It's officially Dog Day! While we shower our doggos with all the love and care in the world every day, International Dog Day, which is being celebrated the world over today, August 26, calls for us to go that extra mile in planning out something extra special for our furry family members, to thank them for all the magic they add to our lives. Here is all the creative, DIY inspiration you need to get planning.

Unleash Your Dog's Inner Artist

Now before you dismiss this idea right away, there exists a foolproof hack which will magically cultivate enough patience in your dog to tap into their artistic side, even if it is just for 5 minutes. Peanut butter! First get your supplies in place which will include small canvases and a few paints, necessarily non-toxic. If you're looking for a professional finish to the art pieces, line your canvas with tape which will add a natural border once you peel them off. Now pick your colours and put them on the canvas in dots, swirls or any cute little design.

Now for the fun part. Take a few ziploc bags and smear their tops with dollops of peanut butter. Secure the canvas inside the bag and let your dog lick the deliciousness right off. What you will be left with, is your doggo's very own art piece! Be sure to supervise the activity closely, lest your dog chews through the ziploc.

Doga: Yoga with Your Dog

Doga (Yoga with dogs) is catching quite some steam in health circles and with good reason. We love our pets so much but often feel disheartened when we have to leave them behind for long spells during the day. While you can't take them to work, incorporating them during your downtime on the mat, goes a long way in shining not just their mental health, but yours as well. Also, these make for just the most adorable videos to share with your friends and family!

There is no foolproof way to ensure your dog takes to the routine. The best you can do, is let them know and feel that they are welcome on the mat alongside you. A helpful tip is to go heavy on the animal-inspired poses — downward dog for instance — which are also easier for them to ape. Why not kickstart a new phase of you and your dog's fitness journey this International Dog Day?

Cook Up a Canine Feast

We know what you're thinking, but the mess will be worth the memories. It goes without saying that you must pick a recipe which will be safe for consumption for your dog. Additionally, have all your ingredients measured and laid out, preferably out of reach for your dog. This will save you time and energy as you fight them off the counters.

Not sure you can pull this off? British Beagle sisters Kiki and Koko 'cook' with their fur parents every week, and the endless footage on their handle will elicit a string of 'awws' from you.

Spoil Your Dog With a Spa Day

You don't need much to make this happen. As a matter of fact, you can even make a little skit out of it. Just be sure to use products that are dog-friendly. Slow massages, head pats and good rubdown will put them right to a blissful nap.

Capture Paw-some Moments

You probably already take a million photos of your dog anyway. Just make it a little extra fancy for today! The least you'll need is a solid coloured sheet which you can throw up as a background. You can have your photos developed as well to put up around the house. If you're feeling particularly bougie, pick a theme and dress yourself and your dog as per it. There's really no limitations for this one.

Go the Extra Mile for Shelter Dogs

National Dog Day is a great time to celebrate our furry companions, but it's also a reminder of the countless dogs in shelters who are waiting for loving homes. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

• Adopt a new best friend: Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group is the best way to give a dog a second chance at happiness. Many shelters have dogs of all ages, breeds, and personalities, so you're sure to find a perfect match for your family.

• Foster first: Not ready to adopt? Fostering is a great option that provides a pet with the space and time to decompress, while acclimating to life in a home. Fostering comes at no cost to those opening their homes, as shelter and rescue organizations typically cover all expenses while the pet is in foster. Many organizations also offer foster-to-adopt programs where individuals can see if a pet is right for their home before adopting.

• Give back: Shelters across the country are often understaffed and need volunteers to help care for the animals. Even if you can't volunteer your time, you can donate money or supplies to your local shelter.

• Utilize social media: Shelters and rescue groups often use social media to showcase dogs in need. Share these posts on your social media accounts to help raise awareness and find homes for these deserving dogs.

• Get informed: Learn more about the challenges facing homeless dogs and how you can help. Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters in 2025, recently released data showing 207,400 dogs were killed in shelters last year, simply because they didn’t have a place to call home.

National Dog Day: A Call to Action

Will you be treating your dog (and yourself) to any of these special activities today? Remember, every day is a good day to show your dog some love, but National Dog Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the bond we share with our canine companions and to help those dogs in need. As Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said, “Roughly 7 million people in America are planning to acquire a pet this year, and if just 6 percent more people chose to adopt versus purchase their pets, we would end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters.” Let's make a difference for our furry friends this National Dog Day and every day.