Top 10 Dog Industry Trends to Watch in 2026
Dog industry trends in 2026 are shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and honestly… kind of adorable. And if you run a dog-related business, paying attention to these dog industry trends is the difference between staying relevant and waking up like “Wait, when did everyone start feeding their dog bone broth and using canine meditation apps?”
Let’s dive into the trends shaping the upcoming year. Grab a snack. Or a chew toy. No judgment.
1. Emotional Wellness Becomes The New Basic Care
Hate to break it to the “dogs only need food and walks” crowd, but 2026 said no, babes. This year, emotional wellness is officially part of the core needs list.
Dog owners are finally realizing their pets aren’t little furry robots who can go from alone-for-9-hours to “wanna play fetch?” in two seconds flat. They have feelings. They get bored. They get anxious. They need stimulation. They need comfort. They need support.
This means a huge rise in:
anxiety-reducing products
enrichment toys
calming routines
emotional-support style training
dog mindfulness content (yes, it’s a thing and honestly I respect it)
If you work with dogs, make emotional wellness part of your messaging. It’s not “extra” anymore. It’s expected.
Content ideas:
As more owners start treating emotional wellness as essential, not optional, pet professionals can step in to educate them about enrichment, feelings, and the “Why is my dog spiraling at 3PM?” moments. This trend is perfect for positioning yourself as the go-to person who understands the whole dog, not just the surface-level stuff.
Here’s what you can do:
Break down the difference between physical stimulation and emotional wellness.
Create content explaining common emotional needs and easy ways to meet them.
Share enrichment routines that help reduce boredom, anxiety, or reactivity.
Host Q&As on emotional triggers and emotional wellness red flags.
Post before-and-after behavior stories tied to emotional-care upgrades.
2. New Product Categories Are Exploding
The dog industry used to be simple. Food + Walks = Happy dog. Well… Not anymore.
Now? Welcome to the age of dog physiotherapists, dog chiropractors, dog biohacking, dog fitness trackers, and even dog cold plunges (I wish I was kidding). Owners are going all in on the “extras” because they’re understanding that health isn’t one-size-fits-all. This is one of the biggest dog industry trends to keep watching, because more categories = more demand for niche businesses.
If you offer:
enrichment
specialty nutrition
mobility support
behavior services
custom routines
sensory stimulation
Then 2026 is basically your Super Bowl.
Content ideas:
As new categories explode (physio, dog biohacking, sensory enrichment, mobility care, etc.), pet businesses can make content that helps owners understand why these “extras” aren’t actually extra anymore. Your audience wants to feel informed, not overwhelmed.
Here’s what you can do:
Break down new service categories (physio, sensory play, mobility care) and explain what they actually do.
Share “Is this worth it?” style reviews of trending dog services.
Create a “new to the dog world” roundup of emerging tools and treatments.
Explain how different extras support different types of dogs (seniors, reactive pups, high-energy breeds).
Share behind-the-scenes content of you trying or learning new modalities.
3. Supplements Are Still Booming
This trend from last year refuses to calm down, and honestly? Good for them. From probiotics to omega oils to joint support to mushroom blends named after things that sound like they came straight out of a fantasy novel, supplements are becoming a daily part of dog care.
People no longer wait for problems. They want prevention. Longevity. Better health. Better digestion. Shinier fur. One pet parent literally said, “If I’m taking supplements, why wouldn’t my dog?” And yeah… that tracks. If you’re in pet health, this is one of the most profitable dog industry trends to tap into. Education sells. Transparency sells. And clear benefits definitely sell.
Content ideas:
Supplements are still one of the biggest dog industry trends, so businesses can use this moment to educate instead of overwhelm. Your audience wants clarity, safety, and simple explanations… not 47 tabs open and a panic attack.
Here’s what you can do:
Create a “supplements 101” guide for beginners.
Discuss the difference between preventative and reactive supplement use.
Share honest reviews of common supplements (probiotics, omega oils, hip & joint, mushrooms).
Interview a vet or nutrition expert about safe supplement routines.
Break down how to spot high-quality ingredients vs. marketing fluff.
4. Tech & Convenience Take Over
This trend is basically shouting: “Make my life easier or I’m booking with someone else.”
Pet parents want:
online booking
automated reminders
digital intake forms
live webcam access
online trainings
virtual consultations
easy rebooking
platforms that actually work without crashing like it’s 2007
If you’re a groomer, sitter, walker, trainer, or nutritionist, your clients want real-time information and stress-free scheduling. Tech isn’t optional anymore. It’s the expectation. One of the biggest dog industry trends in 2026 is convenience + communication. The businesses that adopt tech tools will win.
Content ideas:
This is your chance to become the business owner who gets it. Clients want things simple, automated, transparent, and digital. Showing how your service uses tech can position you as the modern, hassle-free option.
Here’s what you can do:
Give a behind-the-scenes look at your booking system and how easy it is.
Share a tutorial on how your clients can use your online portal/app.
Create content explaining why real-time communication matters for busy dog parents.
Highlight the benefits of live webcams, report cards, trackers, or automated reminders.
Post a “day in the life” showing how tech helps you care for dogs more efficiently.
5. Celebrations Are Getting Bigger
If you thought dog birthday parties peaked in 2024… welcome to 2026, where dogs are getting:
custom cakes
themed parties
matching outfits
Christmas stockings
Halloween costumes
Easter baskets
Advent calendars
Valentine’s Day photoshoots (yes, for real)
Pet parents want to include their dogs in everything. And honestly? I’m here for it. Businesses that create celebration-themed products, services, or bundles will thrive. This is one of the dog industry trends that works for literally every niche.
