7 Things To Do With Your Dog on Memorial Day

This post shows you the 7 Things To Do With Your Dog on Memorial Day.

I’m not from the US, but from everything I know about Memorial Day, it’s definitely more than just the unofficial start of summer. It’s a day of remembrance when we honor the men and women who dedicated their lives while serving in the US military.

To me, it has always been a day for reflection and spending time with loved ones. We must not forget to celebrate all the military working dogs who have sacrificed themselves to help people.

So that’s why, this Memorial Day, make the most of the Memorial weekend and do something fun with your dog on Memorial Day and the whole family!

1 Take a Quiet Morning Walk to Reflect

While I’m sure you usually spend your weekend mornings going for a walk, this Memorial Day weekend, consider taking a walk near a lake or on a forest trail and spending some quiet time with yourself and your dog.

You can also take your dog near a local veterans’ memorial (if dogs are allowed). If you have someone who served in the military, this will be especially meaningful.

2 Visit a Dog-Friendly Park or Nature Trail

It’s common to spend Memorial Day outdoors. The weather is beautiful, and being outside feels like the right place to be. That’s why this is a perfect time to spend some time with your dog in your favorite park!

Maybe you can make a day trip and go somewhere else, to a nice nature park or somewhere you can play fetch and enjoy some playful time outside.

Memorial Day is perhaps one of the few days when we don’t have to feel rushed or forced to do things and return to our usual daily grind. I often think we don’t allow ourselves enough time to slow down and reflect.

So, spending a day playing, enjoying some snacks, and maybe even bringing a blanket and lying on the grass is the best way to take advantage of the long weekend and give your dog on Memorial Day some extra time outside.

3 Plan a Patriotic Dog Photoshoot

Okay, this one’s just for fun—but hear me out. I love going the extra mile (and being a bit extra) when it comes to dressing up and photoshoots!

That’s because nothing makes my day quite like seeing my dog’s silly face in a photoshoot I organized!

For a Memorial Day dog photo shoot, all you need are some red, white, and blue pom-poms, star garlands, balloons, ribbons, or a flag-themed dog outfit. A simple flag bandana or a bow tie will also work.

Do a cute backyard photo setup and use these photos to send a Memorial Day message to family and friends. I like the idea of printing the photos and turning them into thank-you cards that you can send to a local veterans’ office.

4 Host a Backyard Chill Day Just for You and Your Dog on Memorial Day

If your dog is not fond of big crowds and parades, you should use Memorial Day to relax at home.

Set up a cozy spot in your backyard, prepare some treats, and enjoy some quiet time reading a book while your dog sleeps outside with you.

You can also throw a mini party—fill a kiddie pool with water and make a mess since you’ll have time to clean up!

Make your own parade (with the photoshoot!) and enjoy some relaxing time together.

As I said, if your dog is not fond of big crowds, it’s better to skip the parade and save them from anxiety. Many dogs can have unpredictable reactions to strangers when they’re feeling anxious. And music, noise, and people can make them stressed.

If you’re going to a Memorial Day parade, it’s a good idea to read my guide on how to help an anxious dog survive parades, holidays, and fireworks! I wrote it for the 4th of July, but it’s great to be prepared in case you have to leave them alone.

5 Make Homemade Dog Treats Inspired by Memorial Day

If cooking and baking is your love language, then you must make some Memorial Day-inspired dog treats.

Whether you’re gonna try oat cookies and color them with beets and blueberries to get red and blue, or just make something for yourself that you can share, your dog on Memorial Day should get something special.

Around this time, I like to make pupsicles and use silicone molds to freeze them. I mix and mash a variety of fruit, but I usually use bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, cooked pumpkin, and a few drops of lemon juice.

I make these popsicles for the whole family, including my dog.

There’s a version with Greek yogurt where I mix the fruit with some Greek yogurt and mash everything together before freezing it in silicone popsicle molds. Greek yogurt is safe for dogs and a great source of protein and calcium!

6 Volunteer or Donate in Honor of Service Dogs

Many dogs have served alongside humans in military operations, search and rescue teams, and disaster relief. Some of them gave their lives.

Others retired and now need care, support, or a loving home. Memorial Day is the perfect time to pause and honor their legacy.

You can donate to organizations like the US War Dogs Association, K9s for Warriors, or even your local shelter that supports senior or retired working dogs. These dogs have done so much, and they deserve to be remembered and supported.

If you’re not in a position to give money, consider giving your time instead. Spend an hour walking dogs at a nearby shelter, or share a few adoptable dogs on social media. Sometimes, helping one dog on Memorial Day get seen is all it takes to change their life.

7 Go on a Mini Road Trip

Some dogs just love the drive. You can roll the windows down (just a little!) and take a scenic route while your dog soaks in all the smells, wind, and vibes. Honestly, sometimes the journey itself is half the fun for them.

If you have a national park or hiking trail nearby, Memorial Day is a great excuse to pack up and go. Bring some snacks, sandwiches, and plenty of cool, fresh water for both you and your dog. 

Spend the day walking, exploring, and relaxing in nature. Then, enjoy a lazy drive back home while your dog naps peacefully in the backseat. That sleepy car ride home is one of my favorite parts of any day trip.

Sometimes, we just need a day outside of our usual surroundings to reset. To me, these short trips always feel like a very special day, even if we don’t go far. I still feel like I’ve stepped away from the usual grind and given myself space to breathe and reflect.

And my dog? He’s the best company. He appreciates life so much. He’s always happy when we’re going somewhere new—curious, alert, and just so alive. New trails, new scents, new things to inspect… it’s all an adventure for him. And watching him enjoy it makes me enjoy it even more.

Which of these things do you think your dog will enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these Memorial Day ideas handy!

Love, life, and fur forever!

This post showed you the 7 Things To Do With Your Dog on Memorial Day.

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