Missing Mutts Awareness Day

June 10th s Missing Mutts Awareness Day. This certainly isn’t the happiest pet awareness day coming up this month. We’d much rather talk about Hug Your Cat Day. However, it is important to recognize the severity of this issue. As many as one in three dogs goes missing over the course of their lives! A Brampton, ON vet offers some tips on keeping Fido safe in this article.

Statistics

The numbers on lost dogs are pretty sobering. As mentioned above, one in three pets gets lost at some point. That equals out to about ten million missing animals each year! Only around 20 percent of those pups are reunited with their humans. It’s worth noting that return rates are much higher in the UK, where 47% of lost dogs are returned home. The difference? The UK mandates microchipping, and maintains a more extensive database.

Causes

Fido can go missing for a variety of reasons. Chasing or being chased is a common factor. Man’s Best Friend does have a tendency to dash off after squirrels or other animals. He may also be frightened by other dogs, and run away from them. Dogs don’t only run away from other canines, though. They may bolt from loud noises, crowds, commotion, and/or strangers. If your furry friend is still intact, he or she could also take off to go looking for love. Boredom, discomfort, and sheer curiosity can also factor in. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, fear, or other behavioral issues that might lead to running away, consider veterinary behavior counseling to address these concerns and help keep your pet safe.

Prevention

Taking a few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your furry best friend safe and sound at home. First and foremost, make sure that Fido is fixed, microchipped, and wearing ID tags. (GPS tags aren’t a bad idea, either.) Training is important, too. Teaching your pooch simple commands such as Sit, Stay, Heel, and Come can help keep him from running off. If you have a fenced yard, make sure your fence is sturdy and secure, and that your canine buddy can’t go over, under, or through it. We also recommend getting a good, self-latching gate. Finally, just keep that cute tail going! Ensure that your four-legged pal is happy, healthy, and comfortable. Toys, walks, playtime, and great TLC are all part of that. It’s also a good idea to be prepared for unexpected situations. Check out our article on Disaster Preparation Tips For Pet Owners to learn how to keep your pet safe in emergencies. Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your Brampton, ON pet clinic, we’re here to help!