Did you know more dogs go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year? July is a month of many celebrations and it’s also National Lost Pet Prevention Month. According to the ASPCA, more than 7.6 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Many of these furry friends are missing family pets. July is a particularly risky month for pets with fireworks aplenty and more folks coming in and out of their homes. Even the most well-behaved pets can wander off this time of year. We love our pets like family and we need to take every measure we can to keep them safe and secure. So, even if you believe you are the most careful pet owner, take note of the below tips to ensure a safe summer for all:
- Invest in a Collar and ID
Even if you have a secure yard where your pet can run free, it’s still wise to invest in a collar and ID for your pet. Should your pet get loose, an ID can be his or her ticket back to your arms! Choose a collar that will fit your pet comfortably; make sure it’s not too loose or tight! The ID tag should have proper identification; the more information the better, but the text should also be large enough for someone to be able to read.
If your dog doesn’t like the jingle-jangle of their ID tag, there are collars in which you can actually have your phone number and/or address printed directly onto the fabric. Decide what works best for you and your pet to ensure someone can a-purr-oach them if found, getting them back to you safely and quickly!
- Train Your Pet to ‘Come’ and ‘Stay’
Two essential commands that every dog should know are “come” and “stay.” By teaching these commands to your dog from a young age, it increases his or her chance of sticking by your side rather than scurrying away! Dogs are innately curious and will wander off if the opportunity arises but, if your dog knows these commands and recognizes you as their leader, they will stop.
Knowing these commands will not only keep your furry friend from getting lost, but they could even save your dog’s life! From stopping them from running into a street of cars or jumping from a high surface (dogs love to pretend they’re in the Pawlympics sometimes!), these simple commands are worth the required patience of training them.
- Properly Secure Your Home
It can be easy to overlook things that may not seem like potential escape paths if you’ve never had a pet in your home. If you have a yard, make sure it’s totally secure — double check any fencing and check for holes, both in the fence and underground! Dogs enjoy digging their way out of situations, so always make sure you’re one paw ahead of them. Line the bottom of the fence with chicken wire or rocks to prevent a cat-astrophe.
You’ll also want the right height fence depending on the size of your dog so they can’t jump over it. While your yard may be secure, make sure the inside of your home is safe too! Check for loose window screens and consider getting a locked doggy door if you have one.
With these safety measures in place, there’s little reason to worry that your pet(s) will become another statistic during Lost Pet Prevention Month! Keep vigilant and nothing will be able to whisker away from the safety of your loving home. Cats off to you for thinking ahead; now, go and enjoy these summer days with your favorite furry friends!