Lost Dog Awareness Day

Lost Dog Awareness Day is April 23rd. It can be heartbreaking to realize that your beloved pet has gone missing. And, while we hope that none of you ever have to face this horrible situation, it unfortunately can—and does—happen. In fact, about ten million pets are lost or stolen every year. Or, to look at the numbers another way, as many as one in three pets will go missing at some point in their lives. An Anderson, IN vet discusses lost dogs below.

Timing

While dogs can get lost at any time, there are some peak days and weeks where you’ll want to be extra careful. New Year’s Eve and July 4th are big ones, because of firework noise. Even the most loyal pup may run off if they get scared! Dogs also get lost at higher rates during storms, and sometimes in spring, when they are most likely to run off looking for love.

Prevention    

Fortunately, taking some simple precautions will greatly reduce the chances of your dog going missing. If you have a yard, make sure your fence is sturdy, and that your pup can’t get over or under it. You’ll also want a self-latching gate. Always keep your canine companion on a leash when you take him off your property. Training is also important. Teach Fido simple commands, like Sit, Stay, and Come .

ID

We really can’t overstate the importance of having your pooch microchipped. That tiny device could one day save your furry pal’s life! Of course, you’ll need to keep your records up to date in the manufacturer’s database. (Tip: try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here to check your records.) ID tags are also very important.

Finding Fido

If your canine buddy ever does get lost, don’t wait to see if he comes home. Start your search right away. Check empty lots and ditches in your area, in case he’s laying just out of sight. You’ll also want to immediately start posting flyers. Local social media groups can be very helpful here. We strongly advise offering a reward: this can really increase the odds of Fido being returned to you. If your first efforts don’t pan out, spread the search out. Alert your neighbors, and check local shelters daily. Don’t give up!

As your local Anderson, IN veterinary clinic, we are here for you. Call us anytime.