What are the general reasons for a dog getting lost?
Even when we are extremely cautious, we sometimes fail to keep our dogs from going missing or running away. This is often due to factors beyond our control, such as a simple coincidence, but some occurrences may have been averted if we had a better understanding of our animals’ routines, psychology, and behavior. To minimize mishaps, it is important to understand the conditions that cause pets to flee and to do all possible to avoid them. Natural impulses, such as your pet’s mating drive, fear or anxiety produced by an unexpected incident, hunting tendencies, and inquisitiveness, are the most prevalent causes of pets going missing or running away. Find your missing pets with local help today! (Use code HGU486 for 20% off)
The following are some of the most typical reasons why our dogs flee or go missing:
1. Fleeing from another dog.
When an animal is threatened by an assailant, it instinctively attempts to flee. Panicking, it flees and loses eye contact with its owner. If it escapes to an unknown location, it may have difficulty finding its way back to its owner or home.
2. Going after another dog.
This applies to dogs who have difficulty hearing calls, although some breeds, such as terriers, are more prone to such behaviors than others. A dog’s curiosity about another dog of the same breed might occasionally outweigh its owner’s word.
3. Going after wild animals.
The hunting impulse might easily overwhelm acquired behaviors, which is the most prevalent reason for lost hunting breeds.
4. Going on a walk with your dog without a leash.
This is especially true for teenage dogs, who are still interested in the world, like frolicking, and require a lot of activity, resulting in a combination that is far stronger than the owner’s voice.
5. Panic.
An unexpected stimulation, such as a loud noise, an angry gesture, or a car racing by out of nowhere, might create panic. Dogs typically react by fleeing, even while leashed, intuitively attempting to exit a harmful situation.
6. Inadequate security.
Holes in the fence, a low-enough wall, or no security measures that match the size and abilities of the cat or dog. If your pet goes around the property unaccompanied, you must guarantee that it cannot leap over or burrow under the fencing or otherwise flee the property or house.
7. Drive to mate.
Males will be able to smell females in heat from long distances if there are females in heat nearby, and even the most obedient dog or cat will be powerless against the biological desire to pass on its genes.
8. Longing.
This applies to animals that have been separated from their owner who is temporarily away, has changed house, has gone missing, or for other reasons. This sensation might be so intense that the animal is compelled to seek out their owner.
9. Theft.
Theft mostly affects purebred dogs, as well as animals that mimic purebreds. Such animals are frequently taken when out on a stroll or from the premises where they reside, where they are not always adequately safeguarded. A pet can also be illegally taken – this includes cats and dogs that went missing but were discovered by someone else.
What are the chances of finding a lost dog?
In an ASPCA survey, 93% of missing pets were subsequently found.
The chance of discovering a lost dog during the first 12 hours is 90%.
49% of dog owners discovered their canine companions by scouring the neighborhood.
16% of missing pets find their way back home.
6% of dog owners got their canines from animal shelters.
A missing dog may live for months or even years on their own.
Tips to look for a lost Dog
Having your dog go missing — whether they ran away from home or were separated from you outside — may be a traumatic situation. Here are some suggestions for finding a missing dog:
1. Take immediate action.
The sooner you begin your search, the higher your chances of discovering a missing dog. Dogs frequently lose their way home, so act quickly and maximize your efforts during the first 48 hours.
2. Don’t scrimp on the prize.
How much money could you get together for an emergency operation or a car repair? If you want to hear from folks, you’ll have to cough it up. We’re talking about your tiny angel here—this is not the time to cut corners.
3. Go to each animal shelter daily.
Shelters may promise to tell you if your animal arrives, but don’t bank on it. Shelters are extremely busy, and personnel may fail to see the link between discovered animals that are phoned in or turned in and your missing pet. Inquire about lost and recovered records at shelters. Be persistent while remaining courteous, and don’t give up. Your animal buddy expects you to stand up when it counts.
4. Get the word out in the appropriate locations.
Make a poster of your missing dog using the most recent and clearest (high-resolution) photos of him or her. The poster should include the following information: the dog’s name, identification markings, the last-seen place and date, your name and contact information, and, if feasible, a monetary prize.
5. Try to persuade local radio and television stations to air an ad for you.
Mention anything noteworthy or special about your animal that could attract the attention of its listeners.
6. Communicate with everyone.
To acquire hints, talk to individuals in the last-seen area – shops, watchmen, municipal workers, vegetable sellers, youngsters, and so on.
7. Think about alternative methods for finding a missing dog.
If you haven’t located your lost dog yet, it’s time to get inventive. These suggestions may assist you in bringing your canine companion home:
Engage the services of a pet detective or a missing animal response specialist.
Make a reward available and be (relatively) generous.
Every day, call or visit animal sanctuaries.
Other lost dog websites and apps to try include Fido Finder and Pet Amber Alert.
Hire a sniffer dog to assist you in locating your misplaced pet.
Check with animal control to see if they’ve seen your dog.
If your dog has been hurt and brought in by a nice stranger, put up lost dog flyers at the clinic.
How to make sure this doesn’t again?
Keep an eye on your pets when they’re outside.
Always walk your dog on a leash.
Keep indoor dogs safe and secure.
Examine your pet’s accessories.
Educate and train your dog.
Implant a microchip in your dog.
Keep an active eye on your dog at events.
Conclusion
Given the intrinsic nature of dogs and limited control over our surroundings, it’s impossible to eliminate all the factors resulting in a dog getting lost. Despite that, we should try our best to keep our dogs safe and secure. And one of the best ways to do so is by micro-chipping them, that way we can always keep a track of them.
Check out our other article to know in-depth about microchipping in dogs and how to get started.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
