April is definitely a big month for celebrating our pets! National Pet Day falls early in April, and the entire month is also dedicated to keeping our dogs active and fit. It's obvious many of us have been showering our pets with extra love.

Seeing all that care is fantastic, but now it's time to give a little something back to the wonderful humans who make it all happen – that means you! It just so happens that April has another special day, and this one is all about celebrating pet parents.

Happy Pet Parents Day!

Healthy Dogma wants to take a moment to celebrate you and every other amazing pet parent. Keep reading for some interesting ideas on how you can relax and treat yourself, and a reminder of just how unique and rewarding having a pet truly is.

What is Pet Parents Day?

National Pet Parents Day lands on the last Sunday of April every single year. It was actually started back in 2007 by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). They saw how many people truly thought of their pets as part of the family and wanted to celebrate that dedication.

This day honors all the amazing pet parents who work hard to give their animals happy, healthy lives. Think of it as a great excuse to carve out a little extra time with your pet and really enjoy that unique connection you have.

Speaking of pets, it's pretty incredible that more than two out of every three Americans share their lives with an animal companion. And the variety is huge! People welcome everything from dogs and cats to birds, turtles, bunnies, fish, pigs, chickens, and even snakes into their homes. It seems like the list of potential pets just keeps going!

Interesting Facts From the American Pet Products Association

Almost 67% of families in the U.S. have at least one pet. That adds up to a whopping 94 million households across the country!

Wondering which pets are most common? Dogs take the top spot, wagging their tails in about 68 million homes. Cats are the second most popular companions, found in 49 million households. And rounding out the top three are fish, swimming in about 12 million homes.

It's also interesting how pet companionship became even more important recently, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when pet adoptions climbed. By October 2020, almost 30 percent of Americans – that's nearly one out of every three people – had welcomed a new pet into their lives.

The Great Things About Being a Pet Parent

You probably already know how great having a pet is, but sometimes we forget just how much they enrich our lives. Here are a few benefits you might not always think about:

Having a pet around can be fantastic for your mental well-being:

Whether you have an official service or emotional support animal, or just a furry friend who loves to cuddle, their presence makes a difference. The unconditional love they give, their funny habits, and those warm snuggles can genuinely help lower stress. 

It's thought that interacting with pets can boost oxytocin (often called the love hormone), which may help your body produce less cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.

You can't beat the companionship a pet offers:

They love you no matter what and are always there. Need someone to “talk” to, even if they just listen? Need comfort when you're feeling down? Or just need a good laugh at their silly antics? Your pet provides that. 

Whether they follow you everywhere or just like being in the same room, their steady presence can be incredibly soothing, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety or loneliness. Some studies even suggest this companionship might increase brain chemicals linked to happiness, like serotonin and dopamine.

Pets also encourage you to be more active: 

Most animals need regular exercise, and guess who they rely on for walks or playtime? You! Taking your dog hiking, dangling a toy for your cat, or even setting up fun games inside gets both of you moving. 

These activities are not only fun and keep your pet mentally sharp, but they also give you a dose of physical activity and are wonderful ways to strengthen the bond you share.

Finally, caring for an animal builds a real sense of responsibility:

Looking after a dog, cat, or any pet requires commitment and teaches valuable lessons about dependability. Simple tasks like brushing their teeth, bathing them, preparing healthy meals, or even taking them for their morning walk can be very rewarding. 

This is especially true for kids, as it helps them develop important skills and gain confidence as they learn to care for another living being.

Ideas for Celebrating National Pet Parent Day

Finding reasons to shower our pets with extra attention is always easy, and this holiday is a perfect chance for that. But remember, this day celebrates you too! Try to think of activities that both you and your pet truly enjoy doing together.

Naturally, the best way to honor National Pet Parents Day is by spending quality time with your animal companion. You could treat your buddy to an extra-long walk or maybe explore a park you haven’t visited before for a little adventure.

If you're feeling up for something bigger and your pet enjoys socializing, you could even host a small get-together. Whatever you choose to do, the most important part is simply enjoying the time with your pet and appreciating the special connection that comes with being a pet parent.

- Cooking a Special Healthy Meal

Another wonderful way to celebrate your bond on Pet Parents Day is by trying your hand at cooking a special meal for your pet. If you don't usually make their food, this can be a really fun and fulfilling way to connect with your role as a pet parent. 

Taking the time to select all-natural ingredients and prepare something nourishing with your own hands feels great. You get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what your pet is eating – good, wholesome recipes without any extras you don't want.

Seeing your pet enjoy something healthy that you made is a wonderful feeling, and it's a fantastic way to celebrate the care and effort you put into being a great pet parent every day. It turns a simple meal into a meaningful act of connection.

And for dog parents looking for that wholesome, natural-ingredient goodness without the extra prep time, we offer a convenient option. Our all-natural dog food mixes are made using only natural ingredients. Simply add warm water, wait a few minutes, and a delicious, healthy meal is ready to serve to your pooch.

Explore the wide variety of PetMix recipes we offer!

- Share Your Pet Parent Pride Online

Being a pet parent is something to be proud of, and let's face it, everyone enjoys seeing happy pets with their people! Pet Parents Day is the perfect time to capture some special moments with your beloved companion. Take a few photos together – maybe a cute selfie or a picture of you both enjoying one of your favorite activities.

Then, why not share that joy online? Post your pictures on social media and let everyone see the wonderful bond you share. It’s a great way to celebrate your connection, and you can even join the wider celebration by adding the hashtag #nationalpetparentsday to your post. You'll be sharing the love and connecting with other proud pet parents!

Happy Pet Parents Day!