There is nothing worse than having to break the news to your children that their beloved dog has suddenly gone missing. Posting flyers and watching the time pass with hopefulness that your furry friend will return can b emotionally overwhelming. Though there are circumstances that are essentially beyond your control, there are things you can do as a parent to keep your dog safe whether you’re home or not.
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Get a Collar and ID Tag
Much like a driver’s license or identification card for adults, a collar and ID tag can help your dog be returned to you quicker in the event that they wander off and get lost. They can be created inexpensively and should include the dog’s name, and up-to-date contact information. Ensure that the collar is durable and that it is worn daily.
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Microchips
An added layer of protection for your dog would be to have a microchip implanted in them. These chips contain identifying information should your pet roam away from home. If they are found at a shelter or a veterinarian, the chips can be scanned to identify your dog and a means for contacting you. Microchips are also affordable, and the procedure isn’t harmful to your dog.
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Social Media
This probably isn’t a safety measure you were expecting for your dog, but it can actually be very instrumental in helping you find your dog should they get lost. By creating an account on a pet social network, you are connected with a community of pet owners in your area. Photos and videos make it easy to identify your dog and should make it a lot easier for them to be found in the neighborhood. Social media users can share your post, put photos up in the neighborhood, and keep an eye out.
Spay/Neuter Your Dog
If your dog has yet to be spayed or neutered, you may want to reconsider this as it can save their lives. It has been proven that dogs that are sterilized are less likely to wander away from home. If you can’t afford the procedure, many veterinarian clinics and animal shelters offer them for free or at a discounted cost. Spaying or neutering your dog can also help them in other areas including prolonging their lifespan, improving their mood, and minimizing the chances of them going in heat.
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Keep a Leash
There’s no denying the fact that your dog loves being outside. As happy as they might be about being outdoors it is your responsibility to keep them safe. Whether they’re outside in the backyard, taking a stroll through the park, or walking through the aisles with you at the pet store, it is imperative to keep your dog secured to a leash when outside of the home. This can prevent them from roaming away from you. Be sure to invest in a high-quality leash that won’t break with the force of the dog tugging in the opposite direction.
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Make Sure They’re Comfortable When You’re Away
Whether you’re on vacation or at work, it is important to make sure that your dog is comfortable when you’re not around to tend to their needs. Leaving them home without enough food and water or leaving them in a hot car, for instance, are all examples of why your dog might try to leave. Be sure that your dog is always comfortable. Ensure they have fresh food and water daily, take them for regular walks to use the bathroom, and if you’re going to leave them in the car, make sure that the temperature is appropriate and it’s not for a long period of time.
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Only Trust Them with Good People
Sometimes you need help with your dog. Perhaps you’re going on vacation and need to find someone to check in on them while you’re gone. Or, you’re so busy you have to hire a dog walker to keep your dog on the right schedule. Whether you need a dog walker or a dog sitter, it is important that you do your due diligence in choosing who will be around your dog. There are those who could be irresponsible and not care for your dog properly and others who are in the market for stealing dogs. By checking references and only hiring trustworthy individuals, you can ensure your dog is safe.
Your dog is part of your family, and keeping them safe means taking a lot of the same precautions. If you haven’t taken the above-mentioned steps already, do some research and begin taking the measures to keep your pet safe. In the end, it will provide you with peace of mind and minimize the chances of having to search high and low for your best friend.