There are few things that hurt more than coming home after a long day of work only to find that your furry companion isn’t there to greet you. You search frantically throughout your home and in your backyard, but they’re nowhere to be found. Inevitably, panic will start to set in as your mind goes through every scenario about where your dog could be.
You check with your neighbors, your family, and anywhere else you can think of that your dog may have gone. Unfortunately, luck isn’t on your side and you come to the sad conclusion that your dog has gone missing. If you’ve ever experienced something like this, you know how painful it can be. That’s why, as responsible dog owners, it’s up to you to have a plan to track down your missing dog if they wander off and get lost. One of the best things you can do is go to lostdogsoftexas.org this is a fantastic free resource that can help you find your furry friend.
How do Dogs Go Missing?
- They want to be by you
Dogs are among the most fiercely loyal and loving companions a person could ask for. However, that same loyalty can get them into trouble when you leave home to go to work or out to town. Your dog sees that you’ve left and wants nothing more than to go with you. If you accidentally leave a door or window open enough for them to squeeze through and chase after you, they will.
- Curiosity or distraction
At other times, dogs wander off out of curiosity, because they get distracted, or want a taste of freedom. One of the most common reasons for dogs getting lost is because they’re playing in a fenced-in area, and someone leaves their gate open by accident. This can happen at your home, someone else’s home, or even at the dog park. Dogs have also been known to dig holes beneath fences and Shawshank their way to freedom.
9 Tips to Find Your Lost Dog
Regardless of how or why your dog has gone missing, it’s important to notice as quickly as possible. Dogs are durable, curious animals that can cover miles of ground before realizing that they don’t know where they are. When that happens, it’ll be up to you to find them, and here’s how.
Check Areas Your Familiar With
The first thing you should do is check thoroughly in and around your home and with your neighbors. There’s a chance that your dog is simply snoozing or hiding out somewhere and doesn’t even know you’re looking for them. Next, go to any dog parks that are within walking distance from your home where your dog may have wandered off in search of a playmate.
If you take your dog on walks and stick to a similar route every day, another good option is to walk that route. Dogs are creatures of habit, and there’s a good chance that they’re wandering somewhere along your walking route, either because they’re looking for you or because it’s what they’re familiar with.
Get on Social Media
Social media has a lot of pros and cons, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that it’s a great way to spread the word about your missing dog. Countless pets have been found by posting pictures of them to your Facebook feed or Instagram story and explaining that they’re lost and you’re looking for them. If you’re a member of any community or town pages, you should post your plea there as well. A fantastic resource for this is Lost dogs of Texas, they can help by posting on their social media pages and by using PetFBI.org create a free lost flyer to find your lost dog.
Print Out Fliers
A slightly more old-school but equally as effective method is to print out big fliers. You should include a big photo of your dog, their breed, and a few words such as HELP or MISSING. Fliers are a great way to reach your community at large and not just the people you’re connected to on social media.
Call Any Local Shelters and Veterinary Clinics
Depending on how long your dog has been missing, there’s a good chance that someone picked them up and took them to a vet clinic or rescue shelter. Calling each of your local shelters and clinics is the first thing you should do after checking with your family and neighbors. Make sure to call once or twice per day.
Use Treats and Feeding Stations
If you’re in full-on search mode, it’s time to break out the big guns. Set up feeding stations around your home and neighborhood in hopes that they will attract your dog. You should also make sure to carry treats with you during your search, because your dog could be a little skittish and nervous after being missing for a while.
Use Analytics and Common Sense
If you know your pet well and understand the way they think, you might be able to predict their next moves. For example, if your dog is older and doesn’t move as well, they’re likely to be close to home at a location that they know. If your dog is younger and more adventurous, however, it will be harder to know where they’re going.
Get Help From Friends and Family
You don’t have to search alone. The more people you enlist to help, the better your chances are of finding your lost pup.
Don’t Run After Your Dog
This rule doesn’t apply to everyone. If you know your dog's personality and understand that running towards or after them isn’t going to scare them away or make them think you’re playing a game, then run after them and call their name. If, however, your pup thinks that chasing them is a game, it will only drive them further away and make it harder to find them.
Instead, have some treats or beloved toys handy to entice your dog to come to you.
Use a Microchip or ID Tag
The number one best way to find your missing dog is to use microchips and ID tags. This is something you should do the second you buy or adopt your dog. ID tags are small badges that get attached to your dog’s collar and hold useful information such as your contact info and your dog's name.
Microchips also get attached to your dog’s collar, and they allow you to track your dog remotely. Some microchips also allow vets and shelters to scan a barcode on the chip, which then pulls up your contact information. If you love your dog and worry that they might go missing, ID tags and/or a microchip are absolutely essential.
Conclusion
Panicking is the first thing you’ll want to do if your dog goes missing, but it’s not going to help the situation. Instead, you should compose yourself, collect your thoughts, and start searching earnestly. In most cases, your dog is still on your property, at a neighbor's house, or somewhere they’re familiar with. Remember, your dog loves you, which means they’re probably looking for you while you’re looking for them. A great resource for finding you lost dog is Lost Dogs of Texas, they have a ton of resources to help.
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