April 23rd is Lost Dog Awareness Day. While we hope that none of our canine patients ever get lost, the sad truth is that millions of beloved dogs go missing each year. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of your furry pal going missing. It’s also important to know what to do if Fido does get out. Read on as a local Matthews, NC vet discusses lost dogs.

Keeping Fido Safe

Dogs get lost in a variety of ways. Some slip out through open gates or doors, some climb or dig under fences, and some will race off at any chance they get. If you have a yard, make sure your fencing is secure. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate. Training is also important. Take time to teach your canine pal basic doggy commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Last but not least, keep Fido leashed when you take him off your property.

Prevention

When it comes to pet care, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. We can’t overstate the importance of getting Fido microchipped. However, you’ll also need to keep ID tags on your canine buddy. Make sure your information is current!

What To Do If Your Dog Is Lost

If Fido goes missing, don’t wait to see if he comes home. Start searching right away. Begin with your immediate neighborhood, and work your way out. Ask your neighbors and, if possible, enlist some help with the search. Check ditches and wooded lots, in case your pet is laying hurt in a spot you can’t see from the sidewalk. The next step is to start placing lost ads. Be sure to include clear pictures. (Tip: offering a reward will increase the chances of people responding.) Make flyers, and post them on telephone poles and bulletin boards, and share them on social media. We also recommend checking all shelters within an hour’s drive daily.

Helping Lost Dogs

Want to help lost dogs find their way home? Keep an eye on lost ads, and watch for missing dogs in your own neighborhood. Sharing flyers about missing pets on social media can also help. In fact, a few keystrokes could help reunite a lost pup with his worried owner. Please reach out to us, your Matthews, NC vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!