Monthly Newsletter: May 2026
Newsletter image above created by Desiree.
Welcome to our May 2026 Newsletter! Just as April showers bring May flowers, this new month also brings 31 more days of veterinary-related holidays and awareness events to celebrate, as well as warmer weather (hopefully). Please read on to discover this month’s happenings and we hope you enjoy our newsletter!
May is National Chip Your Pet Month. Your pets are a huge part of your family and you would do anything to keep them safe. But, sometimes accidents do happen: a dog slips out of its collar or a cat runs out an open door. In these instances, a microchip would be an easy way to increase the chance of a reunion with your pet.
What is a microchip? A microchip is a tiny device the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the skin between a pet’s shoulder blades- no anesthesia required! Each chip provides a unique ID that is linked to your contact information.
Why is getting your pet microchipped a good idea? According to veterinary studies, microchipped dogs are twice as likely to be reunited with their owners, while cats are 20 times more likely to return home compared to those without a chip. If your pet gets lost and someone finds it, an animal shelter or a veterinary clinic can scan your pet for a microchip and if they have one, their ID number will pop up and let the shelter or clinic staff know which microchip company to contact for your information.
Log in to your online microchip account to verify that your contact information is up to date. At 4 Paws Animal Hospital, we use HomeAgain microchips. But, if your pet got microchipped elsewhere and you are not sure which registry the chip is with, please use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool to find out.
The first full week in May is Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety. If their anxiety becomes extreme, then it can start to affect their quality of life. Please look for signs of anxiety such as excessive barking, pacing, ruining furniture, having accidents inside the house, and other behavioral issues. If you think that your pet may have extreme anxiety, then please talk to your veterinarian regarding treatment such as medication or CBD chews.
The second Saturday of May is National Dog Mom’s Day, dedicated to celebrating all of the dog moms out there! Take the day to hang out with your pups and reflect on how they have changed your life for the better!
Pet of the Month: This month, we are shining a spotlight on Luke, our receptionist Saleena’s cat. Born on May 4th (“May the Fourth Be With You!”), this three-year-old domestic shorthair loves to greet his parents when they come home from work, jump on his brothers to play, and steal his humans’ food whenever possible. Despite his mischievous nature, at the end of the day, he just wants to cuddle.