We Are Approaching the Week of the Year With the Most Lost Pets

Did you know that July is Lost Pet Prevention Month? That's because more animals come into animal shelters in July than any other time of the year! The main reason for this? Fireworks.

The 4th of July is typically a fun time of the year, but your pets may not see it that way. Fireworks can be scary, and the website Pet Greens says that "our furry friends will go to almost any lengths to alleviate their terror and confusion."

Our friends at Dogs Forever in Cedar Rapids have posted some friendly reminders to pet owners ahead of the 4th of July on how to keep your dog or cat safe. Here are some of their tips:

• Make sure your pet has a collar with up-to-date contact information, and if they have a microchip, double-check that the contact information associated with that is also correct
• If you know your pet has issues with fireworks, make an appointment with your vet to ask about products or medications that can help them relax
• Try getting your pet a "thunder shirt"
• Keep your pet in a secure room, "creating a quiet space with a covered kennel," possibly with relaxing music or a white noise machine. Be sure to keep the windows closed, because screens can be pushed out or ripped through. They also say to never leave your pet outside on their own, no matter how unbothered you believe them to be.

Another good reminder for the summer is to NEVER EVER leave your dog in a hot car. Even if it's just slightly warm and there is a window cracked, it can still be deadly, because temperatures inside your vehicle rise quickly. Here is an informative graphic posted by Last Hope Animal Rescue on Facebook:

Please keep your dogs and cats safe this summer!