Did you know it is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks old to be micro chipped. Here at Young Vets we always recommend micro chipping your cat too, as it is the most reliable form of identification and cannot be lost unlike a collar or harness. Should your dog disappear whilst out on a walk or your cat hasn’t turned up at dinner time, don’t panic, have a read through our vets advice below hopefully you will never need it but its good to know!
Missing Cats :
Firstly double check your home, cats are very good at hiding and squeezing into small spaces. If you are sure your feline friend is not at home we recommend knocking on your neighbours doors and posting flyers in letterboxes. Curious cats often get shut in garages and sheds by accident so ask around where you live.
Missing Dogs :
If your dog has gone missing at the park, walk an extra lap or two, ideally rustling a packet to tempt them out of hiding. Call home, if someone is in, your dog may of taken himself home and be waiting on the doorstep.
Remember do NOT panic. Contact all local vets, dog wardens and animal charities in the area. They will ask you for information including :
A description of your pet – Colour, sex, breed, age.
Their microchip number.
What area they are missing from.
Your contact information.
Call your pets microchip company to inform them of your missing pet and ensure they have your details up to date – You may even want to do this TODAY so should the event happen, your pet will be reunited quicker with you if your details are correct.
Pet Insurance – Your insurance company may be able to help you with the search of your pet. The small print of your policy may require the company are notified of lost pets in-case it results in a claim.
Social Media – Like it or hate it – In the event of a missing pet the power of social media can be very handy. In a matter of hours hundreds of people can be aware of your missing pet and help spread the word.
Some top tips :
If your dog or puppy has unreliable recall – work with a dog trainer to improve this but if you have to let your dog off lead for exercise ensure you are in an enclose space and your dog has a long line attached this will make catching them a lot easier.
Top Vet Tip : When practicing recall no matter how long it takes, when your dog does come back to you give them a treat and a fuss – if you tell them off they are even less likely to come back next time!
Microchip your pet and ensure your contact information is kept up to date.
When letting your cat or kitten out for either their first time or if you move house – Keep them in for at least two weeks to ensure they are settled and know where home is and when you do let them out do it when they are hungry so they are less likely to stray.
Make sure you have up to date pictures of your pet so you can use these in the event of an emergency.
Neutering your pet – this can reduce your cats need to stray too far from home and will minimise your cat wanting to fight with others in the area. Castrating your male dog will reduce testosterone levels and the need to mate. In females it will reduce unwanted attention which can panic her causing her on occasion, to bolt away from the extra doggy attention.