Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners on Prevention and Recovery if Your Dog Gets Lost

Every dog owner dreads the thought of their beloved pet going missing. Whether it’s through an open gate, a slip of the collar, or even during a walk, dogs can easily get lost. The good news is there are proactive measures we can take to ensure our four-legged friends are protected, as well as effective strategies for locating them if they do go missing. In this blog, we’ll cover essential tips on prevention, identification methods, and what to do if your dog gets lost.

The first step in preventing a lost dog is ensuring they can be identified by others if they find your dog. Here’s how:

ID Tags

Having an ID tag on your dog’s collar is crucial. Consider the following when creating tags:

• What to Include:

  • Dog’s Name: Should you put your dogs name on the tag? Personally, we wouldn't because if your dog has been stolen, then thieves when selling the dog will call it by name making your dog feel familiar with the thieves! So we would strongly suggest putting your surname on the collar tag.
  • Your Phone Number: Include at least one contact number, preferably a mobile phone.
  • Alternative Contact (Optional): Consider adding another trusted individual’s number or even your Vets telephone number!
  • QR Code: You could set up a QR code that takes someone to a website that has the above details about your lost dog. But please bear in mind what to include and what NOT to include as discussed within this blog.

• What to Avoid:

  • Personal Information: Avoid including your home address or the dog's breed to prevent potential theft.
  • Excessive Details: Keep it simple; too much information can clutter the tag.

Microchipping

Microchipping your dog is one of the most effective ways to increase the chances of finding them if they go missing. A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your dog’s skin. Here are some benefits:

• Permanent Identification: Unlike collars, a microchip can’t fall off and provides a permanent form of ID.
• Easy to Scan: Animal control and shelters can scan microchips and access your contact information.
• Keep your information updated: Just because you visit a new vets when you move home does not mean that any information on the microchip is updated automatically. So please check if your information is current and up to date.

Dog Collars

Dogs also get away from you because they have slipped their lead. So to prevent this you need to check that the collar you use has been adjusted correctly. When checking your dogs collar, it should be snug enough that it won't slip off, but not too tight that it restricts your dog's breathing or movement. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

If your collar needs replacing, we have an amazing collection of leather and fabric collars on our website for you to look at.

Dog Leads

The same as with your dog collar, you need to regularly check the condition of your dog lead. If it is a normal lead, is there any sign of wear and tear! The last thing you want is for your dog to be spooked and as it runs the lead snaps!

If you use a retractable lead, open it all the way out and check for wear and tear and frayed and damaged areas along the length. If you find any, just replace the retractable lead and throw the damaged one away.

2. The Safety Net: GPS Trackers

Investing in a GPS tracker can offer an added layer of security. If you are looking for one for your dog, then make sure you do your due diligence and research to find the best brand for you and your dog before impulse buying. Here's how they can help:

• Real-Time Location: Many GPS collars provide real-time tracking via smartphone apps, allowing you to see your dog's whereabouts instantly.
• Geofencing Alerts: Some devices enable you to set up digital fences, sending you an alert if your dog leaves a designated area.
• Preventive Measure: Knowing you have a reliable tracking system gives peace of mind, encouraging you to take your dog on more adventures!

3. Steps to Take If Your Dog Goes Missing

Despite all precautions, dogs can still get lost. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do:

Search Your Immediate Area

• Look Nearby: Dogs often don’t go far. Start by searching your home and the immediate vicinity.
• Call Them: Use their name while calmly walking around. A familiar voice may coax them back. But please bear this in mind - If you gather 20 other people and everyone is shouting your dog's name, it will scare them and they will run further away!! So please do not let this happen. If you are going to call their name, do it in a calm and natural way otherwise the scared tone of your voice will make them scared too!

Expand Your Search

• Notify Neighbors: Inform your neighbors and ask for their help. They might have seen your dog or be able to assist in the search.
• Visit Local Shelters and Vets: Contact local animal shelters and veterinary clinics to report your missing dog. Drop off flyers with your dog’s picture and information.

Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms

• Post on Social Media: Create a post with recent photos of your dog, along with identifying details and your contact information.
• Lost Pet Websites: Use local lost and found pet resources and community groups specialized in reuniting lost pets with their owners. For example, Beauty's Legacy is an award-winning UK charity, providing a free service locating and reuniting lost, stolen and stray pets - www.beautyslegacy.co.uk

Utilize Technology

• GPS Tracking App: If you have a GPS tracker, use the app to track your dog.
• Search for Available Resources: There are apps and websites dedicated to helping recover lost pets. Use them! I have mentioned one charity to contact as noted above (Beauty's Legacy)

Flyers and Posters

• Create Flyers: Use a clear, recent picture of your dog. Include vital information like their name, distinguishing features, your contact number, and any unique traits.
• Strategic Placement: Post these flyers in high-traffic areas, like parks, pet stores, and vet clinics.

As dog owners, it is our responsibility to take the necessary precautions to prevent our furry friends from getting lost. Equipping them with proper ID tags and microchipping can significantly improve recovery chances. (Researching for this blog post, we have TODAY gone out to Pets at Home to get tags for both our dogs)

Additionally, investing in a GPS tracker can provide peace of mind and make it easier to locate them should the unthinkable occur. Remember, if your dog goes missing, act quickly and utilize all available resources to aid in their recovery. Let’s work together to keep our pets safe and sound!

Call to Action

Share this blog with fellow dog owners to spread awareness about the importance of pet safety. Have you faced a situation where your dog was lost? Share your story and any additional tips in the comments below!

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. We hope you found it both insightful and beneficial.

Tim & Claire Downer x

Also Mylo our Yorkie, and Pepa our rescue dog x