Losing your dog is the worst thing that can happen to a dog owner. Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, but losing a pet is devastating. The safety and well-being of our pets are paramount.
It would be helpful if you always had a checklist handy to ensure your pet doesn't get lost, no matter how safe you think you are as a pet owner. Here are six key tips to follow as a preventative measure.
1.Microchip your dog
If your dog loses its collar and is found, the microchip will contain the name, contact information, and phone number of the owner or animal shelter. A microchip can be implanted in your dog without any discomfort, and your dog won't even know it.
It's about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is injected into your dog's skin by a veterinarian and will remain in place for the rest of its life.
2. Buy an ID collar
While it may seem obvious, it's surprising how many people aren't aware of how important it is for their dog to have an ID tag and a properly fitting collar. This way, you can prevent your dog from getting lost.
Collars that are too loose are more likely to come loose, tear, and eventually become unusable. Check the condition of your dog's collar to ensure it's functioning properly. Finding the right balance between safety and comfort is crucial.
If your dog wears an ID tag, it's much easier for someone to identify them and get your contact information. Dog tags are available for purchase online or can be made for a reasonable price at a local pet store. You might want to write your phone number on the collar for added protection.
3. Learn to come and stay
Your dog needs to learn two of the most fundamental commands: "Come" and "Stay." Using these two commands will reduce the chance of your dog becoming separated from you. Your dog will likely become excited or interested in something during a walk, at the park, or in the car while you're out and about.
To successfully convince your dog to stop, you must first teach them these commands and establish your authority as pack leader. Learning these instructions could save your dog's life.
Ideally, you should teach your puppies these instructions as soon as possible after birth. Older dogs can still learn them if given the chance. However, the sooner you start practicing, the better it will be for you in the long run.
4. Always keep your dog on a leash
A dog leash is an absolute necessity if you own a dog. A dog's leash is a crucial aspect of dog ownership. If you're looking for a leash that works best for you and your dog, there are plenty of options to choose from. Better to buy a more expensive and better leash than to lose your dog.
Make sure the leash you choose is appropriate for your dog's size and breed. Because other dogs may be present in the park while you're walking, it's best to use a shorter leash that gives you more control over your dog if he tries to chase another dog.
5. Protect your garden and home
When a dog escapes from the yard, this is one of the most common ways they become disoriented. There have been several cases where people have seen dogs running around on the street and mistakenly mistaken them for strays, but they have inadvertently escaped from their backyard.
Check the fence around your house before letting your dog out. It would help if you had a fence the right height for your dog's size, so they can't jump over it. Even if your dog can't jump over the fence, they can still dig their way out.
The bottom of the fence should be covered with gravel or chicken wire to prevent this. As a precaution, inspect the fence for holes or cracks that your dog could squeeze over.
6. Have your pet spayed or neutered
Spaying or neutering your dog helps reduce the number of animals in shelters, but it also helps prevent your four-legged friend from wandering off and becoming separated from you. Due to their innate sexual drive, unneutered male dogs are more likely to approach females.
As a result, an unneutered dog is more likely to wander off while searching for other female dogs, increasing the risk of being hit by a car. Neutering your dog eliminates this tendency, making your dog calmer and more predictable, and preventing similar behavioral problems in the future.
Since fewer male dogs will want to mate with female dogs after the procedure, they will also benefit. It's best to keep aggressive males away from female dogs to prevent this. This way, you won't lose your dog.
Work consistently on your dog's recall
"Recalling" your dog is essentially the same as saying, "Come here!" to her. A well-trained dog should be able to return to you from a considerable distance, regardless of surrounding distractions. If you rely on only one command, make it a recall command. You don't want to jeopardize your dog's life or safety by relying on this command. Even the best-behaved and most bonded dogs can occasionally fail at this task.
But if the leash breaks, he runs out the door, or something else happens, a good command provides extra reassurance. That's why you need to teach your dog to respond to your commands and practice them regularly. Put an extra-long leash on her (like the one we suggested above) and walk her in a large, open area.
