Lost Dogs

Something many people don’t consider when their pet goes missing is how their personality may influence where they go.

It happens to the best pet parents – a visitor leaves a gate open, your little escape artist finds a gap or perhaps your furry Houdini slipped out as you came home. Whatever the cause, your dog is missing. What do you do?

BUY BRAVECTO®

FIND A BRAVECTO® STOCKIST

CONTACT BRAVECTO®

Microchipping is the best way to ensure your dog can be easily identified when they are picked up. If your dog is microchipped, your first step is to contact your service provider to notify them so that the pet will be flagged if they are scanned by a vet or SPCA. Now you can focus on looking for your dog.

Now it’s time to play pet detective and use pet personality clues to help you find where he/she went.

Friendly dogs

Dogs that aren’t shy will often go up to the first person they see which could be a nearby neighbour. But friendly dogs are often too trusting and could agree to go with someone whose intentions are not as pure so you need to act fast.

Energetic dogs

Energetic dogs can be the most challenging to catch after escaping from home or slipping out of their collars. Their new-found freedom inspires lengthy marathons which can take them far away from their escape starting point very quickly. This can become dangerous quickly as they approach busy roads.

Shy dogs

Wary dogs will often stay safe from strangers but their fear of unknown humans can push them further from home or encourage them to hide away, making them more difficult to locate. Check potential hiding places and move quickly.

Fearful dogs

Fear in dogs can be misinterpreted as mistreatment but some acquire these personality traits from other factors including their upbringing or health issues. Fearful dogs are at risk of getting lost due to their response to loud noises or unusual activity.

What to do

It’s important to act fast whether it’s the first time your dog has gone missing or if he is a regular escape artist as accidents can happen in a heartbeat. Don’t “wait and see” if they return.

Post on social groups within your community including Whatsapp and Facebook
Contact your local SPCA and all vets in the area
Put up signs in the area as not everyone is on social groups
Follow-up with vets and SPCA as they receive many queries on a daily basis
Don’t give up – some pets have been found days, weeks and even months later

Be proactive in keeping your pets safe by getting them microchipped and ensuring you keep your contact information up-to-date.

REFERENCE:

1.Martin K., Horwitz D., Landsberg G. Fears and Phobias in Dogs -Animals and People. VCA Animal Haspitals. https://vca hospitaIs.com/know-your-pet/fears-and-phobias-in -dogs-animals-and people

ZA-NON-241100001