July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month…and it’s definitely not an excuse for Hallmark to sell more cards! It’s because July 4th, and the days surrounding it, are the busiest days of the year for animal shelters accepting lost pets. One reason for this is with fireworks being set off that startle and frighten pets, causing them to flee and end up lost. In addition to this, it is also an active time of year for family vacations, and those trips may include furry family members who travel with their families. Pets who accompany their humans may become disoriented in the strange new environment and run the risk of getting lost.
Those lost pets are up against some steep odds – of the 3.2 million cats and 3.3 million dogs who enter shelters each year, less than 17% of dogs find their way home. When looking at the percentage of dogs and cats together, it’s much worse – only 3% are reunited with their families.
How can you lessen the odds of your dog or cat being a part of these statistics? If you let your dogs out, make sure they’re in a securely fenced-in yard, or on a leash. As for cats – they’re perfectly content with not going outside at all! What happens if they do get away – what improves your chances of getting them back?
Microchips are at the top of the list – and once you have them microchipped, ensure all your contact information is with the chip manufacturer. If the information changes, update it with them! This article has some more information on microchipping:
https://www.berwickanimalclinic.com/post/microchips-work-.html
What else? Ensure your dog is wearing a correctly fitted collar with up-to-date identification tags. A rabies tag, county registration tag, or a custom made tag with your dog’s name/your name and contact phone number – these are all ways to identify your dog and get them back with you. Even indoor cats can wear a fashionable collar as well, just make sure that your cat’s collar is a “break-away” model so that if it gets caught up on something the cat does not get strangled by their own collar. They even sell dog and cat collars that have a space for an Apple AirTag if you are so inclined. Keep in mind that even though this is a great safety measure to track your pet’s location, it does not replace the need for a microchip because if the collar is removed or lost, it does not protect your pet.
Another great idea? Spay or neuter your pet. Male dogs can smell a female dog in heat up to three miles away – and want to go pay her a visit! Female dogs in heat may also get the urge to roam.
We’re putting this out a bit ahead of July so there’s time to take preventative measures. If your pet is on anti-anxiety medication, be sure you have enough. If they’re microchipped, contact the manufacturer to make sure all your information is up to date. If they’re not microchipped, give us a call and get them scheduled!
We offer both preventative care services (much like your visits to the dentist), along with dental x-rays and tooth extractions. Good oral hygiene is the best thing that you can do to ensure a longer life, with less health concerns, for your pet. Call us to schedule a dental exam or service.
xLaboratory services are a vital part of the diagnostic process when it comes to veterinarian care. This is because in many cases it is not possible to be able to give a firm diagnosis without undertaking additional tests to confirm the root of the problem. If you have any questions or concerns your vet will be happy to speak to you.
xThis is the most effective way to assist in having your companion returned if they go missing. The microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned, it provides information that assists in reuniting you with your furry friend!
xCongratulations on the newest member of your household - we can’t wait to meet them! Call us today to schedule an initial visit – our team will conduct a thorough physical exam, in addition to discussing nutrition, training, and medical care. We’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have, as well
xLaser therapy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and accelerates healing for a variety of conditions. It is useful as a post-surgical treatment, for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, and wounds, and chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.
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