Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Going Missing

As fun and chic as the leashes that you see here forthefurry.com/collections/dog-leashes may seem, responsible pet owners appreciate its true importance whenever they take their furry little friends out for a walk. Although some owners may not immediately admit it, the dog leash makes them feel more secure than it does their dogs. Dogs suddenly running off unsupervised and eventually going missing are one of the major worries of pet owners.

No matter how well-behaved you think your dog may be, there is always that chance of him running after a squirrel or another dog and not being able to find his way back home. There is also the threat of someone stealing your dog in a public place the moment you take your eyes and leash off him. Just like the way you worry about your own kids, it isn’t wrong to have similar concerns about the security and safety of your pets. To help ease some of your concerns, here are some tips to keep your dog from going missing.

1. Get Microchip Implants

A microchip implant is one of the best investments to ease your worrying about your dog not finding his way back to you. Pet microchips, which are implanted between a dog’s shoulder blades, are encoded with details of ownership. Most vet clinics and shelters have scanners that can read the information encoded in the microchips.

2. Get Tags

If you’re not a fan of inserting a foreign object inside your dog’s back or if a chip is beyond your budget, you can settle with simple information tags. Some owners, however, are understandably not too keen on putting their name, address and number on their pet’s tag. You don’t necessarily have to leave your complete contact details on your dog’s tag. Your first name and phone number, or just your phone number will be enough for anyone who has found your dog to reach you.

3. Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Spaying or neutering pets don’t sit well with some homeowners. If you have no issues with the procedure, it will be a good idea to have your dog spayed or neutered. This will help prevent your pet from running off in search of a mate.

4. Build a Fence

If building codes in your area allow it, build a fence around your yard. The fence has to be high enough to keep your dog in and is buried at least 6 inches into the ground. You can keep your pet secure and frolic around the yard if keeping him inside your home is impossible. Make sure that your pet has means to enter your home just in case it gets too hot or cold outside. A fenced yard or a leash can be lifesavers if you must leave your dog unsupervised for brief spells.

5. Keep Photos and DNA Record of Ownership

In these days of smartphone cameras, it is easy to take photos of you and your dog. This will provide evidence that you own your pet. This will be helpful in case you suspect that someone is keeping your lost dog. Take pictures of any quirks and unique markings on your dog such as coat color patterns or distinctive markings on the belly. If you have the money to burn, and you have a purebred dog, you can have your pet’s DNA registered and recorded at the American Kennel Club.

In case your dog goes missing, the first step to take would be to search and ask around your neighborhood. If you had your dog microchipped, call the microchip company to alert them that your dog has gone missing. Check where your dog will likely be such as local shelters, county animal shelters and veterinary hospitals.