As it’s National Love Your Pet Day this Wednesday (20 Feb), we’ve got the best ideas for showing your favourite furry friend some affection. There’s more to treats than choccy drops, you know.

Wash and blow dry, sir?

If your dog is a fan of canine beauty salons, we can highly recommend doggy groomer Shampooch (see what they’ve done there?) in Calvert Green, North Bucks. Muddy’s canine correspondent, Cody the cocker spaniel, recently enjoyed the full monty there – a two-hour session including a shampoo, condition, blow dry, coconut and jasmine face wash, ear clean, fur trim, silky finishing serum and a finishing spritz of fragrance. (That sounds far more comprehensive than my own beauty routine to be honest.)

Tina the groomer was kind, gentle and a total pro – Cody was a bit jumpy at first but Tina has worked with a dog behaviourist and is brilliant at calming tricky customers. She customises the treatment when necessary so Cody got doused in flea-repellent shampoo because he’d been scratching a lot, plus she’s got special steps and a table for arthritic dogs. The full groom costs from £25 to £50, depending on size, and there’s loads of standalone treatments too, including teeth cleaning, a “pawdicure” (!), puppy introduction sessions and micro-chipping (she also does ferrets – how niche!). Meanwhile, you can sit in the sun terrace in the garden with coffee and a biscuit or whizz to the giant Tesco 10 mins away if you want to get a weekly shop in while you wait. Tina will also do a doggy pick-up/drop off service if you’re working. As for Cody? Well, look at his happy little face. It’s a paws up from him.

Knit wit

OK, you’ve got to be really dedicated for this one. Hipster London wool collective Wool And The Gang provide knitting kits so you can whizz up a sweater or a basket for your pampered pooch. At least – unlike humans – they won’t laugh at your shonky needle skills.

Bedding down

These chichi beds and blankets are created by award-winning Charley Chau, aka “two crazy dog ladies” (their words!) – sisters with five greyhounds between them. Sweet dreams, Fido!

The lap of luxury

If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your dog while you swan off on holiday then check out Barnwode Kennels in Murcott, North Oxon. Their new luxe Home From Home rooms each have an en suite garden, underfloor heating and TV. Actually, scrap the holiday – why don’t you all stay here?

A weekend away

drunk dog holding champagne bottle wearing chequered tie red sunglasses mouth open

For those of you who’d rather take Rover with you, we’ve collated 38 dog-friendly hotels, inns and self-catering cottages across 19 Muddy counties. Have pooch, will travel.

5 ways to pamper your pet

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