Independence Day Tips For Dog Owners

There is no doubt that the Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays. Summer is in full swing, grills are fired up on every block, and friends and family gather to celebrate the founding of our nation. Unfortunately, the FIFTH of July is one of the most dreaded days for animal professionals. It’s widely acknowledged as the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, with some animal welfare agencies reporting intake increases of up to 30%. Veterinary hospitals and pet emergency clinics also report elevated numbers of pets found injured and brought in by both owners and finders for treatment. Even pets not traditionally anxious around loud noises, if in an unfamiliar environment, may become disoriented and wander away from where they should be.

How can you prevent your dog being included in these unfortunate statistics?

Here are some helpful tips:

• IDENTIFICATION – If your dog is not microchipped, you may want to discuss it with your veterinarian. Microchips are a permanent form of ID and, when scanned by an animal professional, will be your dog’s golden ticket home if found. If your dog is microchipped, check the registration to ensure it’s up to date in case your dog goes missing. You can find a list of chip manufacturers here if you need to update and your vet or rescue should have the chip number on file in case you can’t find your record.  Also, it never hurts to have an accurate ID tag on your dog’s collar and a current photo on your smartphone, just in case!
• EXERCISE AND STIMULATION – Wearing out your pup before any potential festivities can be helpful in diminishing the anxiety that can contribute to potential escapes. Long walks and runs, trips to the dog park, even working on commands and training can exhaust that nervous energy to a minimum.
• PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE – As the time to party approaches, provide your dog a safe area inside of your home to keep them relaxed and comfortable. Ambient noise such as the television or radio can help distract them from other noises like fireworks and loud house guests. If your dog participates in the revelry, ask those around you to help keep an eye on them and ensure that you can manage the perimeter via recall, fencing, etc.

What can you do if your dog goes missing?

Stay calm and go through the following steps:

• START CLOSE TO HOME – Check out known hiding spots inside and out and look for nooks and crannies that a frightened dog might use to take cover. Start walking or driving in small circles further away from home and let everyone you see know that your dog is missing.
• USE SCENT TAGS – Does your dog have a favorite blanket or treat? Put them on the porch or along the perimeter where they were last seen to provide an olfactory reminder to head home.
• ENLIST HELP – Use social media to spread a photo, description, area last seen, and your contact information. Tag friends, family, coworkers or anyone else who may share to help get your pup home.
• MAKE A POSTER – Use the same information from your social media posts to create a letter-sized poster to distribute throughout your neighborhood and the surrounding area. Free online templates are available from a variety of websites. Knock on doors and ask neighbors to take a poster and be on the lookout.
• GO WHERE FOUND PETS GO – Most importantly, research local animal shelters, animal control groups, veterinary hospitals and pet emergency clinics. Most shelters are so overwhelmed by the instant influx of animals that they’ll ask you to visit the shelter to see if your dog has been turned in. Pets found by the general public may be taken to vet offices to be scanned for a microchip before returning to the finder’s home. Take your posters to leave where you can.
• GO WHERE PEOPLE GO – If there are grocers, coffee shops, restaurants, or any other businesses in your immediate area, go and talk to employees and patrons alike. Take your posters and ask to leave one there. Even one off-handed sighting can be the key to getting your dog home.
• STAY POSITIVE AND PERSISTANT – Pets have often been reunited days, weeks, or even months after disappearing from home. Be familiar with your shelter’s staff and policies and never be afraid to make an impression with frequent visits to check in and look. Listen to the advice of animal professionals where ever you go and always hope for the best!

Preparedness is key this time of year, for both the anxious and the relaxed. We hope your Independence Day is the best ever!