We’ve gathered 10 of the best ways to show love to your dog on National Pet Day, in ways he’s sure to understand.

Dogs are able to understand human language when we create associations with things or activities, and express themselves with the ways they know how; barking, whining, growling, sighing, and more. By creating associations with activities and a communication tool, we can create a way to communicate with our dogs in daily life.

As devoted dog lovers, we are always seeking ways to enrich the lives of our pets. Besides food, water, and bathroom breaks, dogs require a lot more enrichment to satisfy natural instincts and urges such as sniffing, chewing, and barking. While training dogs to be good house pets, we have a tendency to restrain them from barking out the window and chewing on furniture. Our pups still require release of what’s natural to them through appropriate mediums to chew, dig, and forage. The professional dog trainer, Sarah Owings, describes daily requirements and activities as “what fills” and “what empties” a “dog’s emotional cup.” 

A dog massage may seem like a  pretty indulgent spa service, however it can improve your pet’s mental and physical health. By taking time to massage your dog, you can not only  strengthen your bond, but also reduce stress and anxiety, increase blood circulation, and decrease aches and pain. Massaging is easy to incorporate into your regular petting routine!

Chewing is instinctive and necessary for our pups, and treats can be a great distraction while home alone. While bones, rawhides, and other treats are delicious for your pup to enjoy, although they can pose a choking hazard if left unattended. Fractured teeth, oral injuries, airway obstruction, and gastrointestinal complications are all a risk for dogs chewing on a treat. In order to keep your pup safe and happy, consider implementing these treats into your doggo’s diet.

National Pet Fire Safety Day, on July 15th, is a national holiday dedicated to spreading awareness on how leaving pets home alone can lead to potential risks related to house fires. 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year, with 1,000 house fires started by pets themselves, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

National Craft for your Local Shelters Day, on July 21st, is a holiday to recognize that we can donate to our local shelters with acts of love and kindness. This includes making beds, toys, vests and bandanas that say "adopt me," leashes, and more! Using fabric or even old clothing that you have around your house, you can make a difference for furbabies in need.

Before you begin, be sure to contact the shelter you’re considering donating to and confirm that they will receive your donation! Some shelters may have a surplus of supplies, or may appreciate different crafts more than others.

Alexa can be extremely helpful for managing our devices around the house, telling us about the weather, and making shopping lists. But what can Alexa do for our furbabies? With the help of technology, we can enrich the lives of our pets and keep them safe while we’re away. Anxiety is extremely common in dogs, whether it be triggered by loud noises or their owner’s absence.  Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Alexa devices, and ease anxiety in your pets.

Fireworks can be fun and exciting for hoomans, but not so much for our furbabies. The loud bangs, smokey smell, and bright flashes of light can cause anxiety along with barking, howling, and crying. Some pups may even try to escape their homes, leading to the Fourth of July having the highest rate of lost pets than any other day of the year. Even if your dog is well-behaved normally, it’s important to keep them safe by taking extra precautions the week of Independence Day.

Leaving your dog at home while you’re working at the office for eight hours, or even just shopping at the grocery store for two hours, can be incredibly stressful as a furparent. Even when a house is pup-proofed, there are infinite ways that your dog can manage to find trouble. Your mind races with “what-ifs” and you find yourself constantly distracted instead of getting work done. 

We spoke to Dr. Hannah Curtis, who provides at-home general wellness veterinary care in North Orange County, California. 

Leaving your dog at home while you’re working at the office for eight hours, or even just shopping at the grocery store for two hours, can be incredibly stressful as a furparent. Even when a house is pup-proofed, there are infinite ways that your dog can manage to find trouble. Your mind races with “what-ifs” and you find yourself constantly distracted instead of getting work done. 

Younger dogs that are filled with energy are constantly seeking stimulation, and have a tendency to go scavenging for fun things to play with and eat. So how can a parent protect their furbaby while they’re away? 

You and your dog do everything together — from enjoying long walks on sunny days and playing in the park to curling up together on the couch when the weather isn't so cooperative, you're two peas in a pod. You can't imagine life without the friendly panting, tail-wagging and begging of your best friend and baby, so it's hard to picture spending a vacation without him or her. Who will feed her? Will your caregiver give him enough cuddles? Is your dog better off at home, out in the backyard, boarded at a kennel or left with a friend or family member? 

Do dogs get cold in snow? You may have wondered this when bundling your furbaby up in his or her favorite coat or sweater before a walk.

Well, if you want to start a great debate, ask a group of dog lovers: “Do dogs need winter sweaters?” You’re sure to get a ton of different answers!

It’s a question everyone with a furbaby has asked at one point: ”How long can I leave my dog alone?” Whether you plan on heading out for a day trip, to work or to run errands, you may wonder whether it’s acceptable to leave your dog on his or her own for that length of time.

Dr. Medders: "Furbo has really decreased their separation anxiety and depression while home alone."

Leaving a puppy alone while at work is no fun for anyone—neither you nor your furbaby. However, it may be necessary if you need to work to pay the bills and the dog food. If you’re working full time with a puppy, there are a few things you’ll want to do to when you’re trying to make it all work:

We LOVE talking to our dogs, but do they really understand? Follow our tips to make the communication between you and your pups faster and easier.