Pet holidays are the perfect time for veterinary teams to connect with pet owners on social, boost engagement with existing clients, and grab the attention of prospective clients. Yet with so many pet holidays, it can feel like herding cats trying to keep track of them all. To help you with that, below we’ve curated our annual list of upcoming pet holidays for easy reference in 2023. Download a PDF version or keep reading!
Fill in the form below to download our 2023 Pet Holidays calendar for your clinic to use:
The Complete List of 2023 Pet Holidays
Includes all-new pet holidays!
Since the word “holiday” denotes fun, we included a few of our favorite holidays. Somehow, we just know you and your veterinary team will find a way to celebrate National Pizza Day or National Donut Day.
Call it a hunch. 🙂
January
Monthly Celebrations:
- Walk Your Dog Month
- National Train Your Dog Month
- Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
- Unchain a Dog Month
Days
January 1: New Year’s Day
January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day
January 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
January 5: National Bird Day
January 5: National Whipped Cream Day
January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 15: National Hat Day
January 21: National Hug Day
January 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
January 23: National Pie Day
January 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day
January 28: National Have Fun at Work Day
January 29: National Seeing Eye Dog Day
February
Monthly Celebrations:
- Pet Dental Health Month
- Dog Training Education Month
- National Cat Health Month
- Responsible Pet Owners Month
- National Prevent a Litter Month
- Spay and Neuter Awareness Month
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- 7-14: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
- 20-26: National Justice for Animals Week
Days
February 1: Chinese New Year
February 2: Groundhog Day
February 3: National Golden Retriever Day
February 3: National Doggie Date Night
February 9: National Pizza Day
February 13: Super Bowl Sunday
February 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 14: Valentine’s Day
February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 20: Love Your Pet Day
February 21: Family Day
February 21: Presidents Day
February 22: National Walk Your Dog Day
February 22: World Spay Day
February 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
March
Monthly Celebrations:
- Poison Prevention Awareness Month
- Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- March 7-13: Professional Pet Sitters Week
- March 20-26: National Animal Poison Prevention Week
Days
March 1: National Pig Day
March 1: Pancake Tuesday
March 3: World Wildlife Day
March 3: If Pets Had Thumbs Day
March 8: International Women’s Day
March 13: K9 Veterans Day
March 14: National Save a Spider Day
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20: International Day of Happiness
March 23: National Puppy Day
March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day
March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day
April
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Heartworm Awareness Month
- National Greyhound Adoption Month
- National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
- Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- April 1-7: International Pooper Scooper Week
- April 1-7: National Raw Feeding Week
- April 10-16: National Dog Bite Prevention Week
- April 10-16: National Wildlife Week
- April 10-16: National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
- April 17-23: National Pet ID Week
- April 17-23: Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week
- April 24-30: National Scoop the Poop Week
Days
April 1: April Fools’ Day
April 2: National Ferret Day
April 2: Every Day Is Tag Day
April 4: World Stray Animals Day
April 4: World Rat Day
April 6: National Walking Day
April 6: National Siamese Cat Day
April 7: World Health Day
April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
April 11: National Pet Day
April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
April 11: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
April 12: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
April 12: World Hamster Day
April 15: Passover begins
April 15: Good Friday
April 15: National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day
April 17: Easter
April 18: Pet Owners Independence Day
April 19: National Cat Lady Day
April 19: Pet Owners Day
April 21: Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: Passover ends
April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day
April 24: National Pet Parents Day
April 25: World Penguin Day
April 27: International Guide Dog Day
April 27: National Administrative Professionals Day
April 27: National Little Pampered Dog Day
April 28: National Kids and Pets Day
April 29: National Hairball Awareness Day
April 30: National Tabby Day
April 30: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
April 30: National Therapy Animal Day
April 30: World Veterinary Day
May
Monthly Celebrations:
- Chip Your Pet Month
- Pet Cancer Awareness Month
- Responsible Animal Guardian Month
- National Pet Month
- Lyme Disease Prevention Month
- National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- May 1-7: Puppy Mill Action Week
- May 1-7: National Pet Week
- May 1-7: Be Kind to Animals Week
- May 3-9: Dog Anxiety Week
Days
May 1: National Purebred Dog Day
May 1: National Chocolate Parfait Day
May 1: May Day
May 2: Mayday for Mutts
May 3: National Specially-abled Pets Day
May 4: Bird Day
May 4: Star Wars Day
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
May 5: Cinco de Meow Day
May 7: Wildfire Preparedness Day
May 8: National Coconut Cream Pie Day
May 8: Mother’s Day
May 13: National Apple Pie Day
