That the dog is man's best friend and can bring many joys to a family everyone knows! However, having a pet at home requires special care and also time. The owner will always need to set aside a moment of his day to give affection and attention to him and, above all, to be aware of his safety and well-being.
Unfortunately, as obedient and happy as it may be in a home, every dog is subject to losing its owners or being stolen by malicious people. There are few cases of animals that run away from home and are never found again, which can cause much sadness to the family. However, this can be avoided of course with measures taken by the owners.
Cris Viviani, a biologist and veterinarian specializing in animal behavior, points out that there are no dog breeds predisposed to escape. However, there are cases of more active animals that, in turn, have owners who cannot or do not take the walks necessary to keep it balanced and healthy.
So they are probably going to find a way to get away and walk alone ?, says the professional who does home consultations and training, stressing, first of all, the importance of the owner taking the time to take his dog safely.
In addition to the animal's walk, other relatively simple actions can make all the difference and prevent your puppy from running away or being stolen. Check out:
1. Put animal identification on leash
Owners should always leave a permanent dog collar with nameplate, with the pet's name and phone number (s).
2. Opt for microchip
Another possibility is microchipping. Microchips are implanted in the dog as a vaccine application. In case of escape, the animal that is properly identified can be returned to the owner ?, explains Cris Viviani.
But the ideal, of course, is that the animal never runs away! • Care must be taken that this does not happen. In addition to being lost, the dog can also be run over, mistreated, injured, fought with other animals, etc.?
3. Pay attention to the quality and condition of the collar
Care must be taken with the leash used to take the dog for a walk. "Always find out if it is not too worn or still, opening the fittings (which is very common)," says Cris Viviani.
When buying this item, make sure it is of good quality and size is appropriate for your dog's measurements.
4. Never leave the gate open.
This is a fundamental precaution that prevents your dog from being stolen or lost in the streets.
Never leave the gate open, even if he's used to walking around the block alone. He may find a female in heat, for example, and go much further than he is used to. And when you see it, you probably won't be able to come back? Warns the vet. "Contrary to popular belief, the dog does lose its home reference and may never find its way back," he says.
"There is even proper training that can prevent your dog from escaping through the gate, but for these more specific cases, you need to consult a specialist (trainer) to help her," says Cristiane.
That is, if your dog is not yet trained, it is not indicated to leave doors and gates open!
5. Don't let your dog out alone
Many people claim that your pet knows how to? Take a walk? alone, but in such cases the risk of it being stolen or simply getting lost is very high (as mentioned above).
? My recommendation is: never let your dog take a walk alone, even if he is? Used to? to that? warns veterinarian Cris.
“You never know if he will meet a malicious person on this tour. In addition, you are responsible for his actions, anything that happens to another dog (in the event of a fight) or to a person (a bite, for example) is your responsibility ?, says Cris Viviani.
Another thing to think about is the dirt your pet might leave on the other sidewalk. Does your neighbor who has chosen not to have a dog like to clean the dirt of your dog? When he walks alone, you have no possibility to collect his feces and dispose of it correctly ?, explains the veterinarian.
6. Require caution on rides
When letting your dog be taken for a bath or a walk with someone else, always require him to be identified and ask for the utmost care.
Just let him bathe a pet you trust.There have been many cases of dogs that got lost in the way of the pet shop, so it is worth asking the responsible person to always transport him in the appropriate box and be aware of all his movement inside the place ?, Cris explains.
Another common form of breed dog theft, the veterinarian points out, especially in large cities, happens during the walk on the street with employees, dog walkers or with trainers. "Often ransom is requested for the dog's abduction, but most of the time they are marketed," he warns.
In this sense, it is also essential to always deliver your pet to trusted professionals with proven experience in the task. Although dog hijacking is an accident (and is not the fault of the employee, trainer or dog walkers), it is safe to know that your pet is in good hands and that the responsible person will be sure to make sure that the ride is as smooth as possible.
7. Watch out for the gate
• If you live at home and your dog has access to the gate that faces the street, make sure it cannot pass between the bars or even if it cannot open it. Are there malicious people who steal dogs, especially breed dogs, to market them ?, warns Cris.
8. Be careful when driving
The dog should be transported preferably in a transport box, points out the veterinarian Cristiane. It is much safer for him and also for the passengers. But if it is not possible, the animal should always be in the back seat and with a seat belt appropriate to the size of the animal. Care should also be taken to keep windows closed, especially when stopping the car for fuel, traffic lights, etc., he says.
"When descending or climbing the animal in the car, never do without a leash and guide, as much as it can go on the owner's lap," warns the professional.
9. Invest in the safety of the entire house.
Nowadays it is impossible to turn a blind eye to the various cases of thefts and kidnappings that happen inside the homes.
• In a case of home theft, for example, if the dog is alone at home and especially if it is of a breed, it may become a victim and be robbed. Whether to be marketed or so the thief can ask the owners for their ransom ?, explains the veterinarian.
In this sense, it is essential to be aware of the safety of the entire house.
After all, is careful with these animals little? Only those who have a puppy at home know the meaning it has within a family. And with small actions and care you can prevent an incident, one day, take you away from the people you love!
12 Tips To Prevent Lost Dogs or Dog Theft (April 2024)
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