It’s Lost Pet Prevention Month! Did you know that one in three pets get lost at some point in their lives? It can be absolutely traumatizing to realize that your furry best friend is missing. Fortunately, there are some simple precautions you can take to make sure that your furry best friend stays safe and sound at home. An Ellicott City, MD vet lists some of them below. 

Fences

If you have a yard for your furry buddy to play in, make sure that your fencing is secure. If you know or suspect that your pooch may try to dig out under it, bury chicken wire beneath it, and weight it down with rocks. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate.

Leashes

No matter how well-behaved your canine companion is, there’s always a chance he could run off. Always keep Fido on a leash whenever you take him off your property.

Training

Training is also very important. All dogs should know basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down. If something spooks Fido while you’re walking him, and he jerks the leash out of your hands, you want to be sure you can call him back to you!

Extra Precautions

There are times when you will need to take some extra precautions. The Fourth of July, which is coming right up, is one example of this. Many pets are actually terrified of the noise and fireworks. This increases the odds of pets running away out of fear. You’ll also need to be particularly careful if you are hosting events or whenever people—whether they are guests, contractors, or delivery workers—are coming in and out.

Grounding Fluffy

As for our feline patients, well, we always recommend keeping them indoors. This will greatly reduce the chance of your kitty getting lost. Plus, your furball will also be protected from things like weather, traffic, wild dogs, and predators.

ID

All of these precautions can help, but there will always be that odd chance of something happening, such as someone leaving a door or gate open. This is why identification is so important. Make sure your furry best buddy is microchipped and wearing ID tags. These simple steps could one day save your beloved pet’s life!

As your local Ellicott City, MD veterinary clinic, we’re here for you. Contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.