Millions of dogs become lost every year, many of which end up in animal shelters. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are reunited with their owners. Those who return home have done so because they have been identified through tags, microchips, or tattoos. Here are some tips that will help you prevent your dog from becoming part of the “lost” population and can help you find your best friend and bring him home quicker if he does become lost.
Provide your Companion with an ID Tag
Providing your dog with an ID Tag can improve their chances of returning home if they ever become lost. Make sure that your dog's tags are legible and have an accurate name, address, and phone number where you can be reached, or where your pet can be returned to. Pets should always wear their ID Tags while on walks, when their pet parents are away from home, at the kennel, or when they go along on family vacations. Other options are having your dog microchipped at the Veterinarian’s or fitting their collars with a tracking system.
Dog Proofing your Backyard
It is important for your backyard to be a safe place for your best friend. A fenced in backyard will allow your dog to have a safe area to roam in, it will also keep out anyone who may want to take, tease or hurt your companion.
Fences should be high enough that it will deter your dog from jumping over them. Replacing or mending areas on your fence that may become gapped or broken overtime can prevent your dog from escaping. Also, gates that allow entry and exit through the back yard should always remain closed while your pet is playing outdoors.
Safe Walks
Keep your dog safe by walking him on a leash. Dogs are very curious; they can be distracted by fast moving cars, squirrels, cats, or other dogs and can easily wander off or run into traffic. Make sure that the leash you choose is strong enough for your dog’s size and weight. Consider clipping your dog’s leash on a harness instead of a collar. Some dogs can wrestle themselves out of their collars, harnesses, however, are secure and allow pet parents to have more control over squirmy little ones or determined pullers. Only allow qualified individuals to walk your dog. Children should not be left to walk a dog, especially a big dog, without adult supervision.
When your pet becomes lost
When you realize that your pet has wandered from home, act quickly, your chances of finding your pet can depend on how quickly you begin your search. Here are some tips that can help you recover your lost pet.
-Drive around your neighborhood and surrounding areas. If your dog has been wandering around for more than a couple of hours he may be thirsty or hungry, so before going out to search for him remember to take a couple bottles of water, dog food and dog bowls . It might also help to bring your dog’s favorite toy, dog treats, and a first aid kit. If it is cold out, bring along a couple of blankets.
-Alert your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out for your pet.
-Contact your local animal shelters and give them a detailed description of your pet. Take a flyer of your pet and leave it with the animal shelter’s administrators. The flyer should include your dog’s name size, age, weight, and any special markings that he or she may have, it should also include your name, phone number, and an address where the shelter can contact you.
-Visit surrounding businesses and pet stores and ask permission to pin flyers up on their bulletin boards
-Contact your Veterinarian and let them know that your dog is lost
-Visit your local animal shelters regularly to check if your pet has been dropped off
-Use social media and online lost pet registration websites to spread the word
When your pet returns home, take him to the Veterinarian for a routine check-up to ensure that he has not suffered from dehydration, tick or flea bites, bite wounds caused by other dogs or wild animals, or any serious injuries.
Visit the following websites for more information:
If your pet has become lost and you would like a photo and detailed information about your pet to be posted in an upcoming article , email Janice Vargas at AllentownAnimalRescueExaminer@gmail.com. Please include a recent photo of your pet, his/her name, weight, size, and the date he/she became lost. Also include your name, a phone number, and an address where you can be reached if your beloved pet is found.
If you are a Lehigh Valley animal rescue and would like the adoptable dogs and cats in your shelter to be featured in upcoming "Animal Rescue" articles or you are a proud pet parent of an adopted dog, cat, or small pet and would like to share your story, please feel free to email Janice at AllentownAnimalRescueExaminer@gmail.com
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Photo linkback: Keattikorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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