National Lost Dog Awareness Day

April 23 ^rd is Lost Dog Awareness Day. We know, none of you want to think of your beloved canine companions getting lost. Unfortunately, it can and does happen. In fact, according to the American Humane Association, as many as 10 million dogs are lost or stolen every year. A Thorold, ON vet discusses lost dogs in this article.

Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the odds of your pup getting lost. If Fido has a yard to run and play in, make sure that your fencing is secure. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate. Always keep your canine pal leashed whenever you take him off your property. Training is also very important. Make sure Fido knows commands like Sit, Stay, and Come . You need to be able to call your dog back to you if he slips away!

It can be absolutely horrifying to realize that your pet has gone missing. Don’t wait to see if Fido comes home by himself. Take action immediately! Start by searching your neighborhood. Check ditches, fields, and wooded areas, in case your pup is hurt. You’ll also need to start checking local shelters daily. Make flyers, and post them online and in local businesses. Include photos of your dog from at least two angles. We also recommend offering a reward. This greatly increases the odds of someone returning your furry buddy to you.

We can’t overstate how important it is to make sure that your pup has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. If Fido has been chipped, you’ll also need to make sure that your contact information is correct. You can check online at the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool here . Also, many microchip manufacturers offer assistance with lost pets, such as phone trees or local animal welfare groups. It never hurts to ask!

Hopefully, your canine buddy will always stay safe and sound. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case for every dog. There are some things you can do to try to help lost pooches. Keep an eye on local lost and found ads, and play ‘matchmaker’ by linking ones that may be for the same pet. Even sharing flyers about lost or found pets can help!

Please contact us, your Thorold, ON vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!