February is all about caring. With more than eight Pet Holidays & Awareness Days this month, there are plenty of ways to show your love for our four-legged friends. And that’s not including the one we all know and love…Valentine’s Day. Here’s February’s round-up:
#HaveAHeart for Chained Dogs – February 7-14
The US organisation Dogs Deserve Better advocates for and rescues chained dogs and their goal is to stop the heartbreaking chaining of dogs in the US and internationally. During the week 7-14 February, they organise a heartwarming initiative where thousands of Valentines Cards are sent to dogs who live their lives chained up. School children from all over the US make the cards and the group’s goal is to send 10,000 cards this year. In the hope of educating the dogs owners, they also send a brochure explaining why keeping a dog chained up is a form of abuse and a voucher for dog food or dog treats. So this February, spare a thought for dogs that live their lives chained up during Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week.
Protect Your Pooch: Pet Theft Awareness Day – February 14
Although Pet Theft Awareness Day on February 14 is a US focused awareness day, pet theft is becoming a real issue in the UK too. According to the first ever UK’s first ever Pet Theft Census, three dogs are stolen in the UK every day. The most stolen dogs in Britain are Staffordshire bull terriers, labradors, spaniels, German shepherds and chihuahuas. So make sure you have done everything you can to protect your pooch from pet theft:
- If your dog isn’t microchipped, have it done now. See our earlier post on where to get your dog microchipped for free in London.
- 52 per cent of all dogs stolen are taken from gardens and 19 per cent from homes so make sure your property is secure.
- 16 per cent of dogs are stolen while being walked so be aware of people around you, especially parked-up vans with a driver in them.
- 7 per cent of dogs are stolen while tied up outside shops and a further five per cent from cars so don’t leave your dog unattended.
- Be careful about sharing information about your dog that highlights their value which may make you more of a target.
The UK also has its own Pet Theft Awareness Week in March.
#ShowYourLove on Love Your Pet Day – February 20
Normally when we think of love in February, we think of Valentines Day but did you know that pets have their own special day of love this month? Love Your Pet Day on February 20th is the day to make pets feel really special, be it with an extra long walk, new toys and treats or just by making an extra fuss of them. Whatever it is, just make sure February 20th is all about them.
Treat Your Dog: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day – February 23
If a dog could choose its day, International Dog Biscuit Day would probably be it. The origins of this day are unknown but that really doesn’t matter. What matters is that today you spoil your pooch with lots of extra special dog biscuits to help celebrate this very important day.
Other Pet Holidays & Awareness Days in February
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Walking the Dog Day – February 22
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World Spay Day – February 24
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Responsible Pet Month (US) – The UK celebrates this in the month of April with National Pet Month
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Pet Dental Health Month