Did you know that one in three dogs gets lost at some point in their lifetimes? That’s a pretty sobering thought. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to keep your furry best friend safe and sound at home. A Tipp City, OH vet goes over some of them below.

Training

Training isn’t just about manners: it’s also very important for safety reasons. Make sure Fido knows (and obeys) simple commands like Sit, Stay, and Come. This can help you keep him from running off … or help you call him back if he does.

Security

Letting dogs run around off-leash is dangerous for many reasons, not the least of which is that it greatly increases their chances of getting lost. Keep Fido leashed whenever you take him off your property.

Entertainment

Sometimes dogs run off just for something to do. Don’t let your pooch get bored! Offer Fido lots of toys, and take time to walk and play with him daily.

Secure Yard

Fido will both enjoy and benefit from having a yard to play in. However, a weak or insufficient fence is essentially an open door to your canine pal. Make sure that your fencing is strong and secure. We also recommend getting self-latching gates.

Get Fido Fixed

While any pooch can run off, dogs that are still intact are often more interested in getting out, just so they can go looking for love. If your furry bff hasn’t been fixed yet, contact your vet.

ID

ID won’t stop Fido from getting out, but can be crucial to helping bring him back home. Make sure your four-legged friend is microchipped and wearing proper ID tags.

Vigilance/Awareness

Be extra vigilant at high-risk times, such as on the Fourth of July, when many dogs run off because they are scared of the noise from fireworks. New Year’s Eve is another risky night. Thunderstorms and commotion can also make pups antsy, and increase their risk of running off.

Collar Upgrades

You may want to consider getting Fido a GPS dog collar. These don’t negate the need for everything else we mentioned, but they are great tools. You can also get collars that light up, which of course could be super handy for finding Fido after dark. As your Tipp City, OH animal clinic, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime!