Category: LOST PETS

If your dog gets anxious and nervous at the sound of fireworks, start planning now on how you will keep them safe and how you will minimize their anxiety. If you live in an area where others set off fireworks, have a conversation with those people now. Politely explain how distressing fireworks are to your pets. Ask them to either refrain from using fireworks or to at least keep their use to a minimum, at times you are not home. If you cannot reach an agreement, make sure you have the phone number of the local authorities on speed dial and do not hesitate to make a complaint. Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications you may use to help your pet. Over the counter products such as Bach Rescue Remedy, ComfortZone Dog Appeasing Pheromone, endocannabinoid based products specifically for pets and certain essential oils, such as Lavender, may also be helpful.

According to the American Humane Association:

• 10 million pets get lost every year. This is more than the population of New York City.
• Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized and 26% are returned to their owner.
• Without proper ID or micro-chipping, 90% of lost pets never return home.
• A third of pets will get lost in their lifetime.
• An estimated 2 million pets are stolen each year.

To prevent your dog from becoming lost on the 4^th of July:

• Keep your dog on leash unless they are inside or in a fenced yard.
• If you have guests in your home, make sure everyone is careful so as not to accidentally let the dog out.
• Do NOT take your dog to the fireworks. They are not going to enjoy the experience and may become frightened and run off.
• If you choose to use fireworks at your home or camp, or if you have neighbors that do so, make sure that your dog is inside, preferably in a room where they will not hear or see the fireworks.

To give your pet the best chance of being returned to you:

• Please make sure that your dog is either micro-chipped or wearing a collar with a current, readable and legible ID tag.
• If your dog is micro-chipped, make sure that the chip registry has your current contact information.
• Keep a current photo of your pet that you can use on a “Lost Pet” poster if your pet goes missing. Make sure it’s a good photo that clearly shows any identifying characteristics of your dog.
• Maintain a list of phone numbers for your local animal control organization, police department, animal shelter(s), and pet related businesses so that you can notify them if your pet is lost and ask them to put up the “Lost Pet” poster that you create.
• If your dog is micro-chipped, contact the chip registry if they go missing. Many registries will help disseminate information about your missing dog on social media to aid in recovery.
• If you live in Maine, contact Maine Lost Dog Recovery via their Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/MaineLostDogRecovery ) as they can be very helpful in assisting you in getting the word out about your lost dog.
• If you are traveling with your pet, provide your pet with a temporary ID tag that provides local contact information for wherever you are staying.

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