Celebrating your furry best friend the right way
Image: Roberto Nickson
Love Your Pet Day, celebrated on February 20, is the perfect occasion for pet owners to celebrate with extra belly rubs, gourmet treats, and memorable adventures. Discover how to make this day special for your furry friend!
But beyond the fun and fluff, being a great pet parent is about more than just spoiling them once a year. It’s about long-term care, health, and happiness things that go beyond the occasional treat.
So, how can you make this day (and every day) truly special for your pet? We spoke to Marycke Ackhurst, a Pet Behaviour Expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, to find out how to celebrate in a way that keeps tails wagging and purrs rumbling for years to come.
Ever wonder why your cat brings you “gifts” (often things you wish they wouldn’t) or why your dog insists on following you everywhere? Pets have their own unique ways of showing love it’s just a matter of learning to understand them.
“Pets express love in different ways, says Ackhurst. Some follow you from room to room, some give you slow blinks of approval, and others just enjoy your presence without much fuss. Paying attention to their unique behaviours helps build a deeper bond.”
A spa day for your pet may sound extravagant, but true pampering comes in the form of health and wellness. Keeping them healthy is the real VIP treatment.
✔ Schedule a vet visit - If it’s been a while, now’s the time for a routine check-up. Early detection of health issues can add years to your pet’s life.
✔ Stay on top of vaccinations - They’re not just for puppies and kittens! Regular boosters protect against serious diseases
✔ Check their teeth - Dental health is often overlooked, but gum disease can cause major health problems.
✔ Groom them regularly - Brushing helps with coat health, and circulation, and prevents matting.
✔ Upgrade their comfort - A new bed, a cosy blanket, or even a fresh toy can make a world of difference.
For pets, the best gift is your time and attention. And nothing beats a good old-fashioned adventure.
🐶 For dogs: Take them on a sniffari, a walk where they set the pace, stopping to sniff and explore at their own leisure.
🐱For cats: Indoor cats love new experiences too! Try a window perch, a scratching post, or a new toy that mimics hunting instincts.
New experiences big or small keep pets mentally and physically stimulated, ensuring they stay happy and engaged.
Dogs can safely eat certain fruits, others are downright dangerous. Picture: Rarnie McCudden/Pexels
Image: Rarnie McCudden/Pexels
You don’t need to have a pet at home to celebrate Love Your Pet Day. There are thousands of cats and dogs in South African shelters waiting for a second chance at love.
“Many shelters are overcrowded and rely on volunteers and donations,” says Ackhurst. If you want to make a real impact, consider:
❤️ Volunteering at a local shelter, even a few hours of playtime and cuddles can make a difference.
🦴Donate food, blankets, or toys
🐾Fostering a pet, temporary homes help ease the burden on shelters.
To make the process easier, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has created the Pet Matchmaker App, a fun, interactive way to find the perfect pet for your lifestyle.
“It’s like Tinder for pets, but with unconditional love. You can search by breed, size, activity level, and compatibility with kids or other pets.”
Your pet may not understand words the way we do, but they understand tone, energy, and love. Before the day ends, take a moment to truly appreciate them.
✔ Talk to them - Yes, out loud! Tell them how much they mean to you.
✔ Give them extra snuggles - Even independent pets appreciate a little extra affection.
✔ End the day with their favourite treat or toy - A simple way to say *thank you for being my best friend.