Did you know that July is Lost Pet Prevention Month? While we hope that all of our four-legged patients stay safe and sound at home, it’s important to remember that pets can—and do—get lost every day. In fact, up to one in three pets gets lost at some point in their lives. Read on as a local McHenry, IL vet offers tips on preventing this from happening to your furry buddy.
ID
Make sure that your furry friend is microchipped, and wearing current ID tags. It’s also important to keep the microchip records up to date. If your dog or cat does get lost, this will greatly improve the odds of them coming back home.
Training
This one mostly applies to Fido, as Fluffy tends to train her humans, rather than it being the other way around. Make sure your pup knows basic doggy commands, such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down. This can help you keep your canine friend from running away if he gets loose.
Safety
The best way to keep your pet from getting lost is to keep them on your property. We strongly recommend that cats live indoors. This will greatly reduce the risk of your kitty getting lost. Keeping Fluffy inside will also protect her from cars, weather, wild animals, and other hazards. As for Fido, if you have a yard for him to chase squirrels around in, make sure that your fencing is secure. If you know or suspect that your canine pal may try to dig under the fence, bury chicken wire under it, and weight it down with rocks. We also strongly recommend getting a self-latching gate.
What To Do
If your furry pal does go missing, you’ll want to begin your search right away. For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on What to Do if Your Pet Runs Away. Start by thoroughly searching your home and property. Then, expand the search throughout your neighborhood. Check ditches and empty lots, in case your pet is hurt and laying just out of sight. You’ll also want to start checking local shelters. Don’t just rely on their website or word of mouth: visit in person every day. Placing lost ads can also help. Include photos of your pet, and offer a small reward. Monetary incentives really do motivate people to return pets!
Please call us, your McHenry, IL pet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary services needs. We’re here to help!