Content ideas:
Since pet parents are going ALL OUT with celebrations, pet businesses can create fun, shareable content around holidays, birthdays, milestones, and seasonal events. This trend is joyful, visual, and perfect for engagement.
Here’s what you can do:
Share celebration-themed services or product bundles.
Create “party inspo” posts with decor, treats, and theme ideas.
Offer seasonal grooming, training, or enrichment ideas tied to holidays.
Feature clients celebrating their dog’s birthday (user-generated content gold).
Post tips for keeping celebrations safe, calm, and sensory-friendly.
6. Millennials Are Having Kids… And Still Treating Their Dogs Like Firstborns
Millennials are building families now. The twist? They’re not “retiring” their dogs to the background like previous generations did. If anything, they're doubling down.
They’re asking:
How do I prepare my dog for the baby?
How do I make sure my dog still gets attention?
How do I help my dog adjust?
How do I keep the bond?
Dog trainers, behaviorists, bloggers, pet brands… this is your time. Create content, offer services, and give guidance that supports families trying to juggle newborn chaos and dog parenting guilt.
Content ideas:
Millennial parents are rewriting the old rule that “the dog gets ignored once the baby arrives”. Pet professionals can help with education, emotional support, and practical guidance that helps families juggle both worlds.
Here’s what you can do:
Share tips on preparing a dog for a new baby in the home.
Create posts about maintaining routines and bonding even with a newborn.
Discuss common dog behavior shifts during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Offer encouragement-style content for overwhelmed parents juggling both.
Highlight services (training, enrichment, sitting) perfect for new parents.
7. Home-Cooked Meals Go Mainstream
People are cooking for their dogs more than ever, which is both adorable and slightly chaotic because some of y’all are out here simmering bone broth at 5AM like it’s no big deal. From DIY meals to partial home-cooking to custom meal kits, dog owners are prioritizing fresh, real, whole food. This is one of the tastiest dog industry trends in 2026 (pun intended).
If you’re a nutritionist, pet brand, or food creator, offer:
recipes
meal plans
safe ingredient lists
supplements to fill nutritional gaps
cooking guides
People want to learn. Teach them.
Content ideas:
Now that more owners are cooking for their dogs, there’s a huge opportunity to educate them on safety, nutrition, and balance. People want to try… they just don’t want to accidentally poison anyone.
Here’s what you can do:
Share simple, vet-approved recipes for beginners.
Break down safe vs. unsafe ingredients.
Offer meal-prep tutorials or batch-cooking tips for dog meals.
Compare home-cooked meals, partial home-cooked diets, and commercial food.
Create downloadable recipe cards or ingredient guides.
8. Longevity Is Still A Major Priority
Another carryover trend from last year, but stronger. Way stronger. Pet parents want their dogs to live longer, healthier, fuller lives. They’re investing in:
blood tests
preventative care
mobility support
early intervention
specialty diets
healthier environments
This overlaps with multiple dog industries, which means big opportunity for anyone in health, wellness, training, or nutrition.
Content ideas:
This trend is all about helping dogs live longer, healthier lives, which opens the door for education around prevention, proactive care, and long-term routines.
Here’s what you can do:
Share long-term health routines owners can start at any age.
Highlight screenings, tests, or habits that support early detection.
Create “longevity checklists” for every life stage.
Break down lifestyle factors affecting lifespan and vitality.
Share product or service recommendations that support mobility and aging.
9. Pet Travel Keeps Growing
Dogs are basically tiny, furry carry-ons now. More people are traveling with their pets than ever before, and businesses are rising to meet the need:
pet-friendly hotels
dog travel gear
portable water bottles
travel-safe supplements
anxiety support
airlines updating policies
If your business can make travel easier, safer, or less stressful, lean into it. This trend is not slowing down.
Content ideas:
As more people bring their dogs everywhere, pet pros can offer guidance that reduces stress for both the dog and the owner. Travel content performs extremely well because people search for it constantly.
Here’s what you can do:
Create packing lists for dog-friendly travel.
Share car, train, or air-travel tips to reduce dog anxiety.
Recommend gear that makes travel smoother.
Highlight pet-friendly destinations or businesses.
Break down how to prep a dog for long trips.
10. Connection > Everything
Here’s the trend no one is talking about, but everyone feels. Just like everything else in the world, the dog industry is also shifting toward connection. Emotional connection. Practical connection. Lifestyle connection.
People don’t just want products, they want guidance. They want trust. They want to feel understood as dog parents. If your content, service, or brand makes someone think “Omg, they GET me,” congratulations. You’re already winning.
Content ideas:
With owners looking for deeper connection and more personalized guidance, pet professionals can lean into empathetic, human-centered content that positions them as a trusted partner.
Here’s what you can do:
Share storytelling posts about real client transformations.
Create content around mindset shifts (ex: “you’re not a bad dog parent”).
Offer conversation-style posts that speak directly to the owner’s fears.
Break down what connection-based pet parenting looks like day to day.
Showcase how your services build trust and stronger dog-owner bonds.
Ready to Stay Ahead?
Staying updated on these dog industry trends in 2026 will enable you to provide relevant services and products that meet evolving client expectations. Whether you want blog posts, social media content, or newsletters that align with these trends, I’ve got you covered!
If you need anything, contact me. I can’t wait to help you transform these trends into content your audience will actually love.
