August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day
Aug 10, 2026, 8:53 AM | Updated: 1:57 pm
Go ahead. Give them the good treats. They’ve earned it just by existing.
If your dog is currently staring at you with those eyes, today is the universe’s way of telling you to just give in. August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day, and honestly, most of us have been training for this holiday all year long.
Let’s be real — spoiling the dog isn’t exactly a stretch for most people. According to Just Food For Dogs, 70 percent of people already spoil their pup on a regular basis. So if you thought you were overdoing it, congratulations — you’re actually just average.
And it gets better. A survey by PuppySpot found that 80 percent of people pamper their puppy as much as possible. As much as possible. That’s not spoiling — that’s a lifestyle.
According to a survey by Pollfish, 46 percent of people spoil their dog more than they spoil their significant other. Nearly half. Your partner might want to have a conversation about that. Your dog, however, is thriving.
Not sure where to start? According to a survey by Figo Pet Insurance, here’s how most people show their dogs some love:
Extra treats — 62 percent
Petting them — 55 percent
Playing with them — 54 percent
Extra attention — 52 percent
Lots of toys — 52 percent
And according to PuppySpot, the go-to moves are treats and cuddles, followed by long walks and new toys. Basically, your dog has better self-care habits than most people.
Feeling guilty about leaving for work? You’re not alone. According to Lily’s Kitchen, 30 percent of people ramp up the pampering specifically when their dog has been home alone for too long. It’s basically a tax. You leave, they sit on the couch and look sad, and you come home with a new chew toy. Fair deal.
And if you’re more of a treat person — same. Natural Instinct found that 14 percent of people go straight for the extra treats when it’s time to spoil their pup.
If you’re in the Denver area, today is a solid excuse to hit up a local pet boutique, grab some high-end treats, or just take your dog on a longer trail than usual. They won’t complain. They never do.
Your dog doesn’t know what day it is. They don’t need to. They just know that you showed up, you’ve got snacks, and you’re willing to sit on the floor and give belly rubs for an unreasonable amount of time.
That’s the whole holiday. Go enjoy it.
