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Sidra, David and Tongka |
Some dogs love to sit on the sofa and watch TV with you. But many others would like to stay all day running in the meadows and wandering around the city. Especially when they are puppies, dogs love to explore.
But even when they become adults, they can keep a wandering nature! Let’s see how to prevent the dog from getting lost or running away from home and what to do when you find a lost dog).
1. ID tag and MicrochipFirst, put an ID tag with your information on the collar. If the dog get lost or run out of the house, someone could help him or her. The tag should have your telephone number so they can contact you quickly. Also should have the name of the dog, because this help people to approach the dog most of the times.
Hower, the dog could go out of the house without collar or could lost the tag. So it is crucial microchip the dog with your information. The chip can be read by a scanner at animal shelters or vets and it is the easiest way to find your dog.
Also the chip is a proof that you are the owner!
2. Watch out for the dog’s behaviorEvery dog has a different character and every owner has a different house!
If you observe your dog’s behavior, you will soon understand what attracts him most, for what reason he wants to run outside. Also you should check the entire length of your fence. The dog could find a hole to escape from, or … he could create one himself! It is not uncommon for some dogs to bite the wood, others manage to dig under the fence.
Also remember that dogs jump, and if the fence is high, they could jump on something else and then jump over the fence.
3. Use good leash and collarThe dog may run away even when you keep it on a leash. If he has a lively temperament, he may be able to free himself from some collars or harnesses. In fact, one must be careful of the size of the collar and the harness which must be suitable for the size of the dog. They also need to be changed as the dog grows.
In addition, some parts of the collar and leash can tear or break over time, especially in the joints, rings or carabiners. For this reason it is necessary to periodically check their good condition. If not, replace them!
4. Get your pet spayed or neuteredOne of the reasons why male dogs try to escape is to chase a female. If there are many dogs in the neighborhood, and you notice that your dog is worried and tries to escape often, ask the vet regard the operation. After all, a female could run away if she is approached by a male who does not accept, while being sterilized, usually she does not attract males.
In this way the dog, male or female, will be more peaceful even during walks or outdoor trips when you let him run without a leash.
The Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and any other time when there are loud noises and fireworks, many dogs hide while many others try to escape. If you are forced to leave the dog at home alone, prepare a nice refuge for him and leave the TV on so that it can muffle the noises.
If you leave it in the garden, pay attention to the fence and check that it is intact, with no possibility for the dog to escape.
Absolutely avoid bringing a dog that is afraid of noise in a square or in other areas where there are fireworks or there are concerts and other annoying noises
6. Take the dog for a walk!Go for a walk is an inviolable right for every dog! There are many advantages to taking the dog out, but here we want to focus on the danger of losing it.
A dog who is not used to going out, if he ever escape, will find himself lost and will not find his way home. So the solution is not to keep the dog at home. On the contrary, accustom him from an early age to walking with a leash and above all accustom him to safe areas where he can stay without a leash.
The dog will know all the roads in a short time, will smell every corner and get to know other dogs and other people. In addition, others will also recognize the dog! If he ever ran away for any reason, he would be more facilitated to find his way home, a neighbor could recognize him, and in any case he would be inclined to be approached by other people who could help him.
7. GPS tracker for dogsIf the dog is particularly wandering, help comes from technology. There are GPS to attach to the collar and track the dog’s position at all times. Some may set up a virtual fence, for example around the house, and if the dog passes it, sends a notification to your cell phone.
With others you can follow his path in real time and understand where he is even when you are not at home. If the dog gets lost you can track him down in no time!
What to do when you find a lost dog
If you find a dog afraid and alone, it may have been lost or abandoned.
The dog that seems abandoned wanders aimlessly and appears restless, sniffs and looks at passersby on the street, looking for help. Do not rush to meet him to try to catch him: you would frighten him and make him run away.
Rather, to help him try to draw his attention by speaking gently. Crouch down to put yourself at eye level and hold out your hand, palm facing up.
Also avoid sudden noises and movements: the dog must feel reassured by your voice and your posture must not be threatening. Once you get close, improvise a leash using what you have available at that time.
In this way you will not only prevent him from running away from you, but you will also be able to move him more easily from dangerous situations (such as a busy road) and accompany him to a safe area.
If the dog does not have an ID tag that allows you to contact the owner directly, what you need to do when you spot him in urban areas call the animal control / police department to pick it up and bring it to the shelter.
If, on the other hand, you find a dog abandoned on the highway, you must not stop as it would create a dangerous situation for you and him, but you must immediately contact the Police and report the point where you noticed the dog.
In the event that the dog you want to help gives signs of discomfort or appears to be in an evident state of danger, and waiting for help could put his life at risk, do not try to cure him, offer him neither food nor water but bring him immediately to a veterinarian to ensure that all necessary care is provided.
The veterinarian will also be able to verify the presence of the microchip which will enable the owner to be traced.
Conclusions
In all cases, remember: even if at that moment it seems to you that the best thing to do to help the dog is to bring it home with you, actually doing so hinders the correct rescue procedure, and, in case it is a dog accidentally lost, you could nullify any possibility of reunification with his legitimate family.
Remember that a dog that wanders alone is not necessarily abandoned but can also be temporarily lost: following these few rules will help its owners to find their four-legged friend and the animal to find the love of those who are looking for it.
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