July 4th — Independence Day — is arguably the most American holiday there is. Friends, fun, and food come to mind, and it’s an especially great day to have a dog. Pups can be real party animals as they run around playing and trying to steal hot dogs while you’re hanging with family and friends.
Fun and games aside, what’s extremely important for dog parents before celebrating July 4th is to make sure our dogs have updated tags and well-fitting collars. While it should go without saying that your dog needs a reliable collar or harness, it’s especially important this holiday. Heartbreakingly, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters.
What does that mean for your dog? Why do you need to update their ID prior to the holiday? Here’s what you should know to keep your pup safe from going missing as you witness the rocket’s red glare.
Too many dogs get lost on July 4th
Understandably, many dogs are terrified of the loud noises of fireworks. If your dog’s anxiety surfaces during thunderstorms, it’s almost guaranteed they’ll feel nervous around the loud booms and flashes of fireworks.
If you have a new dog — one who wasn’t living with you last 4th of July — it’s extremely important to prepare since you don’t know how this new dog will behave or how they’ll react to loud noises.
A dog’s instincts usually tell them to run away from loud sounds like fireworks. Even a dog who is in a yard might be so scared they jump a high fence or dig a hole under it to get out and run in fear.
This is why the day after Independence Day, July 5th, is so busy at animal shelters. They get inundated with lost pets who bolted out of fear during the previous night’s celebrations. If, God forbid, this happens to you, at least you’ll have a better chance of your dog returning if you take the proper precautions in advance.
It’s imperative to take all safety measures to ensure you don’t lose your dog at any time. For this particular holiday, though, it is almost always best to just put your pup inside where they’re safe. You might even consider placing them inside a nice, secure crate for the few hours that fireworks will be at their loudest. Ensure your dog has whatever they need to feel comforted — whether it’s a thunder jacket, vet-approved supplements to reduce anxiety, or their favorite toy.
How you can update your dog’s identification
Check your dog’s current tags and make sure all the information is still correct. If your address or phone number has changed, it’s time to replace them. The same applies if the tag is worn and unreadable.
You can buy custom tags online or at almost any local pet supply store. It’s worth the few bucks to ensure you and your best friend can live a full life together.
If your pets aren’t microchipped, do it now. Microchips are fairly cheap and can be put in place by the local animal shelter or your vet’s office.
Microchips are great because your dog can’t slip out of a microchip by accident. It goes wherever they go. Moreover, almost any vet, shelter, or police department can trace it back to you.
In the event your dog does go missing, make sure to have a high-resolution, clear, recent photograph of your pup. That way, you’ll have something to post on social media and on lost dog fliers.
The importance of updated dog ID tags
It’s better to be prepared than to learn a lesson the hard way. Or, even worse, to suffer heartbreak and regret for not taking a few simple steps to keep your dog safe on this patriotic holiday.
Increased risk of escape
July 4th is full of fireworks displays, which can be extremely loud and startling for dogs. The loud noises and bright lights can cause anxiety and fear in dogs, leading them to panic and prompting an attempt to escape. Dogs may try to jump fences, break free from leashes, or find any means to run away from the perceived danger. Updated tags with accurate contact information are crucial in case your dog does manage to make a run for it. Accurate tags increase the chances of reuniting with your furry friend if someone finds them roaming about.
Higher likelihood of lost and missing dogs
The Fourth of July holiday often involves gatherings, parties, and outdoor events where people may have their pets present. With an increased number of people and distractions, it’s easier for dogs to become disoriented or get lost. If your dog is wearing updated identification tags, it provides a quick way for someone who finds them to contact you and return your pet safely.
Difficulty in locating lost pups
In the event that your dog does go missing, it’s important to take immediate action to find them. However, searching for a lost dog can be a challenging task, especially during a holiday. Updated tags that include your current phone number and address can help facilitate the process of locating your dog, as does a microchip with current contact information on file.
Have a safe holiday
Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
If the holiday has you feeling extra patriotic, take a few moments to learn the names of the star-spangled pups who’ve called the White House home throughout American history. We think they’ve held a presidentially important role — providing snuggles and love to our nation’s leaders.
