National Dog Day picks: 11 of our favorite products for our pooches

None of us really needed a planned day to appreciate our furry friends, but we have one anyway. Are we upset about it? Absolutely not. We’ll take any reason to love our canine greatesties just a little bit more, no matter the reason.

Which is why we’re super excited about National Dog Day, which takes place on Aug. 26. To celebrate the moment, we rounded up all of our favorite dog-centric products that we’ve tested and reviewed over the past few years so you can treat your pup to something more than just a treat (and a lot of them are currently on sale). Check them out below, and give your dog an extra boop on the nose for us.

The Fable dog crate

You dog deserves the same luxury that you do.
Credit: Jae Thomas / Mashable

Is there a better-looking dog crate in existence? That’s a rhetorical question, because no, there isn’t. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also extremely comfortable (seriously, we would sleep in this thing), features a unique, space-saving garage door design, and can double as an aesthetic side table. It’s not cheap by any means, but you can snag one on sale during Fable’s Labor Day Sale for 20% off the usual price with code LD20.

Read our review of The Crate from Fable Pets.

Petcube Bites Lite 2

Great for dogs *and* cats.
Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

We know that Furbo has pretty much dominated the conversation around treat-tossing pet cameras, but it isn’t the only worthwhile option out there. The Petcube Bites Lite 2 can also shoot out treats at will, and is similar in quality to Furbo in terms of camera and app features. It goes on sale pretty often, too, including right now — snag one at Amazon and save $54.05.

Read our review of the Petcube Bites Lite 2.

Fi Series 3 pet tracker

Keep tabs on your greatestie.
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

The Fi Series 3 is one of the most full-featured pet trackers on the market. For one, it’s way less bulky than other trackers — it’s built right into the included collar and won’t dig into your dog’s neck while they wear it (it’s water- and chew-proof, too). With a Fi membership, you’ll be able to use the tracker’s mobile app to get in-depth analytics about your dog’s activity and sleep habits, as well as impressively accurate location tracking and a “lost pet mode” for emergencies. For National Dog Day, Fi is offering $20 off the Series 3 with code DOGWEEK20.

Read our roundup of the greatest pet trackers, featuring the Fi Series 3.

Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide puzzle

For when they need a little distraction (and when you need some “me time”).
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

Interactive puzzles are a great way to keep your dog stimulated and, perhaps more importantly, distracted while you take some much-deserved time to yourself. The Hide N’ Slide from Outward Hound is one of our favorites because of its simplicity, quality, and hard-but-not-too-hard difficulty level. It’s also really easy to clean, which you’ll be thankful for after your dog is done getting slobber all over it.

Read our roundup of the greatest dog puzzles, featuring the Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide.

WOpet automatic dog feeder

Feeding time!
Credit: Cecily Mauran / Mashable

The WOpet automatic dog feeder is basic, but in a good way (and at a pretty good price). You’ll have the ability to set a fully customized feeding schedule with specific food portions, making sure that your pup always gets fed no matter what. We also like the built-in infrared detection that keeps kibble from spilling out of the tray, and the seven-liter capacity. You can even record a message for your fur baby that’ll play when it’s time to eat.

Read our review of the WOpet automatic pet feeder.

Ruffwear Grip Trex boots

Don’t underestimate the importance of dog boots.
Credit: Jae Thomas / Mashable

Keeping your dog’s paws safe is extremely important, and there’s no better protective boot out there than Ruffwear’s Grip Trex boots. They’re super durable, and do a great job of keeping your pup’s paws safe from extreme temperatures and foreign objects. We especially loved the design of the boots, including the hook-and-loop velcro closure, Vibram outsole for extra traction, and breathable mesh upper. While they aren’t waterproof, they can still withstand wet conditions as long as you don’t submerge them.

Read our roundup of the greatest dog hiking gear, featuring the Ruffwear Grip Trex dog boots.

Cheerble Wickedbone

A “smart” toy that’s actually pretty smart.
Credit: Cheerble

Yes, they’re making “smart” dog toys now, and they’re actually good. The Cheerble Wickedbone is a dog toy with a mind of its own — when turned on using the smartphone app, the Wickedbone will begin rolling and spinning all over the place, encouraging your pup to chase it around while you work, do chores, or rest nearby. It also has a manual mode that lets you get in on the fun when you get some free time. Just beware, Wickedbone isn’t a chew toy, so we advise against unsupervised play.

Read our review of the Cheerble Wickedbone.

Canada Pooch dog rain jacket

Protective *and* cute.
Credit: Jae Thomas / Mashable

Not all dogs like getting wet, and not all people enjoy the smell of a wet dog. So, the Canada Pooch rain jacket is a win-win in our eyes. It’s completely waterproof, has an attached hood and visor, and has great coverage. If you ask us, you should also get your own rain jacket to match. Just saying.

Read our roundup of the greatest camping gear for dogs, featuring the Canada Pooch dog rain jacket.

GoDog Dragon

This plushie is deceptively tough.
Credit: GoDog

We don’t want to say that the GoDog Dragon is indestructible, but it’s about as close as you’re going to get, and is a must-have if your pup is an aggressive chewer (or they just like to play). The bubble-textured plushie has reinforced seams and a chew-resistant lining, so it can take a lot of punishment. Plus, it’s really cute, comes in different colors, and has a squeaker.

Read our roundup of the greatest chew toys for dogs, featuring the GoDog Dragon.

Wild One Everyday Carrier

If the pup fits…
Credit: Jae Thomas / Mashable

If your dog is small enough to carry around in a bag, we’re jealous of you. Not only is that just adorable, but you also have the opportunity to make a huge fashion statement with Wild One’s Everyday Carrier. It’s chic, yes, but it also has a waterproof bottom, a durable, padded lining, plenty of pockets, and a clip to keep your pup secure during travel. Pick one up during Wild One’s Summer Warehouse Sale and save 35%.

Read our review of Wild One’s 2021 product drop, featuring the Everyday Carrier.

Fable Falcon Toy

A toy that holds snacks… the greatest of both worlds.
Credit: Jae Thomas / Mashable

Fable’s Falcon Toy is a multifunctional enrichment toy that can act as a tug-of-war game, as well as a puzzle of sorts. It features two different treat cavities, one on the end for kibble or other small snacks, and one on the side for spreads like peanut butter or wet dog food. It’s also dishwasher-safe and designed to keep slobber off of your hands during playtime. Pro tip: We recommend grabbing two so you can link them together. The Falcon Toy is also eligible for Fable’s Labor Day sale — score $4.60 off with code LD20.

Read our review of Fable’s enrichment toys, featuring The Falcon Toy.