06/29/2024
Hi everyone! Every year at new years and 4th of July we see hundreds of dogs listed as missing! Please please please remember the following and be prepared!
Here's some tips to keep your babies safe and enjoy the holiday with no issues.
1. MAKE SURE your dog is MICROCHIPPED! If your pet is already chipped do two things....
* make sure you visit your vet and ask them to scan the chip! Chips migrate in the body and sometimes they can be in an entirely different spot (in the belly, chest or even by the tail) scanning is free at your vets and only takes a second. If your chip has moved.... ask to purchase another chip! Remember chips are NOT tracking devices, they CANNOT "find" your pet. They can ONLY tell someone checking for a chip who the chip is registered too. When your dog is scanned, it tells the scanner who made the chip, and the chips unique registration number. With this info you can then check the registration and find out the persons name address and number.
**if your dog is chipped and the chip is found...go to the registration page and UPDATE YOUR name, address and phone number! You can't be found if you don't have up to date accurate information!
2. Make sure your dog has a collar on with a tag.
* make sure your collar fits. Dogs are wonderful at slipping out of collars. If you're going to be in public use a slip leash or martingale collar that cinches tighter when the dog pulls away. This prevents escapes from a collar that isn't securely placed.
** make sure your tag has a easy to read identification tag. If this has your old phone number or address, they won't be able to contact you if someone finds your dog!
*** make sure your collars and leashes are in good condition. Frayed leashes can break and clips that are worn out broken on collars can fail in second with enough pull from any dog!
**** do NOT rely on a harness. I'm against harnesses for many reasons...and the first it dogs can slip out of them in seconds. They are usually not fitted correctly and they make dogs pull. If you insist on using a harness make sure it's tight (you should be able to easily slide one finger in each area without it moving away from the body.
3. GPS tracking!
* Amazon has terrific deals on air tags (these work with phones) a single air tag is only $25.00 and the battery is the exact same as your car or trucks keyfob. You simply add the air tag to your devices on your phone and it will tell you exactly where your pup is so you can find them fast!
** if you're an android user there is another brand named "fi" and they have an app you download and it works just like an airtag. They sell these on Amazon as well and they are around the same amount!
*** Amazon also sells reflective collars, so cars can see your pet in the dark to avoid them. They're are about $10.00 and they adjuat from a 1 lb chihuahua to a Tibetan mastiff. Fit the collar and cut it to the desired length!
****Amazon also sells waterproof cases for the airtag that you place the air tag in and it secures to the collar! Rain or shine you'll be able to locate your pup in no time!
3. If your pet gets scared by fireworks...
* leave them home! They should have a safe room that they are comfy in. Turn the radio or TV up and down out the fireworks sounds. Amazon also sells sound proof ear muffs for dogs! These are a great way to protect them from the loud noise whether your home or out and about celebrating.
** desensitize your dog to the sounds. Put fireworks videos on from YouTube and play them loud so your dog can get used to the way they sound. Don't make a huge deal of off it...just walk around while they are playing on the TV and do some cleaning without treating your dog like a baby. Dogs feed off of our energy.
***visit your vet AHEAD of time for sedatives to help keep your pet calm. Do not wait until July 4th 9:00am to go to get these meds from your vet. They will be swamped and you may not be seen or given a medication to help.
4. Use treats and toys as distractions And be supportive of your dog.
5. Make sure they get to go potty BEFORE fireworks start.
6. Last but not least...take a CURRENT photo of your pet. Document any special features (one brown eye, crooked tail, scar from surgery)
Here's links to all the products that I've mentioned above!!
APPLE AIR TAG - https://a.co/d/08cW4lF9
AIR TAG CASE - https://a.co/d/02Azjhdp
ANDROID GPS TAG - https://a.co/d/0geJNtm0
REFLECTIVE COLLAR - https://a.co/d/02Kso55C
MARTINGALE COLLAR - https://a.co/d/0g5nGb2W
SLIP LEASH - https://a.co/d/07n8fpC7
SOUNDPROOF EAR MUFFS - https://a.co/d/08EPo12t
And last but certainly not least...if you find a dog or pet that's been lost...have them checked for Chips at your local vet office, or collars with the pets info. Contact local vets and groomers to identify the dog. Notify the local animal control AND humane society of the found pet. Post the dog to social media groups, pawboost and any other website designed to list list and found pets so they can be reunited!
I hope everyone has a terrific 4th of July! Stay safe and keep your babies close!
