How to Keep Your Dog From Becoming Missing

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     Family dogs are quite special to their owners. A majority of owners consider their dogs part of the family. Often the greatest tragedy is when a dog becomes missing. Dogs go missing on a much too often basis, many times by accident. There are a few tips and suggestions to put into place to make sure that the chance of your beloved canine becoming a statistic is minimal.

Since the boom of electronic gadgets, there is actually something available that can help with your dog. It is known as a micro chip and can be installed under the skin, usually in the dog's neck area. If the dog becomes missing and someone locates him, it can be easily scanned to see who the dog's owner is. Many times if you purchase a puppy, the puppy will be "pre-installed" with the chip. If you decide to go a different route and adopt a dog from a shelter, often a prerequisite to adopting will be the promise to install a chip. Usually this is with a predetermined time, and the shelter will check and possibly revoke the dog if it is not abided by. Since this has become a very popular way to find a missing dog, most veterinarians will install these chips at an affordable price.

If you have a chip installed in your dog but want further protection, there are additional avenues you can take. Many of them common sense and extremely affordable. Take pictures of your dog as he grows. If your dog becomes missing, you will always have a current picture to show others or to post around your neighborhood. Also, you will want to take your dog on walks in different parts of your neighborhood, not always the same route. What this does is to introduce others to your dog to make him easily recognizable, and to also make him more comfortable with others. If your dog does become missing and one of your neighbors sees him, not only will she recognize him quicker but he will also come to them when called.

Last, make sure if you keep your dog outside for any length of time that your fence is high enough. Many animals are Houdinis and can easily climb a fence and escape. You will also want to choose a fence that is basically solid from top to bottom. A fence with holes or gaps make it much easier for your dog to go through or break through to escape from the security of your home. If he can escape for any length of time his chance of being hit by a car or traveling too far that he doesn't know how to get back, greatly increases. While spending time outside, make sure your dog is supplied with the essentials. If he has food, water, and toys, he will be preoccupied and happy. The chances he will attempt to wander off in seek of these things decreases.

Dogs are a wonderful addition to any family. It is important that you take the commitment of caring for a dog seriously. Too many dogs go missing and some of them never make it back home which is usually devastating for the family, especially children. Don't let this happen to your dog or your family. Take the proper precautions to ensure his safety and happiness.