July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month

While Independence Day celebrations are a summer highlight for many folks, the loud noises from firework displays can cause your pet to become anxious, frantic and try to run away in order to find a safe haven.  A great increase in lost pets is seen each July at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, with July 5 being one of the busiest days of the year here and at shelters across the country. Fittingly, July is designated as National Lost Pet Prevention Month.

Here are some helpful tips to hopefully save you and your family from the heartbreak of losing a pet over the holiday:

• Stay inside.  Try to keep your pet indoors at all times during holiday celebrations. Ideally, someone should stay at home with the animal.  If you must leave and take your dog, be sure to keep your pet leashed and wearing I.D. tags.
• Make them feel safe.  Comfort your pet and stay nearby if possible, and ensure that that the animal has access to a favorite toy and a familiar crate or "safe place."  If necessary, ask your veterinarian or local pet retailer about anxiety wraps or other similar products.
• Avoid the noise.  Keep windows closed and create "white noise" with a television, fan, or soothing music to help mask the loud noises outside.
• Act normal!  Your pet takes cues from you and your family, so go about your standard routine as much as possible.
• Protect your pet before the fireworks begin.  Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current tags at all times, even if your dog is always indoors - and a microchip is a wonderful addition.  This microchip is an integrated circuit roughly the size of a grain of rice that is implanted just under the skin of the animal and contains vital contact information which can be read by a scanner.  It's a great backup plan in case your pet manages to escape without a collar and tags.

For more information, visit the Animal Service Center's website or call 949-470-3045.