July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. There’s been a lot going on this year, and pets have definitely helped see us through. While no one wants to think of their beloved pet getting lost, the sad truth is that it does happen. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to reduce or eliminate the odds of this happening to your furry best friend. A New Orleans, LA vet lists some great lost pet prevention tips in this article.
Fido should know basic doggy obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Stay and Come are really the most important ones for this topic. If your pup gets away from you as you’re walking him, you want to make sure you can call him back. As for cats, you can teach Fluffy to stay indoors!
Make sure that your home is secure, and your cat can’t slip out through an open door or window. If you have a fenced yard, check for weak spots and/or areas where Fido may have been trying to dig out. One thing you can do is bury chicken wire beneath the fence, and weight it down with rocks. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate.
Some cats are very adventurous, and love to explore their domains. Although Fluffy may really enjoy fun outdoor kitty activities, she’ll be much safer staying in. As soon as your pet sets her little paws outside, she’s exposed to some very serious risks, such as weather, traffic, and other animals. She’s also much more likely to get lost!
When it comes to pet care, we always advise erring on the side of caution. Make sure that your furry pal has been microchipped, and is wearing current ID tags. If your pet has been microchipped, make sure that your records is correct. You can check it at the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup here .
Always have a leash on Fido when you take him off your property. If your cat insists on going out, you may even be able to train her to walk on a leash. This is a great way for you and Fluffy to get some exercise! Ask your vet for more information.
Please contact us, your New Orleans, LA vet clinic, anytime. We’re dedicated to helping our clients and community through these difficult times.