According to the ASPCA, more than 7.6 million cats and dogs enter shelters every year – and many are lost family pets. PetHub created Lost Pet Prevention Month in July 2014 to give pet parents focused, in-depth resources, tools and strategies for preventing a lost pet, as well as advice for getting them home quickly if they go ‘AWOL’ (absent without a leash).
July is a particularly risky month for pets to become lost as more dogs are lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Whether startled by fireworks or enticed by the scent of a neighbor’s bark-b-q, even the most well-behaved of pets can wander off. We love our pets like family and we need to take every measure we can to keep them safe and secure; even if you believe you are the safest pet owner, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have a checklist just in case something happens.
Come and Stay
Two essential commands that every dog should know are “come” and “stay.” By teaching these commands from a young age, it increases your dog’s chances of sticking by your side rather than scurrying away! Dogs are innately curious and will wander off if the opportunity arises; but, if your dog knows these commands and recognizes you as their leader, they will stop. Knowing these commands not only keeps your furry friends from getting lost, but they could even save your dog’s life–for example, stopping them from running into a street of cars or jumping from a high surface (dogs love to pretend they’re in the Pawlympics sometimes!).
Love Your Leash
Even though every state may not require that an owner use a leash when their dog is off-premises, if you own a dog you should definitely have a leash. If you have a dog from puppyhood, leash-training should take place sooner than later. With a variety of types of leashes for all different dogs and environments, there’s no reason not to have one. If you are in an open area but still want access to your dog from a distance, you can get a retractable leash or a long leash to allow the dog more freedom while still keeping them safely attached to you. If you are going for a walk in the park where other dogs might be present, you should have a shorter leash with more control so you can regulate your dog with more ease. Leashes definitely lower the pet-tential for a pup on the loose!
