How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting Lost

Did you know that during June, July, and August, there's a 63% increase in reports of missing or stolen pets compared to the winter season?  Isn't this your summer vacation when most pet parents lose their beloved furbaby? It's scary, right?

And guess what? July 4th seems to be the busiest day for pets going missing. Also, 7% of dogs have never returned home, and you don't want to be one of those. Don't worry; we've got some tips to keep your furry friend safe and sound this summer and all year!

Pet owners often overlook simple safety measures like microchipping or ID tags, but they can make a huge difference. Pet lost statistics show that 11% of dogs who went missing had no identification.

So, let's make sure your pup stays by your side.

We've put together 7 basic prevention measures to keep them from getting lost. You might have skipped these before, thinking your dog would never stray. But it's better to be safe than sorry. Let's ensure you both have a fantastic summer vacation without any worries about your fur baby's safety!

1. Teach Your Dog All Of The Basic

The increasing number of pets getting lost yearly is a nightmare for any pet parent. You can't always keep your dog under your watchful eye. The best solution is properly teaching your dog all the basics, such as commands.

Start training your pup early on. Teaching an adult dog can be tricky due to stubbornness. Use simple commands instead of long phrases. For instance, say "Come" to call your dog or "Sit" when you want them to sit. It may take time for them to catch on. Once they do, reward them with treats!

One great command is "Wait" at mealtime. Gradually delay giving their food, and they'll learn to wait patiently. Basic training like this goes beyond obedience. It keeps your pup entertained and mentally stimulated.

If your schedule is too hectic for regular training, consider hiring a certified dog trainer, especially if you have breeds like Black German Shepherds or Catahoulas. Trainers are experts and know all the best techniques. They can provide lifelong benefits for you and your furry friend!

2. Secure Your Yard And Living Space

The time you brought your pet dog into your home, make the house pet-proof. This is another effective way to prevent lost dogs or other pets.

Make it a habit to regularly inspect your yard and living areas. Check for any gaps or holes in fences and ensure they're sturdy. Dogs often escape through broken or loose sections. So, keep an eye out for those weak points and repair them.

While regular inspections can feel like a hassle, trust me, overlooking these can lead to your worst nightmare. As soon as you spot an issue, fix it immediately!

Another point people tend to overlook is the height of their fences. Consider how high your dog can jump. Some can leap over 4-5 feet effortlessly. Few can scale a 7-foot fence. Aim to keep your fence at least 7 feet tall and invest in a strong, secure gate.

And remember, it's not just dogs who need a secure space. Make sure you're also protecting smaller pets like cats or ducklings to keep them safe and sound.

3. Leash & Recall Training

Pet leash training may seem unusual, but many cat owners have embraced it for its benefits. Only a dog owner knows the importance of using leash. This helps to guide and control the dog. You can imagine a scenario where your dog wants to wander off but the control is in your hand with the leash.

Always use a leash. This can be a basic habit for you but can prevent your dog wander off. So, whenever you are taking your pet outside, even in the backyard use the leash.

However, when choosing a leash, consider the width and weight of your dog. For a 25 kg dog, the leash should be 2cm. If you can not figure out a way, pet shopkeepers can help you.

Besides, use recall training. This is more beneficial in situations when you may accidentally drop the leash, and your dog starts running. You can not cope with your four-legged furry friend. But with practicing recall, you can get your pet back. Simply give commands like "Stop" or "Wait."

4. Identification And Technology

I know a lot of incidents where people find the lost dog owner through a microchip or other technology. If you want to prevent losing your pet forever, there is no replacement for using technology identification. Here, you can see one of these four effective ways.

Microchip

Microchips are incredibly helpful for locating a lost or wandering pet. This tiny technology, about the size of a grain of rice, can make all the difference.

You just have to have the microchip implanted in your dog. Each microchip has a unique identification number, making it easy to track your furry friend. The best part is that it requires no maintenance or battery.

When a vet or animal control officer scans the number, they will have access to all the necessary information. And you'll be just a phone call away from being reunited with your beloved dog. Remember to update your information, such as your phone number or address, if anything changes.

This permanent form of identification greatly increases the chances of finding your lost dog, even if their collar or tags are missing. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can be reunited with your pet. Find the guide in detail “how to find a lost pet with a microchip”

ID Tags

ID tags are a crucial tool for identification purposes. When you bring your beloved pet home, getting an ID tag without delay is essential. This is the convenient and most effective way to prevent the unfortunate event of losing your dog. 9 To 23% Of Lost Dogs Were Found Due To An ID Tag

You can conveniently order one online or purchase it from a pet store. These tags are typically fastened to your dog's collar and contain all the necessary details, such as your address, name, phone number, and more.

