MCC Daily Tribune
National Pet Day
National Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! So hug your hedgehog, bond with your bunny, and cut your kitty some catnip! That critter makes you happy — and that’s not all. Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a partner in research to determine the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
TRADITIONS FOR NATIONAL PET DAY
Furry babies are spoiled to the fullest on National Pet Day. Owners go all out to lavish their pets with the adoration and care they deserve (well, more than on any other day). Taking them out for a walk or a drive, buying their favorite treats, or getting them a new toy to play with are just some of the ways that pets are spoiled just a little extra on this day.
National Pet Day is also one of the best days for kids to convince their parents to adopt a pet, so new additions to the family, with adoptions from shelters or purchased pedigrees, are common on this day. Everyone is part of the celebration, as every other post on social media features fancy portraits or cute candids of pets.
BY THE NUMBERS
36% – the percentage by which owning a dog decreases the risk of death by heart disease.
10% – the percentage of owners allergic to their pets.
5000–7000 – the number of tigers kept as pets in the U.S.
94% – the percentage of families with an autistic child who benefited from having a pet.
44% – the percentage of people who’d rather cuddle with their pet than their partner.
200 million – the number of stray dogs in the world.
2 million – the number of animals who die in shelters every year.
9% – the percentage of healthy dogs euthanized in Canadian shelters in 2017.
90% – the percentage of pets found within a day when the owner was looking for them.
29% – the percentage of people who have to part with their pets due to residential restrictions.
NATIONAL PET DAY ACTIVITIES
-
Adopt a pet
And remember, you're not limited to dogs and cats. House rabbits are easily litter trained. Reptiles are quiet. Some birds will talk to you.
-
Launch the next digital diva
Convince your cutie cat to pose, pounce, primp, pout, or play the piano. Post the video on the kitty's account. Pray for viral volume.
-
Pamper your pooch
What does your furry friend like? A mallard tuggy toy? A nice belly rub? Get down on the floor and give that pup some love!
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL PET DAY
-
Most of us have a pet
In the U.S., 67% of households have a pet. We spend approximately $75 billion a year on pet care and products.
-
Pets are part of the family
A 2016 Harris poll showed that 95% of pet owners say their pets are part of the family. That's an increase of seven points from 2007.
-
Pets are fun
Only a pet will chase a ball for you, pounce on a laser point, or nibble carrots from your hand. Enjoy watching your hamster stuff its cheeks, your guinea pig chew up a TP tube, or your ferret frolic in its hammock. Your guinea pig will probably pee in your lap — but it's so cute!
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
04/11/2022