Warmer weather means more adventures outside and who wouldn’t want their furry companion to take the trip with them? The drawback to letting your pet tag along is the potential of your pet running away or getting loose. Traveling and spending more time outside exposes your pet to new environments with new noises and smells that could peak their curiosity and cause them to wander away. The new noises, such as the fireworks you enjoyed during the 4th of July, could scare your pet into finding a new hiding spot. This is why PetHub declared the month of July National Lost Pet Prevention Month. They understand the importance of informing owners of the steps they can take to keep their pet from running away and resources that are available in the event that it does occur. So, we gathered some tips for you to keep in mind during your summer fun.
Pet Identification
Your pet should have an identification tag attached to their collar with contact information, such as the owner’s phone number, and/or proof of vaccinations. This will make it easier for the owner to be contacted and anyone who would find your pet would know it is safe to interact with the dog. Another technique is by creating a personalized collar, where contact information can be placed directly onto the collar, through options like embroidery or laser engraving. Personalized collars add an extra level of security because an ID tag can easily fall off the collar. There is also the option to get your dog microchipped. This method implants a microchip under your dog’s skin with a unique number which is then assigned to your dog. This chip can be scanned by veterinarians to identify the dog and provide the owner’s contact information. This method is beneficial if your dog were to slip their collar or not have an ID tag. However, it is suggested that even if you microchip your pet you should also include an ID tag on their collar.
Correctly Sized Collars and Leashes
Everyone wants their pets to have the cutest collars and harnesses but proper sizing is the most important. If you pet’s collar is too loose, they could slip the collar in one tug in the opposite direction; your pet’s collar should be tight enough that you can fit two fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar. You should also make sure the width of the collar is appropriate for your pet. If you have a large dog or strong dog, the collar should be made for large dogs and made of thicker material to ensure they cannot break the collar and escape.
Proper Training
While in cases of fright, many pets won’t think beyond getting away from what they fear but having properly trained your pet that this bad behavior is unacceptable could stop your pet from trying to get away if an opportunity would arise.
Be Prepared
Thinking about your beloved pet running away and/or being lost is painful enough, so the best thing to do is create a plan for what you should do if it would occur. If the unthinkable does happen, you need to act quickly. You should have your pet’s records and proof of ownership readily available, as well as a current picture of your pet. This way people will know exactly what your pet looks like and will have knowledge of your pet if they were to find it. Spreading the word to more people means there are more eyes searching for your pet which enhances your chance of finding your four-legged family member.
For more information check out https://www.pethub.com/LostPetPrevention.