It can be heart breaking to realise our furry friends have gone missing, so since July is Lost Pet Awareness Month here are 6 top tips to help prevent losing your pet.
Secure Gardens
From dogs and small furries to tortoises, not securing your garden can lead to their escape. When loose from their gardens they are often mistaken for strays, so reducing opportunities for their escape is important. Make sure fences and gates don’t have any gaps large enough for your pet to fit through, and that they are tall enough to not be jumped over. It might also be useful to move any plant pots or garden benches away from fences to prevent them being used as a step to jump over.
Neutering Pets
Neutering and spaying can help with more than just preventing unwanted offspring. Non-neutered pets, especially male cats, tend to roam should they catch scent of a female. Neutering them, will lessen the chances of them escaping on the prowl. Female dogs in season are also known to run off to seek a male, in addition female cats and dogs might also bolt should they be being pursued by an aggressive male, making neutering and spaying pets a good idea to prevent risks of wandering off and going missing . For more information read our Spay & Neuter Awareness blog.
Find the Right Collar
Dogs should wear a collar, snug but not too tight, with a tag. You should be able to slide two fingers between collar and neck, without too much of a gap. Pet ID tags are available online, or in most pet shops. Make sure details on ID are up to date. Collars on cats can potentially be dangerous, since they may snag. If you do wish to put a collar onto your cat a quick release collar would the safest option to prevent getting caught/stuck especially when outside.
Microchipping Pets
Microchipping is a cheap and painless procedure, where a rice-sized chip is injected just under the skin of your pet. Should your pet be picked up by someone and taken to the vet, this chip can be scanned and matched with your contact details. Resulting in a quick and happy reunion if your pet was to go missing. It is vital to keep your pets microchip information up to date.
Basic Command Training
Teaching dogs to reliably respond to commands like “come” and “stay” will reduce the likelihood of them getting lost, since they are easier to keep close and under control, especially in circumstances where a door or gate is opened, you should be able to keep your dog under control with a ‘sit and stay’ command preventing them trying to bolt out of the door on their own walkies.
Pay Attention
Keep an eye on your pet when they’re outside will reduce the chances of them straying. On walks, pay attention and stay alert to the surrounding area. This will help you quickly spot any potential hazards or surprises that could result in you dropping the lead or otherwise scaring your pet.
