July 4 is a celebration of our Nation's Freedom, and the festivities almost always include fireworks. Fun for people, but not so much for our animal companions. Fear and anxiety can set in. So what is a caring pet owner to do?

Kelly's Pet Sitting, Medford, OR. Loving Care When You Can't Be There.

541-601-7461. Web: www.kellyspetsitting.net

You know that feeling when your dog is not where he is supposed to be? In your yard or home? Or maybe you (or someone else) opened the door and your dog darted through. Or what if you find a loose dog without tags? Do you know what to do?

What are some of the steps you should take if your dog has run off? First, time is of the essence! The first several hours are the most critical in a dog search. But even if your dog has been missing for weeks or months, do not give up hope.

*One of the most important steps is to not chase or run after the dog. Even if the dog knows you, their instinct is to run. Our instinct is to run after them, but a dog's instinct is to continue running away. If you see the dog, you might try crouching low or sitting on the ground, talking to the dog in a soft voice, offering some food.

*Do not YELL the dog's name. Yes, that is correct! If you are yelling out your dog's name really loud, the dog may think they are being yelled AT. They don't understand you are calling them to bring them home. You want to lower your voice and speak in soft, gentle tones.

*Bring smelly, high reward treats. Examples would be hamburgers, bacon, chicken, hot dogs, or anything that would bring your dog to you.

*Leave an article of clothing, a blanket or toy near the locations where the dogs was lost (something with a familiar scent of the dog or human)

*Tell everyone you know! Post on Facebook to let people know your dog ran off. Give location, date, time, as well as photo and description with your contact info. There is also a Pet Amber Alert system that will call everyone in your neighborhood. Call the local police and animal shelters. Post pictures of your pet around your neighborhood and even go door-to-door to let neighbors know your pet is missing. Offer a reward for your missing pet. Calling the post office to alert local postal carriers, as well as UPS & Fed Ex may help as they are on the road all day and may spot your dog. Call local veterinarian offices in case your dog becomes injured and brought in.

*Make sure you have recent photos of your pet to get out to everyone. You also want a recent picture of your pet with yourself for proving this is your dog.

*Make sure any and all notifications have a contact person name and phone number to contact you regarding any sightings. It is a good idea to have a cell phone number as well as home number on pet's tag since you may be out looking for your pet and not at home to answer calls.

*Gather a search party together to comb small areas. Remember to be quiet and calm while out searching. Running, chasing and yelling will only chase a scared dog farther away.

*If you know the area your dog (or cat) is in, get a humane trap and place food inside and wait.

Most important: make sure your dogs (cats) have proper collars, ID tags and microchips. This is the first means of someone being able to identify your pet and call you! If the collar comes off, then the microchip can help return your pet to you. Without these, if your dog winds up at the shelter, or even a caring person, the likelihood of recovering your dog becomes much slimmer. There is no way for them to ID your dog and know that it is yours!

Watch your doors! Watch your gates in your yard. If your dog is a “door darter” teach your dog the command “back”. Keeping your dog “back” from the door is invaluable. If you know your dog has a tendency to want to open gates, put a lock on it. Make sure to check gates regularly. If your dog is a fence jumper, stay in the yard with your dog! It only takes a second and they can be gone.

For more tips about pet care, check out our Kelly's Pet Sitting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kellys-Pet-Sitting/113658275375055

You can find us on the web at www.kellyspetsitting.net or you can give us a call for all your dog walking and pet sitting needs at 541-601-7461. Kelly's Pet Sitting services Medford Oregon and surrounding areas.