May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 14: National Dog Mom Day
May 14: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 19: National Devil’s Food Cake Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
May 20: National Pizza Party Day
May 21: World Dog Day
May 23: World Turtle Day
May 23: Victoria Day
May 28: National Hamburger Day
May 30: Memorial Day
May 30: International Hug Your Cat Day
June
Monthly Celebrations:
- Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
- National Pet Preparedness Month
- National Microchipping Month
- Social Petworking Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- June 5-11: Pet Appreciation Week
- June 13-20: Animal Rights Awareness Week
- June 20-24: Take Your Pet to Work Week
Days
June 1: National Running Day
June 3: National Donut Day
June 4: National Hug Your Cat Day
June 4: International Corgi Day
June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
June 8: National Best Friends Day
June 14: World Pet Memorial Day
June 19: Father’s Day
June 20: Ugliest Dog Day
June 20: Take Your Cat to Work Day
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21: National Dog Party Day
June 24: Cat World Domination Day
June 24: Take Your Dog to Work Day
June 28: National Insurance Awareness Day
July
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Doghouse Repairs Month
- National Lost Pet Prevention Month
- National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
Days
July 1: Canada Day
July 1: National ID Your Pet Day
July 2: International Dog Day
July 4: Independence Day
July 7: World Chocolate Day
July 10: National Kitten Day
July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
July 16: World Snake Day
July 17: National Ice Cream Day
July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day
July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day
July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 26: National Dog Photography Day
July 30: International Day of Friendship
July 30: National Cheesecake Day
July 31: National Mutt Day
Dogust (a.k.a. August)
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Immunization Awareness Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- August 7-13: International Assistance Dog Week
Days
August 1: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 4: Assistance Dog Day
August 8: International Cat Day
August 10: National Spoil Your Dog Day
August 10: National Lazy Day
August 15: National Check the Chip Day
August 15: National Relaxation Day
August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 17: International Black Cat Day
August 20: Clear the Shelters Day
August 20: International Homeless Animals Day
August 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
August 23: International Blind Dog Day
August 26: National Dog Day
August 26: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
August 30: National Holistic Pet Day
September
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Preparedness Month
- Responsible Dog Ownership Month
- National Pet Memorial Month
- Pet Sitter Education Month
- Happy Healthy Cat Month
- National Service Dog Month
- National Pet Insurance Month
- Animal Pain Awareness Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- 18-24: Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week
- 18-24: National Deaf Pet Awareness Week; National Dog Week
Days
September 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
September 3: International Bacon Day
September 5: Labor Day
September 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
September 11: National Pet Memorial Day
September 11: National Hug Your Hound Day
September 13: International Chocolate Day
September 13: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
September 15: National Double Cheeseburger Day
September 17: Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 17: Responsible Dog Ownership Day
September 17: National Pet Bird Day
September 20: Love Your Pet Day
September 22: Remember Me Thursday
September 23: Dogs in Politics Day
September 24: International Rabbit Day
September 25: Rosh Hashanah begins
September 27: Rosh Hashanah ends
September 28: World Rabies Day
October
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Pit Bull Awareness Month
- National Pet Wellness Month
- National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
- National Animal Safety and Protection Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- 2-8: National Walk Your Dog Week
- 2-8: Animal Health Week
- 16-22: National Veterinary Technician Week
Days
October 1: International Coffee Day
October 1: National Black Dog Day
October 1: National Fire Pup Day
October 1: National Walk Your Dog Day
October 4: Yom Kippur begins
October 4: World Pets Day
October 4: Yom Kippur ends
October 7: World Smile Day
October 10: Indigenous People Day
October 10: Thanksgiving (Canada)
October 12: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
October 15: National Fetch Day
October 16: National Feral Cat Day
October 21: National Pets for Veterans Day
October 27: National Back Cat Day
October 29: National Cat Day
October 29: National Pit Bull Awareness Day
October 31: Halloween
November
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
- National Pet Adoption Month
- Adopt a Senior Pet Month
- National Pet Diabetes Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- 6-12: National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week
Days
November 1: International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day
November 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day
November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
November 11: Remembrance Day; Veterans Day
November 13: World Kindness Day
November 14: World Diabetes Day
November 17: National Take a Hike Day
November 23: Wolfenoot
November 24: Thanksgiving (U.S.)
