Why Your Dog Should Have Updated Tags on 4th of July

July 4th — Independence Day — is the most American holiday there is. Friends, fun, and food come to mind, and it’s especially a great day to have a dog. They can be real party animals as they run around playing and trying to steal hot dogs while you’re hanging with friends and family.

But what’s extremely important for dog parents on July 4th is to make sure that our dogs have updated tags and collars. It should go without saying that your dog needs a collar and tags, but it’s especially important this holiday because July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters.

What does that mean for your dog? And why do you need to update their ID for the holiday? Here’s what you should know.

Too Many Dogs Get Lost On The 4th Of July

Many dogs are very afraid of the loud noises of fireworks. If your dog’s anxiety surfaces during thunderstorms, then it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll feel nervous around the loud noises 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 noises like fireworks. Even a dog who’s in a yard might be so scared that they jump a high fence or dig a hole under the fence 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 to you.

It’s imperative you take all safety measures to make sure you don’t lose your dog, and it may be best to just put puppy inside where they’re safe — or even inside a nice, secure crate for the few hours that fireworks will be their loudest.

How Can You 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 that 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 and almost any vet, shelter, or police department can trace it back to you.

In the event that your dog does go missing, make sure to have a recent photograph of your pooch. That way, you’ll have something to post on social media and in lost dog fliers.

The importance of updated tags

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 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 escape. It increases the chances of being reunited if someone finds them.

Higher likelihood of lost dogs: The Fourth of July holiday often involves gatherings, parties, and outdoor events where people may have their pets present. 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 dogs: 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.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Are your dog’s IDs up to date? How do you keep your dog safe during holidays like the 4th of July? Let us know in the comments below!