DETROIT – Today is all about dogs.
Below are six ways you can celebrate National Dog Day with your pet.
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Visit a dog park
Dog parks provide a great way for your dog to get exercise and socialize with other pups.
Many dog parks don't require leashes, allowing your pet to enjoy some open space.
Check out a list of some off-the-leash dog parks in Metro Detroit here.
Make sure your pet’s shots are up-to-date
Prevention is often the best method for handling illnesses.
Vaccinations can help prevent your pet from catching diseases, such as heartworm. Heartworm can be transmitted to a dog via mosquitoes, and the signs that your animal has contracted it aren’t always obvious.
Learn more about identifying heartworm in pets here.
Microchip your pet
If your dog isn’t microchipped, they should be.
Read: What to do if you lose your dog or find a missing dog
A microchip makes it easier to reunite your dog with you if they go missing and someone finds them. It’s also important to keep your pet’s microchip information updated. Verify that your address and phone number are accurate on the chip, so you can be reached if your pet is ever found.
Take your dog on a walk
Most state parks in Michigan allow dogs on trails, so get your furry friend and head to the park for a walk today.
No park nearby? No problem. Enjoy the weather near home and take your pet for a walk around your neighborhood.
Does your dog give you a hard time on walks? Here are tips to stop pulling.
Take your dog to the beach
Some Michigan state parks and recreation areas have beaches your pet can enjoy.
See a list of pet-friendly shorelines here.
Adopt a dog
August is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
Read: Tips for avoiding common mistakes when adopting a shelter dog
Pets of all varieties are waiting in shelters to find a new home. What better time to add a new dog to the family than National Dog Day?
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