A pet parent’s biggest fear is losing their pet. It is an experience no one should ever go through. July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month; which serves as a reminder for everyone to make sure that our pets stay safe. It spreads awareness about the responsibilities of a pet parent and measures one can take to keep pets from getting lost.
While you can’t always control the situation, here are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of your pet going missing.
1. Give them Basic Training
The basic commands that your dog should know are ‘come’ and ‘stand or sit’. These two commands can lessen the chances of your dog running away when going out. It can also help you save your dog’s life, as they can run into a street of speeding cars. It is easy for dogs to get distracted and their curious nature makes them chasing butterflies may result in them getting lost. With these commands, it is easy to stop them from being reckless and essentially keep them safe.
2. Keep them on a Leash
If you go out with your pet, having a leash is a fundamental necessity. The outdoors is filled with wonders that might intrigue your pet or scare them; both situations can easily make them want to run away. Having a collar that is a right fit on your pet’s neck and a leash attached to it is a must so they can walk freely and have a safe time outside.
3. Secure your Home and Yard
One of the most common ways pets get lost from home is, they run away through open doors or un-fenced yards. There have been instances when pets have been found wandering in the neighborhood and getting mistaken for a stray after jumping out from a short fence. If your pet can’t jump the fence, they can even dig under it, so be sure to build a heightened fence with secured wiring at the bottom.
4. Secure Car Locks
When you have to take your pet in a car, be mindful about keeping them safe. Travelling can be scary for some pets and when not trained, they may jump off the moving vehicle. To prevent this from happening, you can use crates. Always lock the car doors and check thoroughly. There are special seat belts that are available for pets. If your dog has a tendency to stick their head out of the window, do not open it wide enough for them to stick their whole body through it.
5. Microchipping
Under some uncontrolled circumstances, if your pet gets lost, microchipping is the most secured way to ensure that they return to you. Microchips contain your contact information so when a veterinarian or a shelter scans your pet’s microchip, they will be able to reunite you with your pet. The process is simple, all you have to do is talk with your vet to get the microchip injected into your pet’s skin and it stays there for their lifetime.
[Also Read] How to Be A Responsible Pet Parent
6. Use a Collar with Tags
Lost animals can get confused with strays if they don’t have collars. It is crucial for your pet to have a secure collar with an updated ID that displays your name and your contact information. Also, it is important to note that the collar should not choke your pet, always keep a gap of at least 2 fingers between the collar and the pet’s neck. Another alternative is to use quick-release collars or harnesses. There are certain technologically advanced collars available with in-built GPS so you can track your pet in real-time.
7. Consider Spaying or Neutering
Pets that haven’t been neutered tend to stray away in search of a mate. Along with avoiding overpopulation, spaying pets can help in managing aggressive, sexual behavior. Males tend to wander off from homes when they remain un-neutered and females can attract males when not spayed.
8. Pay Attention to Them
Pay attention to your pet when you take them out of the house. Be aware of your pet’s surroundings, and react quickly if a situation requires. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent your pet from getting lost. Even when you’ve let them off the leash they should always stay within your eyesight.
9. Give them Lots of Love and Care
Pets who have a loving home do not think about escaping. If you give your pet lots of love, attention, and care for their every need, they will give the same back to you by staying with you. Some pets don’t run away even when they don’t have a leash on, this shows how much they trust and care for you.
10. Be Prepared with Documents
Keeping all your pet’s documents like photos, vaccination certificates, vet documents, etc at an easy to access place. If you find a lost pet, immediately contact local authorities so they can begin the search for its paw-rents.
Bottom Line
Losing your pet can be the worst experience a pet parent can go through. We hope these tips may help you keep your pet safe. Remember not to panic and immediately inform the local authorities, in case you lose your pet, there are chances that you will soon reunite with them.
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