November 25: Black Friday
November 26: National Cake Day
November 29: Cyber Monday
December
Monthly Celebrations:
- National Cat Lovers Month
Days
December 2: National Mutt Day
December 4: National Cookie Day
December 5: International Volunteer Day
December 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
December 10: International Animal Rights Day
December 13: National Cocoa Day
December 15: National Cat Herder’s Day
December 18: Hanukkah begins
December 21: Winter Solstice
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Hanukkah ends
December 26: Boxing Day
December 26: Kwanzaa begins
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Please note: Days and dates for pet holidays may change. Before posting anything, we recommend a quick Google search to ensure the date remains correct.
7 Holiday Foods NOT to Feed Pets
1. Grapes, Raisins and Currants
Found in fruitcakes, traditional holiday puddings and breads, grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Since researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact agent that makes these fruits so toxic, any ingestion should be cause for concern, regardless of the grape variety.
Poisoning in dogs has occurred from:
- Seedless and seeded grapes
- Commercial and homegrown fruits
- Red and green grapes/raisins
- Organic and non-organic fruits
- Grape pressings from wineries
Foods containing grapes, raisins and currants (including everyday foods like raisin bran cereal, trail mix and granola mix) are all potential sources of poison for dogs.
2. Macadamia Nuts
Common to holiday cookie recipes, macadamia nuts are considered poisonous for dogs. Though researchers are still trying to identify the specific toxin that affects dogs, both raw and roasted macadamia nuts are considered dangerous.
Signs of macadamia nut poisoning include:
- Lethargy
- Joint stiffness or hind limb weakness
- Increased body temperature or fever
- Tremors
- Vomiting
According to numerous animal poison control agencies, macadamia nut poisoning in dogs can also cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
3. Foods Sweetened with Xylitol
As a sugar substitute widely found in diet baked goods, gum, candies and other foods, xylitol is safe for human consumption. Yet for dogs, xylitol can be lethal. Xylitol is rapidly absorbed into a pet’s bloodstream and can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures and even death in dogs.
Signs of xylitol poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Loss of energy
- Tremors
4. Chocolate
All forms of chocolate are toxic to dogs (and cats) because of theobromine, a compound similar to caffeine. At doses over 40 mg/kg, cardiac symptoms can be seen, including racing heart rate, high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat, and doses around 200 mg/kg can be fatal.
The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. While milk chocolate only contains about 44-58 mg of theobromine per ounce, baking chocolate and dark chocolate can contain 130-450 mg of theobromine per ounce.
Signs of chocolate poisoning include:
- Agitation and hyperactivity
- Drooling, vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased thirst, panting or restlessness
- Excessive urination
- Racing heart rate
5. Alcohol
As the intoxicating agent found in beer, wine and liquor, ethanol (a.k.a. alcohol) affects dogs in much the same way that it affects humans. Ethanol depresses a dog’s central nervous system to commonly cause drowsiness, lack of coordination and unconsciousness. Signs of advanced ethanol poisoning include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Depression or vocalization
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Involuntary urination or defecation
- Acidosis, hypothermia, hypoglycemia or hypotension
- Seizures or coma
- Heart attack
6. Unbaked Bread Dough
When ingested by dogs, unbaked bread dough results in the production of ethanol from the fermentation of sugars by certain species of yeast. As such, the consumption of unbaked bread dough presents most of the same symptoms and risks listed previously under Alcohol, including vomiting, incontinence, respiratory distress, seizures and heart attack.
Other signs of poisoning from unbaked bread dough include:
- Distended, painful abdomen (from gasses produced by fermentation)
- Gastric obstruction with the potential for gastric dilation (twisted stomach)
7. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain a substance called thiosulphate, which causes a form of anemia in dogs and cats due to an abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, though signs and symptoms may not appear right away. Onions don’t have to be raw to be potentially lethal to pets. Toxicity can occur from fried, dehydrated or powdered onions in food. Garlic contains significantly higher concentrations of thiosulphate than onions, meaning just a little can be dangerous.
