Did you know that as many as one in three pets will go missing at some point in their lives? That’s a pretty sobering statistic. While there’s no way to eliminate every possible scenario that could result in your beloved pooch going missing, there are things you can do to reduce the odds. A local Flat Rock, NC veterinarian goes over some of them in this article.
Keep Fido Leashed
First and foremost: don’t let your furry friend run around off leash. Even if you are 100% sure that he is completely trained, and will obey you no matter what, be very careful here.
Secure Fencing
It’s wonderful when Fido has a yard to patrol, but it’s important to make sure that it can contain him. Man’s Best Friend has been known to dig under fences, or even jump over them. You’ll also need a gate that closes securely, preferably a self-latching one.
Training
Training is important for many different reasons. One of the most important ones is the fact that it can keep your canine pal from running off after squirrels or taking off if something spooks him. If your furry buddy doesn’t obey simple commands like Sit, Stay, and Come, take time to work on this training.
Get Fido Fixed
Dogs that are still intact are much more likely to try and run off than those who have been fixed. This isn’t the only reason to get Fido spayed or neutered, but it’s definitely one of the key ones. If your four-legged buddy hasn’t been fixed yet, get that scheduled ASAP.
Be Aware Of High Risk Circumstances
Our canine companions have that fight-or-flight instinct, just as we do. Even the loyalest pup can bolt if something startles him. Take extra care at high-risk times, such as on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, or when thunderstorms are rolling through.
GPS Collars
This is one new technology that we’re thrilled to see. These devices can make great safety nets, especially if you have a pooch that likes to run. (Huskies are notorious for this.) Do plenty of research before buying: different products have various options for things like monitoring, battery life, technology, and subscriptions.
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us today! As your Flat Rock, NC animal clinic, we’re here to help!
