Each year, countless pets go missing and are separated from their loved ones, causing much anxiety and heartbreak for both parties.
So this month, July, we celebrate National Lost Pet Prevention Month. This month is a holiday dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of minimizing stray pets and keeping pets safe in the homes of loving families.
Continue reading below for more information about this important holiday and important ways to keep your pet from getting lost.
What is National Lost Pet Prevention Month?
National Lost Pet Prevention Month was launched by PetHub in 2014. The month was designated July as the number of lost pets is expected to rise significantly in the country due to Independence Day celebrations and planned summer vacations.
Did you know that 4th of July weekend is the busiest time in shelters because many lost pets have to be picked up?
In fact, founder Mark Jakubchuk said, Pet Amber Alert™According to national statistics, only 14% of lost pets are properly identified and returned to their owners. And sadly about 30-60% are discarded because they can’t be properly identified.
Don’t forget about family vacations in summer. Dogs traveling with family for vacation may become disorientated in their new surroundings and run away in distress.
In light of this situation, PetHub National Pet Lost Child Prevention Month In 2014, we aim to raise awareness and foster an in-depth dialogue about our responsibility to keep pets safe at all times.
This vacation creates an opportunity for pet parents to learn from industry experts on a variety of tips and strategies for preventing lost pets and connect with other pet parents across the country.
5 reasons dogs get lost
Statistics show that 10 million pets are lost each year. And one in three pets will be lost in their lifetime.
Understanding why dogs go missing can help dog owners know what precautions to take to ensure their dogs’ safety.
So what is the reason your dog gets lost? See below for details.
1. Unsecured property
Poor security measures on your property are a common reason dogs run away from home and then get lost.
Your property security should be commensurate with your dog’s size and abilities. Investing in taller walls and fences without holes is a must. That way your furry friend won’t be able to escape the property in any way, even jumping fences or digging under fences.
2. An unfamiliar environment
As mentioned above, dogs can become disoriented when they come to an unfamiliar place while on vacation with their family. This makes it difficult to get around and increases the chances of getting lost.
3. Lack of supervision
Related to the reasons above, leaving a dog in an unfamiliar environment can make them easily disoriented, stressed, and lost, especially if they are off leash and unsupervised. I have.
In addition, leaving a dog alone can overwhelm its curiosity. And they end up exploring strange places, making it harder for you to find them.
4. Fear and anxiety caused by loud noises
Like us, dogs experience fear and anxiety. And for our furry friends, fireworks, loud noises and thunderstorms cause this in them. This causes the dog to flee in search of safety and security.
according to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals According to the (ASPCA), nearly 1 in 5 pets go missing due to fear of loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
5. Wrong selection of leads
Choosing a leash or collar can help keep your dog from getting lost. Because if the collar doesn’t fit properly or is too loose, your dog may slip out of it.
6 ways to keep your pet from getting lost
Most dog owners say losing a dog is something that never happens. But statistics show otherwise. That’s because 64% of those surveyed by Ascpa said they didn’t expect their pet to get lost.
While there are many circumstances beyond our control, there are still many simple and effective ways to reduce the chances of your dog going missing.
So, in honor of National Lost Pet Prevention Month, we’ve rounded up six effective ways to keep your pet from getting lost. See below.
1. Microchip your dog
Microchipping is a permanent and effective way to identify your dog, especially if it is lost or stolen. With a microchip, dogs are more likely to be easily identified and returned.
When microchipping your dog, a small microchip is inserted quickly and easily under the dog’s skin with a needle. The microchip gives the dog a unique code that, when scanned, matches contact details.
However, the usefulness of a microchip is solely determined by the contact details attached to it. Therefore, during this National Lost Pet Prevention Month, be sure to update all information in your registered database.
2. Attach an ID tag to your dog’s collar
This year, National Lost Pet Prevention Month, PetHub helps, but also reminds us: Implanting a microchip in a dog is not enough. In some cases, dogs with collars can be easier for people to approach. This means that the dog is someone’s property and has been lost.
When attaching an ID tag to your dog’s collar, be sure to add your phone number, address, and microchip number (if possible). Also, make sure your contact information is legible.
Also, to reduce the chances of your dog being stolen without being returned, please indicate on your ID tag if your dog has any allergies, health concerns, or is spayed/neutered. Doing so will deter the thief, who will most likely take the dog to you or the vet.
3. A house that prevents dogs from entering
A dog-proof home is essential for your dog’s overall safety. Evaluate your home and find out what dog repellent you need.
Dog repellent tips include making sure the door to your home is securely latched and not being left open at an inappropriate time of the day. Another is to install pet screens on your windows. Some dogs are natural escape artists and will use every crevice to escape the house.
Additionally, if you don’t already have a fence, install a tall, strong fence without gaps or holes in your yard. This allows the dog to play freely in the yard and prevent him from escaping the yard.
4. Train your dog on a leash
Another thing PetHub emphasized during 2022 National Pet Prevention Month is training and enrichment. And one of the key pieces of training your dog should receive is lead training.
Always keep your dog on a leash when you go out with your dog. However, this is sometimes easier said than done, as dogs will pull on the leash if not properly trained.
Therefore, you should train your dog not to pull on the leash when outside. This way you will always be safe. Sometimes, even the most well-trained and obedient dogs may feel tempted to chase animals or explore on their own in unfamiliar public areas.
With the proper leash and training, you can safely take your dog outside without any problems.
5. Practice pet travel safety
Another National Lost Pet Month topic to help prevent lost pets is practicing pet travel safety.
When traveling with your dog this summer, make sure your dog is securely fastened in a high-quality wooden crate in your car. Additionally, getting a dog harness can help as it is harder to remove than a collar.
Also, when you are outdoors, please refrain from activities that take off the leash. Off-leash activities may work well when your dog is in a familiar environment, but the same cannot be said when traveling. Therefore, always keep your dog on a leash and never leave it unattended.
6. Engage with the community
Being involved with your community and getting to know your dog can help in the unlikely event that your dog gets lost.
If neighbors see you and your dog regularly in the neighborhood, they are more likely to alert you if they suddenly find your dog walking around alone. Community help is invaluable when you need to track a dog.
In addition, you can also use virtual communities such as: next door, petco love lost, fid finder, front porch forum, America’s Lost Dogsand many other features for tracking lost dogs.
What to do if your dog gets lost
Sometimes, even with the most meticulous planning, accidents can happen. So here are some tips to help you in the unlikely event that your dog goes missing.
- Act fast! Don’t wait and hope your dog will come home to you. The sooner you look for it, the more likely you are to find it.
- Get involved with the community. Search your neighborhood and let your neighbors know your dog is missing. Creating and posting flyers with clear pictures of your dog is also effective.
- Use social media. Post a picture of your lost dog and all the necessary details and share it on social platforms such as Facebook. You can also take advantage of virtual communities like Nextdoor.
- Visit our website dedicated to lost pets. There are many lost pet directories on the Internet to help you find them.you can find some of them here.
- Please contact and visit the nearest shelter. It can be difficult to explain your dog over the phone, so it’s always best to contact and visit the nearest shelter.
- Contact the Microchip Database. Tell them your dog is lost and ask them to notify you if someone tries to change your dog’s information.
- Contact your local animal control office and all agencies in the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Losing a dog is a heartbreaking and dangerous experience for both parents and dogs. Just thinking about it can be scary. For this reason, we must always ensure the safety of our dogs.
In National Lost Pet Prevention Month, let’s stay vigilant to keep our dogs safe. Spread awareness of the importance and responsibility of keeping dogs out of harm’s way at all times.
Do you have other tips for keeping your dog safe at all times? Share them below.