April 23rd is National Lost Dog Awareness Day! Did you know that as many as one in three pets will get lost at some point in their lives? It can be very traumatizing, sad, and scary to realize that your canine buddy is missing. Read on as a McHenry, IL vet discusses how to keep Fido safe and sound.
ID
We really can’t overstate the importance of making sure that your furry bff is microchipped and wearing proper ID tags. Of course, getting Fido microchipped is only the first part of the process. You’ll also need to make sure that your records are correct in the chipmaker’s database. Try using the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here. We also recommend having your vet check the chip regularly to make sure it hasn’t moved or malfunctioned.
Keeping Fido Safe
An ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. First and foremost, make sure that your pup obeys basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. If you drop Fido’s leash while walking him, you want to be sure he’ll come back to you! Your pooch should also be leashed whenever you take him off your property. If you have a yard, make sure that the fencing is secure, so that he can’t climb over or dig under it. We also strongly recommend getting a self-latching gate. Many family pets have escaped because meter readers left gates open.
Worst Case Scenario
If Fido does go missing, you’ll need to jump into action right away. Start by searching your property. Then, move out through the rest of the neighborhood. Check empty lots and ditches, in case your pooch is lying injured just out of site. The next step is to make a flyer. Include clear photos of your canine pal from a few different angles, and state when and where he was last seen. Offering a small reward is highly recommended, as this greatly ups your chances of your pet being returned to you. You’ll also want to immediately post ads in local classifieds and social media groups. Next, start checking shelters. We recommend going in person each day. Don’t give up! Dogs have been returned to their humans after being gone for years.
Please contact us, your McHenry, IL vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!