In case your dog goes missing, anyone who finds them can quickly get in touch with you. However, it's crucial to securely attach the ID tags to ensure they don't come off accidentally.

GPS Tracking

Do you constantly worry about losing them and wish you could keep track of their whereabouts at all times? Well, GPS tracking is the perfect solution for you. These devices are gaining popularity among pet owners as they allow you to monitor your furry friend's location in real-time.

With GPS tracking, you can track your dog's whereabouts on your own. So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where your beloved pup goes missing, you can quickly trace their location using your phone.

But that's not all! Some GPS tracking devices offer even more benefits. You can keep an eye on your dog's activity or receive geofencing alerts. It's like having a personal assistant for your pet's safety and well-being.

Home Security Camera

You've taken all the necessary steps to ensure your dog doesn't go missing. Have you considered installing home security cameras?

This is especially helpful for busy pet parents who need to leave their pets at home. With these cameras, you can conveniently check in on your phone or other devices remotely.

Just imagine the valuable clues people have obtained from surveillance cameras in various incidents. The same goes for your beloved dog or pets.

5. Spay Or Neuter Your Dog

Getting your dog spayed (for females) or neutered (for males) is an essential step in responsible pet ownership. Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to wander in search of a mate. This reduces the risk of them getting lost or injured while roaming the streets.

Spaying is like hitting the "Pause" button on finding love. Neutering reduces the urge to roam, like a GPS glitch that keeps him close to home.

When you consider the timing of the procedure, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. They can best schedule the surgery depending on your dog's age, breed, and overall health. In general, the procedure is done before your dog reaches sexual maturity. This can vary between breeds but is typically around six months of age.

6. Close Gates And Use Invisible Fence Systems

Imagine your gate as a big, welcoming hug for your dog. So, regularly check that it's in tip-top shape. There should be no rusty hinges or broken parts. When you close it, be careful, like you're sealing a secret pact with your pup. 

Next, an invisible force field that only your dog understands. That's the invisible fence! When your dog gets too close to the boundary, their collar beeps or vibrates (no capes required). Train your pup to stay within these magical lines. Now, your yard has become a safe haven. 

Remember, a little love, some training, and your security measurement go a long way in keeping your doggo right where they belong—by your side!

7. Routine Health Checks and Anxiety Management

Health check-ups are the key to a happy hound. A healthy dog is less likely to wander. Pets most often wander off due to illness or discomfort.

Regular physical health check-ups include mental health screenings, such as anxiety and depression screenings. Because, separation anxiety or fear can lead to escape attempts.

If your dog's health is good, he will be happy and never think to wander off. Routine health checks include,

• Vaccination
• Wellness examinations
• Neutering

For their mental stimulation play with your dog regularly. Fetch, tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, your dog's version of a brain workout.

Or, you can specifically have a time for your dog to exercise and train them. All these will create a calm environment to reduce anxiety. And you can keep your furry friend content at home.

A healthy body and a happy mind keep your pup right where they belong. Snuggled up with you!

What to Do if You Lost Your Pet?

We never want any pet owners in a situation of losing their pets. But in case this happens, your swift actions can make all the difference in reuniting lost pets with their families. Here are three immediate steps you can consider,

Contact Local Animal Shelters

Think of these shelters as the ultimate hub for lost pets. Give them a call or visit in person. Provide a detailed description of your fur baby, color, size, quirks, and unique features. They'll keep an eye out and match it with any incoming strays.

Lost & Found websites like PawMaw

Lost and found websites like PawMaw understand the grief of every lost pet parent. While in this situation one may not think of taking any steps, a simple post on PawMaw can do all the work on behalf of you. There are tons of success stories of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Visit the homepage and click on the "Report Pet" button at your screen's top right corner. Provide necessary details about your pet and finish the report. They will support you to the end.

Also, these top 26 lost pet websites can help you get your lost pet back home.

Using Social Media

Post on social media platforms to find your lost pet—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok (because why not?). Include the exact location where you last saw your furball. Create a detailed description of your dog's recent photo.

Ask your friends and relatives to share the posts. Every share, every call, every paw-positive thought brings your pet closer to home. You can use #LostPet, #FurFamily, and #BringFluffyHome. Your post might go viral faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer.

Bottom Line

Prevention is better than realizing the day your furry friend is nowhere to be found. These innocent creatures may wander off, get stolen, or simply get lost and never come back. Think of how miserable their life and your broken heart can be on the roads.

If you do not want any of these, consider taking the necessary steps today. Start with teaching your dog all the basics. Do not forget to secure your living space and yards with strong gates and invisible fences.

The best way would be to use identification technology such as microchips, GPS, or cameras. These are the most effective ways to find a lost dog or pet.

Lastly, take good care of your dog's mental and physical health. This way, they will always be near you.