Smile, Pup! Why We Love National Dog Photography Day
July 26th marks one of our favorite unofficial holidays of the year: National Dog Photography Day! At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we’re big fans of dogs (obviously), and we absolutely love when you share your favorite photos of your canine companions with us—whether it's a glamour shot, a mud-splattered grin, or the proud face of a dog who just destroyed a squeaky toy.
But did you know your camera can also be one of the most valuable tools in keeping your dog healthy?
More Than Just Cute: How Photos Help Monitor Your Dog's Health
We love a good dog selfie as much as anyone, but photos (and videos!) can serve a greater purpose than just filling your camera roll. In fact, we often encourage pet owners to use their phones to track changes they notice in their dogs:
Skin or coat – Think something looks redder or more irritated? Snap a photo now, then again in a week.
Eyes – Discharge, redness, or cloudiness can come and go. A photo helps us compare.
Teeth and gums – These can be tough to monitor at home, but pictures can reveal tartar buildup, swelling, or cracked teeth.
Lumps or bumps – If something’s growing or changing, a picture is an easy way to keep tabs between visits.
Photos are also incredibly helpful in mobility and behavioral assessments. If your dog limps occasionally, coughs when excited, or pants excessively at night, a quick video in their natural environment can give us more information than what we might see in an exam room.
Your Vet-Approved Tip: When in Doubt, Take the Picture
Dogs are famously stoic and tend to hide discomfort until things are pretty far along. So when something feels a little “off,” don’t wait—grab your phone and snap a quick picture or video. Whether or not you’re ready for an appointment right away, that media can be an essential tool to help us diagnose the issue down the road.
Show Off Your Pup!
In honor of National Dog Photography Day, we invite you to share your favorite dog photo with us! We’d love to feature a few on our social media or just celebrate your furry friend right alongside you.
After all, there’s nothing better than a happy, healthy dog—and no better way to celebrate than with a photo that shows just how loved they are.
