The Dog Days of Summer
August is a special month for pet lovers with two significant dates that spotlight the importance of our furry companions. Today (August 15th) is National Check the Chip Day, and on August 26th, it’s National Dog Day. Both days provide an excellent opportunity to ensure your pets are well-cared for and celebrated, so this week we’ve got a special guide to why and how you should participate in these events!
No, not those kind of chips!
Check the Chip Day: Ensuring your pet's safety
Why is it important to check that your pet is microchipped?
A microchip is a tiny, electronic chip about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under your pet's skin. Usually on the back of their neck. It contains a unique identification number that can be used to reunite lost pets with their owners, which makes it crucial for ensuring your pet's safety. If your pet goes missing, a quick scan by a vet or animal rescue centre can reveal their microchip number and help facilitate their return.
Why is it so important to Check the Chip? According to data from the Dogs Trust, In 2022 around 28,000 stray dogs were handed to dog wardens in the UK, of these many were reunited with their owners but almost 4,500 were not because despite being chipped, the contact details held on the microchip database were incorrect.
Can you say with absolute certainty that your own pet's microchip details are correct?
Laws for microchipping pets in the UK
Dogs have been legally required to be microchipped throughout the UK since 2016, and in England, it is now a legal requirement to microchip your cat too, if they're older than 20 weeks. This law came into effect on the 10th of June 2024. These regulations ensure that your pet can be swiftly identified and returned if they are lost, injured or stolen, but sadly not everyone adheres to the law. If you got your pet from a reputable breeder or an animal rescue shelter then they will most likely already be microchipped, but it is also very important to ensure that the details on that microchip list you as the owner, along with your contact details. Which is why it is a good idea to use Check the Chip Day as your cue for ensuring that your details are up to date.
How to check that your pet is microchipped
To confirm that your pet is microchipped, you can follow these steps:
- Visit your vet: Schedule a quick visit to your local vet. They have the necessary equipment to scan your pet and verify if they have a microchip.
- Check with a microchip database: If you’re unsure, you can also use online microchip databases like Petlog or the UK Pet Microchip Database. These services can help you confirm your pet’s microchip status.
How to update your pet's microchip details
Keeping your contact information up-to-date in the microchip database is vital:
- Contact your microchip provider: Reach out to the company that issued your pet's microchip. Most companies allow you to login and update your details online or do it over the phone or by post. Many often send email reminders to check your details too, so you should be able to find them in your email folders.
- Provide new information: You’ll need to provide any new contact details and, if applicable, any changes to your contact details, such as address and phone number.
Speaking from personal experience, I once found a stray chihuahua with a chip that had no contact details on it, just the Microchip number which was no use at all. Luckily we managed to reunite it with its owner via Facebook, but it could easily have ended up in a rescue centre. Checking your chip details is something that most of us think ‘we’ll get around to’ and then don’t, which is why having a National Day of taking action like this is such a great idea, and we’re fully on board….which brings us nicely to our second fab national day this month…National Dog Day!
"National what day?"
National Dog Day: celebrating your canine companion
What is National Dog Day all about?
National Dog Day, celebrated on August 26th, is a day dedicated to honouring our beloved dogs and raising awareness about the importance of their welfare. It’s a perfect occasion to recognise the joy and unconditional love dogs bring into our lives and to support dog adoption and rescue efforts too.
Reasons to celebrate with your dog
- Express your love: Your dog is always there for you, and National Dog Day is a wonderful opportunity to show them just how much they mean to you. Take some time out to let them know how much you care.
- Raise awareness: Use the day to highlight the importance of adopting pets from shelters and supporting dog rescue organisations.
- Strengthen your bond: Spending quality time with your dog can strengthen your bond and improve both your and your dog's well-being.
How to celebrate with your dog
- Treats and toys: Spoil your dog with their favourite treats and perhaps a new toy. Consider baking some homemade dog treats or getting them a special chew toy.
- Fun activities: Plan an activity that your dog loves, whether it’s a long walk, a hike, or a play session at the park. Dogs thrive on physical and mental stimulation and sometimes we don't make enough time for our pups, so this National Day is a timely reminder to prioritise your pet and put them first.
- Dog-friendly outings: If possible, take your dog on a special outing, like a visit to a dog-friendly cafe or a pet-friendly beach. It’s the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy the great outdoors together!
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A pampering session: Treat your dog to a grooming session, including a bath and a brush, to make them feel extra special. (check out the Gravitis Pet Supplies Shop for all your grooming equipment needs 😉)
August offers two fantastic opportunities to focus on our furry friends: Check the Chip Day on August 15th and National Dog Day on August 26th. By ensuring your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date, you’re enhancing their safety and your peace of mind. And on National Dog Day, let’s celebrate our loyal companions and acknowledge their special place in our lives. Whether through extra cuddles, fun activities, or supporting dog rescue efforts, make sure to honour and cherish your furry friends.
What do we mean by the term ‘Dog Days’?
I thought, hmm that would make a great blog title (it’s also a Florence and the Machine song) but what does ‘dog days’ actually mean?
According to some hastily googled sources, the term 'dog days' has two primary meanings: one related to the ancient Roman calendar and the other to modern usage referring to summer.
- Historical and astronomical meaning
The term "dog days" originates from the ancient Roman period and is associated with the star Sirius, also known as the Dog Star:
- Sirius and the Roman Calendar: In ancient Rome, "dog days" referred to the period when Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Latin for "Greater Dog"), rose and set with the Sun. This period generally falls between early July and mid-August. The Romans believed that the combined heat of Sirius and the Sun contributed to the hottest days of summer, and they associated this time with a range of misfortunes and discomforts.
- Celestial influence: Sirius is one of the closest stars to Earth and is the most luminous star in the night sky. Its rising was historically linked with the start of the hot summer period.
- Modern usage
In contemporary language, "dog days" generally refer to the hottest part of the summer, often from July to August in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time when temperatures are at their peak and life can seem particularly sluggish or slow. Here’s how it's used:
- Weather and activities: During the ‘dog days’ of summer, people often experience intense heat, which can lead to a more relaxed or leisurely pace of life. It’s a common time for vacations, outdoor activities, and enjoying summer sports.
- Cultural references: The term is also used metaphorically to describe periods of stagnation or inactivity in various contexts, not just the weather. For example, in sports or business, it might refer to a time of low activity or lacklustre performance. In Florence’s song, she uses it to encourage the listener to run towards happiness and leave all of the hardships behind. There is light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.
Will you be celebrating National Dog Day with us? As always let us know what you’re up to in the comments section below!