It's National Dog Day 2023—Celebrate with our favorite dog products

Get your doggy treats ready because National Dog Day is here! National Dog Day is a celebration of all things related to man’s best friend. We know that you love your furry friend, so why don’t you show them by treating them to some fun activities like a walk in the park or a swim to beat the heat? We have the perfect products for a variety of doggy excursions to honor this adorable holiday. Here’s everything you need to know about National Dog Day, as well as everything you need to make it the perfect day with your pet.

When is National Dog Day 2023?

National Dog Day is celebrated annually on August 26. This year, it falls on a Saturday.

What is National Dog Day?

National Dog Day is a day dedicated to celebrating dogs. It was created in 2004 by Coleen Page, a pet & family lifestyle expert and animal advocate, to raise awareness of the number of dogs in shelters in hopes of driving adoption. Today, it is celebrated across the world and in 2013, it was written into New York legislation.

Top products for your dog

Doggy bags

We bet your canine pal would just love to be treated to a nice, long walk this National Dog Day. And when nature comes calling, only number one will do when they go number two. Our favorite dog poop bags, Pogi's Poop Bags with Easy-Tie Handles, make an unpleasant chore a bit more bearable. Not only are these easy to tie, but they're biodegradable and mask the odor of your pet's poop

Dog pools

Dogs get hot just like we do. Unfortunately, unlike us, they lack sweat glands and have harder times regulating their temperatures. Make sure you’re giving them plenty of cool, fresh water, and if you're looking for a fun, additional way to help them beat the heat, take them for a swim. If you decide to let your dog swim in a larger body of water, consider getting them a life jacket. You can also have them swim in a dog pool. The Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool is the best dog pool you can buy thanks to its sturdy, easy-to-drain design that dogs of all physical levels can easily get in and out of.

Dog shoes

Just because dogs are used to walking barefoot (barepaw?) doesn't mean that they can't get hurt. To keep your dog's paws safe, we recommend buying a quality pair of dog shoes. We love what we saw of Bark Brite All Weather Dog Boots since they're flexible and work on narrow paws, something other dog shoes struggle with.

Dog pens

Adopting a beautiful puppy this National Dog Day? You'll want a dog pen to keep them out of trouble and gradually acclimatize them to their new home. The Iris 34-Inch Exercise 8-Panel Pet Playpen is the best dog pen you can buy. It's made of interlocking plastic panels, similar to a pen you'd use for a small child. This lightweight pen can be used whole or in just a few panels to block off specific parts of your home.

Dog carriers

There are many ways to travel with your pet beyond carrying them. For one, you can carry them in an adorable dog backpack that will be a conversation piece with everyone you pass. If you love spoiling your dog and want everyone to know that they're your baby, you can use a pet stroller).

For longer trips, particularly if you're traveling by plane, we recommend using a pet carrier. The best one we've tested is the Sleepypod Air. We love this TSA-compliant pet carrier because it expands and contracts to meet your specific dog's needs, it has excellent air circulation, and it comes with seatbelt straps for car travel.

DNA Kits

Using a DNA test kit is a fun way to learn more about your dog. We've tested several doggy DNA kits and determined that Wisdom Panel Premium is the best. This test analyzes a dog's ancestry from across 350 breeds and screens for over 200 genetic conditions. It's simple to get a sample for the test and results come back in less than two weeks. Plus, it's very affordable for what you're getting.

Leashes and collars

Collars are an essential product for dog owners. They can be attached to leashes for walks, hold ID tags, or just be a canine fashion statement. We've tested several dog collars and found the Educator Quick Snap Biothane Collar to be the best because it's highly adjustable and easy to clean.

While you’re at it, it may be time to upgrade your leash. While the one you have may be "good enough," for National Dog Day, consider treating your pet to the best leash on the market, which makes walks more fun for you and them both. From our research, we've determined that the best leash you can buy is the Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash. This leash's greatness comes in its versatility — it's comfortable for big and small dogs alike. This leash works for loose-leash walking just as well as it works for closer, city walking.

Dog beds

Dogs and humans aren't so different in a lot of ways. Like us, they can enjoy cozy naps at home. Maybe your doggo wants to take it easy this National Dog Day. To help them do so, we recommend getting them a comfy dog bed such as K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot. It’s our favorite dog bed because its breathable material circulates air and resists the growth of mildew. It comes with legs to stabilize it and keeps your floor scuff-free.

Pet feeder

To take the hassle out of feeding your pet, we recommend using an automatic pet feeder, which will release food for your pet at set intervals. Our favorite is the WOPET SmartFeeder which allows you to remotely schedule up to six feedings a day via Wi-Fi. It has an impressive 17-cup food capacity, and it allows you to record a message to play during feeding time. For feeding your pet while traveling, we recommend checking out one of the travel bowls we've reviewed.

Hair remover

As much as we love our pets, it's hard to deny that the fur can be a bit much. It seems like we have double the dust of our pet-less friends and it's a crapshoot whether our black clothing will actually be black with pets around. Fortunately, pet hair removers, such as the Lilly Brush Pro Pet Hair Tool Kit, can help. The Lilly Brush Pro is one of the best pet hair removers because it works well on a variety of surfaces and is easy to use.

Pet cameras

What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than by using a pet camera to watch your dog wherever you are? You'll be able to make sure they're all right and get a dopamine hit in the process. The best pet camera we've tested is the Eufy Pet Dog Camera D605. We love this camera because it has motion-tracking, it can toss treats, and it has a ton of storage for recordings.