DogLost is preparing itself for a busy period as the fireworks season is in full swing with Diwali and Guy Fawkes.
The organisation deals with hundreds of extra lost dogs at this time of year and is urging owners to follow its advice and keep dogs safe.
Jayne Hayes, founder of DogLost, explained: “This is one of the worst times of year for us as we receive so many calls from owners whose dogs have bolted due to the fireworks.
“Some are lucky and find their dogs hidden in fields or barns days later. For others, it is tragic as the dogs bolt straight into the paths of traffic or trains and are killed instantly. Then we have the mystery cases, the pets that fled due to a firework bang and have never been seen since.
“What makes the situation worse is that it used to be just one night of fireworks, on Bonfire Night itself. Now, people are letting off rockets and explosions indiscriminately for weeks before and after 5 November.
“This means pet owners have to be smart and follow advice to prevent them from losing their dogs this year. Our Social Media Team are busy getting the message out far and wide.”
Owners are urged to:
- Never take your dog for a walk after dark – even if you think he isn’t nervous
- If you have to take him out in the back garden use a lead – dogs often leap fences out of fear
- Create a safe and secure ‘bunker’ in a familiar place
- Invest in some Adaptil or a Thunder shirt if your dog is particularly nervous
Jayne concluded: “Many people see this time of year as a celebration, but, for others, it is an upsetting period.
“People cannot be complacent. They must follow advice and keep their dogs safe and secure at all times. If they are not in the house, then they should always be on a lead.
“Microchips, collars and tags and tattoos are a must for all dogs, so you have a chance of your dog being traced back to you should they flee. There is still a perception that dogs run off, are caught by the local dog warden and handed back to their owners.
“This is simply not the case anymore. Dogs, especially those running scared, can cover a lot of ground and could travel into another county. Sadly, we also have people who may well pick up a stray dog and keep it for themselves or move it to another a part of the country.
