We all know that dogs love to explore, and many would take any opportunity to dash away. Losing your dog is a heartbreaking experience, but there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Here’s a list of what you should be doing to keep your dog safe.
- Know where he is. The easiest and most obvious way to make sure you don’t lose your dog is to have your eyes on him and to know where he is at all times.
- Get a good leash. Make sure your dog has a properly fitting leash and harness. Whenever possible, keep your dog on a leash when you go out.
- A good collar. This is a necessity for your dog, and it is essential it fits your dog well. The collar helps prevent your dog from getting loose and offers contact information should someone else find your dog.
- Microchipping. Microchipping is the process of placing a tiny chip under your dog’s skin. This is painless and can help your dog be identified should he or she get lost. This is also a great backup in case your dog loses his or her collar.
- Eliminate opportunities. Make sure any fences or gates you have in your yard are secure. If your dog likes to dig, or is small enough to squeeze by a gate, consider placing decorative rocks around these danger areas.
Prevention is key: it’s important to be conscious and alert around your dog. Following these steps will help you and your dog stay together for life.