Every calendar month has its own overall topics and its own special days set aside to honor or celebrate special people, events and just about anything you can think of!  Americans are celebrating Independence Day on July 4^th while our Canadian neighbors will holiday on July 1^st – Canada Day.  For those with a sweet tooth we can feast on July 7^th – World Chocolate Day or July 17^th – National Ice Cream Day followed by July 25^th – National Hot Fudge Sundae Day and end with July 30^th – International Cheesecake Day. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel queasy. While it might seem that July is preoccupied with sweets, never fear, our pets get plenty of recognition, too.

The whole month of July features three pet related topics: National Dog House Repairs Month, National Lost Pet Prevention Month and National Pet Hydration Month. Each of these topics might spark a reminder to upgrade your pets outside shelter or at least clean it and provide new bedding. And to prevent pet loss, double check your fencing and perhaps your pet needs to get a microchip or his license may need renewing. Finally, make sure fresh water is always available to your pets in clean bowls, indoors and outdoors.

But pet lovers, don’t feel slighted. We also have special days in the month featuring specific pet issues.

July 1^st         National I.D. Your Pet Day. Keep those I.D.’s current and easy to find.

July 2^nd        International Dog Day. Learn about AKC’s newly accepted breeds from around the world.  You’ll be fascinated.

July 10^th      National Kitten Day. Is it time to add a kitten into your home or give a friend’s kitty a new toy?

July 11^th      All American Pet Photo Day. Update your album with a new photo of the best pet ever!

July 15^th      National Pet Fire Safety Day. Organize a pet tote with supplies, paperwork and medications in case of emergency.

July 21^st      No Pet Store Puppies Day. Support local legislation banning store sales of pets as these animals usually lead harsh early lives.

July 26^th      Dog Photography Day. In case you missed July 11^th?  You can never have enough photos of Fido or Felix.

July 31^st      National Mutt Day. Less pejorative terms are “hybrid” or “mixed breed” or “cross breed.” Whatever you call them, treasure them all.

There certainly are a lot of very notable days in July, and here’s wishing you and your pets thirty-one wonderful days. But there’s one more day that I want to bring to your attention. July 6^th is International Kissing Day. After you have your hot fudge sundae, please give all of your precious pets a few hearty kisses. And maybe give them a few treats too… That makes for the sweetest day of all!