Here’s how to celebrate Love Your Pet Day 2020

Who cheers you up when you’re feeling down? Who’s the first to greet you when you get home? And who listens to you tell the same story over again without a slight roll of the eye? Your pet, that’s who.

Love Your Pet Day on 20 February celebrates the unbreakable bond shared between pet and pet parent.

Marycke Ackhurst, pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says that while, as most pet parents would agree, we don’t need just one day to celebrate the love we have for our pets, there’s something special about an unofficial ‘holiday’ dedicated to our fur babies.

‘Plus, there are ways to spoil your pet this Love Your Pet Day that won’t break the bank; extra cuddles, treats and longer walks to name a few.’

Here’s how you can show your pet more love this Love Your Pet Day:

1. Just like we feel we have a new lease on life with a fresh hair cut or new style, the same goes for our pets. How about a day at the spa for your pooch? Take your dog to the parlour; there they’ll bath him, dry him, brush him and trim his nails. While most cats won’t take as kindly to a spa day, why not give your kitty a nice, relaxing brush at home?
2. Does your dog need a new leash and collar? How about a shiny new ball? Or bandana? Perhaps, your cat needs a new toy mouse or some catnip? Gifting your pet with something new is a great way to celebrate them.
3. Palytime is one of the best ways to spend time with your dog. Go for a long walk, stop at the park and play some catch. Cats love playing games too; any feathery toys, scratch posts, or even a good, old box, will bring out the kitten in them and expend any pent-up energy.
4. Make your pet delicious homemade snacks using Hill’s pet food.
5. While your pet may not need it, or necessarily benefit from it now, pet insurance such as dotsure.co.za, is truly a gift that keeps on giving. So, if a rainy day comes, that no pet parent likes to think about, you’ll have peace of mind your pet is covered.
6. You don’t have to have a pet to love pets. Why not celebrate Love Your Pet Day by visiting a nearby animal shelter? Spend time with the dogs and cats looking for their forever home as well as the volunteers who support them. It will make you, and them, feel good.