Summer is all about fun in the sun—especially when your pet is there with you. But there’s another side to the season.
A lot of pets get separated from their owners during summertime events. A slipped collar, open window or unexpected squirrel chase is sometimes all it takes.
Fortunately, the steps you take now to prepare for that possibility can affect how quickly you can be reunited with your pet. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t let your summer backyard party turn into a fur-ightful debacle.
Before guests arrive, make sure all gates and windows are secured. Consider posting reminders to your guests that there are pets inside, and they need to be mindful about closing doors and gates. This is doubly important when fireworks may be going off in the neighborhood, and frightened pets may act out of character.
If your pet does get out, proper ID is their best ticket home. As part of your summer prep, be sure to:
A lot of pets are very afraid of fireworks. Dogs and cats have very sensitive hearing and may not understand that the sound they hear is very far off in the distance. As a result, hundreds of pets every year get out or injure themselves trying to get away from the thundering booms.
The best protection against fireworks fear is a quiet, safe retreat indoors for your pet. Offer a comfortable space, either in a crate or small room, with familiar smelling blankets and toys to retreat and relax. It often helps to close the windows and play calming music or white noise to drown out the sound. Also, if you can, stay with anxious pets to offer comfort until the fireworks end.
If fireworks are very stressful for your pet, consider veterinarian-prescribed sedation, and be sure to have medication on hand before noisy holidays.
There’s no time to waste when you realize your pet goes missing. Quick action makes a safe, injury-free return home more likely. Here’s your gameplan:
Talk to neighbors, get the word out at local businesses and, above all else, keep looking! Lost pets, especially microchipped ones, can be found days or even weeks later. The wider and more complete the net you cast is, the better.
When it comes to lost pet prevention, a little preparation goes a long way. Hopefully, you’ll never have to search for a missing pet, but if the unexpected happens, every step you take now can help to bring your four-legged friend home quickly.