Signs of poisoning from garlic or onions include:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea
- Reddish discoloration of urine
- Excessive drooling or a wobbly gait (ataxia)
- Elevated heart rate or increased panting
- Pale gums
- Abdominal discomfort
The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” remains true today when it comes to protecting your pet from toxic foods during the holidays.
Don’t leave foods unattended on coffee tables and other places where foods are easily consumed by curious pets. Put leftovers away and take out the trash so pets aren’t tempted to raid the scraps.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season
Here are 5 tips to help keep your furry friends safe and happy this holiday season!
1. Pass on the plants
Many common holiday plants that beautify and brighten your home can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Holly berries and mistletoe can be toxic to pets. Ingesting large amounts of mistletoe can cause abnormal heart rate, collapse, low blood pressure, seizures, and death. Holly contains saponins which cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) and the spiny leaves can cause injury to the stomach. Lilies are popular in floral arrangements but are extremely toxic to cats. Exposure to any part of the plant – even the water in the vase – causes kidney failure in cats. Amaryllis bulbs are a common holiday gift, but be aware that consumption of the bulbs, leaves, and stems can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression. While poinsettias have a bad rap for being toxic, the fact is that they’re not very toxic at all! If pets are exposed to the milky sap, they may develop some skin irritation and if ingested, they may drool or vomit.
2. Tether the tree!
Some pets just can’t help themselves and will try to scale a Christmas tree to get a closer look at the glittery ornaments or twinkling lights, or find a good perch to look out the window. If the tree isn’t secure, it could come crashing down as your pet scales the trunk, damaging your ornaments, making a giant mess, or worse yet, injuring your cat. Avoid decorating the lower part of your tree to prevent curious cats and dogs from batting or chewing on glass balls, ornaments, and lights. Don’t use tinsel on your tree – if ingested by a pet, it can cause a serious surgical condition called a linear foreign object. Many animals like to chew on electrical cords which can result in burns or electrocution. Keep cords tucked away and keep your pets away from the tree.
3. Stash the sweets and treats
Treats sweetened with xylitol can be especially dangerous for dogs. Xylitol can be found in a variety of products including sugarless gum and candies, as well as peanut butter, toothpaste, lotions, facial products, deodorant, and skin gels. Even consuming small amounts can cause low blood sugar and liver failure. If your pet ingests any product containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. While hot cocoa can be a nice festive treat on cold snowy days, keep this beverage away from your pets. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine and ingesting just 2-3 ounces of dark chocolate can make a 50-pound dog very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested chocolate.
4. Cap the candles and mind the fire
Kinaras, menorahs, and festive candles are an important part of holiday traditions. Never leave candles unattended; it only takes one flick or wag of a tail to topple a candle. Singed hair, burns, and fires are preventable. Consider using battery-powered candles and if you do use real candles be sure they’re out of reach of pets and extinguished after use. Fires – both traditional wood-burning and gas fireplaces – create a charming ambience, but pets can get burned or singed. Pets may be drawn to rest near a fire to get some extra warmth on cool damp days. Supervise your pet, train him to stay away, use a fireplace screen for added protection, and keep pet beds away from the hearth to prevent burns and fires.
5. Tuck away the turkey…and the trash!
Including your pet in your festive meal is tempting, but serious gastrointestinal upset with a sudden change in diet can occur. Rich fatty foods not only can cause vomiting and diarrhea, they can also cause a serious and painful condition called pancreatitis. Cooked turkey bones are brittle and can cause injuries to the mouth and throat, choking, obstruction (blockage) of the throat or gastrointestinal tract, and rectal bleeding from sharp bone pieces. When cleaning up after your delicious festive meal, make sure that the garbage is inaccessible to your pets. Tasty strings used in tying the turkey, juices in foil pans, plastic wrap with chocolate icing can be tempting for curious pets.
Being mindful of a few safety measures can prevent illness and emergency trips to your veterinarian over the holidays.
Happy holidays to you and yours from all of us at LifeLearn Animal Health!
