Gear up to celebrate National Pet Month in May

Other than being the perfect time of year for planting flowers, did you know that May is National Pet Month? This means giving your favorite pal extra lovies, extra attention and of course, extra goodies. What are some fun ways to celebrate National Pet Month with your four-legged friend this May?

Dress Up Your Doggo

Some people don't believe that dogs should wear clothes, but those people clearly don't know what they're talking about. From simple T-shirts to full-scale doggie dresses, show your doggo how much you love them by giving them a piece to add to their wardrobe.

• For the dog who loves to be snuggled up and tucked into his blankie, invest in a sweater or two. You have your choice from offbeat, funny items like the Worthy Dog Cecil the Lion hoodie or the more traditional Contrast Hoodie Dog Sweater . Warm and comfortable, your pupper won't know he's wearing a sweater — all he will know is that he's snug as a bug!

• If you're an outdoorsy human, then staying warm and wearing the appropriate jacket is important. Though your dog has a natural coat of fur, it's likely that if you are cold then so is he. Dog jackets are made with materials like fleece and polyester (just like your own jacket!) and ensure that your buddy is warm enough during your outdoor adventure.

• If you're still not convinced, you can at least agree that all dogs need a collar. Splurge on something fun and unique to your dog's personality by checking out collars available online. These days they come in every color of the rainbow and any pattern you can imagine, plus you can customize tags and charms for things like your phone number and address.

Treat Your Feline Like The Royalty They Are

Kitties might not wag their tails with their tongues hanging out when you walk in the door, but their love is precious in its own rite. You already know that Mittens rules the house, and you're perfectly okay with that. Give a gift to your home's Royal Highness this May with something special just for your cat.

• When you hear the term "scratching post," you probably think of the traditional upright, ugly brown posts of yore. Today's scratching posts come in a myriad of options: Fun colors and patterns, funky shapes, and yes — even a castle-shaped cat tree for your king or queen.

• Comfort is important to all creatures, but you know that your cat tends to claim the comfiest spots in the house to herself. Give her a cat bed that will satisfy the instinct for solace, but is also plush and warm enough to ensure that she's snoozing in complete contentment.

• Explorers by nature, cats prefer toys that stimulate their natural urge to hunt and be little tigers. Pick up fun toys like the Pet Park Blvd Rainbow Unicorn to get your little hunter active while you get to enjoy the novelty of watching them chase a unicorn.

Schedule an Appointment

The world has seen a lot of change recently, but that doesn't mean that your pet's care needs to go by the wayside. Call your veterinarian's office and ensure that they're open so that you can take your pet in for their yearly checkup. If your vet isn't open, check around the community; many traveling vets are offering services during lockdowns and stay-at-home orders thanks to their essential status. Don't forget about the all-important services like:

• Vaccines and yearly shots as well as updating things like flea and tick medication with a heartworm prevention plan.

• Grooming services. This can include a bath, nail trimmings, ear cleaning, and anal gland purging.

• Addressing any concerns that you have noticed. Has your dog been limping, or did your cat get sick the last three nights? Let your veterinarian know.

Go For Adventures

Some people like to take their cats with them to different outings, but it's more common to pack up your dog in the car and hit the road. If you've got a restless doggo that is tired of confinement, figure out a way to ease their stir craziness.

• Even if you don't actually go anywhere, a car ride is the peak of excitement for most dogs. Rolling the windows down a few inches and letting Rover hang his head out can be a mythical adventure for a bored dog.

• What are the public restrictions like in your community? Learn what is open and what is not and consider taking your dog for a run at a local park or trails. Remember that social distancing is the buzzword right now, so take appropriate precautions before doing this.

• Take walks around the neighborhood. Zigzag up and down your streets, learn new routes, and teach yourself different paths. This doesn't just get you out and moving, but it also helps your dog to burn off any residual energy that he might have and satisfies his urge to leave the house and do something fun.

Above All Else, Love Your Pet

It doesn't matter if your pet is a purebred show pet, a shelter rescue or a stray that you adopted: They will love you for the rest of their life. Return the favor by always treating your pets with love and kindness, giving them as much attention and one-on-one time as they deserve. All pets are good, none are bad, and May is the time of the year to remind yourself of that.