t replace daily brushing or a veterinary dental exam.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787712040091Intl Dog Day - Zorro.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Zorro</span></span></span></div><div><strong>4. Give your dog a quick grooming reset</strong></div><p>A gentle brush and paw wipe can turn grooming into some quiet one-on-one time. While you&#x27;re at it, take a quick look at your dog&#x27;s coat and paws and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.</p><p>For a light clean-up between baths, Dr. Shiba Magic Mist is a hypochlorous acid pet-care spray made for dogs and cats. Follow the product directions when using it.</p><p>If you notice a wound, swelling, or a sudden change in your dog&#x27;s skin, that&#x27;s a job for the veterinarian rather than a grooming session.</p><div><strong>5. End the day somewhere your dog already loves</strong></div><p>After the walk, games, treats, and grooming, let the celebration wind down somewhere familiar. Fresh water, a comfortable bed, and some uninterrupted time together may be all your dog wants.</p><p>Some dogs will still be looking for another game. Others will happily sleep beside you. Pay attention to what your dog is telling you and let rest be part of the day, too.</p><p>Dogs don&#x27;t need a big production to make the day special. Sometimes, the best part of International Dog Day is simply giving them a little more of your time.</p>

<p>Your dog probably doesn't know it's International Dog Day. But August 26 is still a pretty good reason to put down your phone, clear a little space in the day, and give your dog some extra attention.</p>

Your dog probably doesn't know it's International Dog Day. But August 26 is still a pretty good reason to put down your phone, clear a little space in the day, and give your dog some extra attention.

Make International Dog Day count with these 5 vet-backed tips

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Make International Dog Day count with these 5 vet-backed tips

Ralph Revelar Sarza

Published August 26, 2026 11:36 AM PHT

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