Steps You Can Take To Avoid Losing Your Dog

Hello My Puppy Friends,

Your dog is an important part of your family, truly he is more than just a pet! And I’m sure you’re like me when I say that I can’t stand the thought of my dog being lost! I would be in a panic and my heart would be broken.

The dog in this picture was spotted one day mid-morning, laying in a frozen field, he was wet and muddy, and soon got up and started wandering through neighborhoods. It was extremely cold outside, and concerned neighbors tried to find his family. The dog wandered several miles away from where he had been originally seen. Finally, about 7 p.m., it was reported that the cold, hungry, scared dog had been reunited with his family.

Thanks to good neighbors on social media, this story had a happy ending, but not all of them do…not all dogs are found. Peeva has reported that one in three pets go missing each year, that’s a lot of missing pets! Really, there are no fool-proof ways to make sure your dog doesn’t get lost, but there are some things you can do that will help avoid a sad situation.

Tips to help prevent your dog from becoming lost:

1. At the top of the list – Always have a collar with tags on your dog, and have him/her microchipped: The dog tag should have Fido’s name on it and how you can be contacted. And don’t forget the microchip. It’s a simple procedure your vet can perform, and could make all the difference should your dog get lost…and don’t forget to register the chip with the chip manufacturer. Vets, shelters, and Animal Control will scan for an implanted chip as soon as your dog is found, so your chip must be registered.
   1.  Put as many phone numbers as possible on the tags
   2. Put tags on collars and harnesses and even leashes
   3. When travelling, put an additional tag with hotel name, phone number, friend’s number you’re traveling with or staying with
   4. Additional ways to be reached when away from home
2. Neuter your male pup: Many dogs will wander away from home looking for an opportunity to mate. A neutered dog doesn’t have that urge, so he doesn’t have the need to wander.
3. Keep a current, full body picture of your pup: Make sure any identifying marks are visible in the picture.
4. Never leave your dog unsupervised: Even if you have him in a fenced backyard, you should check on him frequently…many puppy parents are amazed at how their pup escaped, even with a fence.
5. Use some type of restraint while traveling in the car: Whether it’s a crate or a harness, it doesn’t matter…it will keep your pup from darting out of the car the minute the door is open, and it will keep him safer in the event of an accident.
6. Keep your pup on a leash: Even if you’re just walking across the street, he should be leashed. You never know when or why your dog is going to bolt.
7. Protect your dog during noisy holiday celebrations such as Halloween or the 4th of July: Many dogs are totally afraid at these times of year, and if they can, they may try to dash out the door and down the street to try and get away. The safe thing to do is to keep your pup safe and secure in a room with the door closed, plenty of water, a cozy place to lie and some of his favorite toys.