Did you know that July 31st is Mutt Day? We love dogs of all shapes, sizes, and color, and of all breeds and breed combinations. If your canine pal is a mutt—or mixed breed, or mongrel, as they are also called—put a pawprint on your calendar as a reminder to do something special for him. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a local Savannah, GA vet offers some suggestions on this.

Treats

You don’t need a special occasion to give Fido a yummy snack. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally indulge him with something special. A steak would not be inappropriate! However, if you want to tone it down a bit, you can just give your furry friend any plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones or fat. Toys and play sessions will also get that tail going.

Adoption

The best way to celebrate Mutt Day? Adopt one! If you are considering bringing a new dog into your home, please don’t overlook mixed-breed dogs. The vast majority of pups in shelters are mutts, so there are certainly plenty of adorable furry faces to choose from. There are also some benefits to adopting mutts. Your canine buddy will be quite unique, will cost less than a purebred, and will also be less susceptible to certain health risks. Have we mentioned the fact that mutts are adorable?

Donations

If adoption isn’t right for you at this time, you can still help mutts that need homes. Making a donation to a local animal shelter or rescue is a small act of kindness that can make a big difference. If you want to go a step further, you can also look into volunteering or even fostering. There are plenty of mutts in shelters that need foster homes, walks, or playtime!

Doggy Sleepovers

Some shelters allow their pups to go out on outings or even sleepovers with approved caretakers or families. It gives Fido a nice little break from the shelter, and may serve as a way for families to spend time with dogs without fully committing. If your four-legged friend gets along well with other pets, this may be something to look into. In any case, it never hurts to ask! Here at Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Contact us for all your canine companion’s veterinary care needs.