How to Approach a Lost Dog

 

Summer is around the corner and with plenty of beautiful sunny days, it’s natural to spend more time outside with your pets. Since doors are left open more often to let in fresh air and accidents happen where dogs can get loose from their leash, pups sometimes get loose and need help finding their homes. If you find a lost dog, it may feel unnerving to figure out what to do, but there are a few simple steps to follow so you make sure you and the pup are safe and you’re doing all you can to help them find their home.

Walk towards the dog slowly

Being lost and away from home / owners can be extremely stressful and scary for a dog and therefore their reactions may be hard to predict. Rather than immediately rushing towards the dog and grabbing for their collar, it’s important that you first pay attention to their body language and then approach them slowly with your body turned to the side. The American Kennel Club says that this approach is less intimidating and should be followed by a squat down and reach out of your hand so the dog can smell you.

Calmly encourage the dog to come towards you

Similar in how you approach, the lost dog will be watching and judging your every move. It’s important that when you get close to the pup you remain calm and smooth with your actions. If you have any treats handy, try using those to coax the dog closer. Only once they are within reach and physically calm and seemingly relaxed should you reach for the collar and slip on a leash.

Take a photo or video if you can’t approach

Sometimes lost pups can be too scared and/or too stressed to allow you to approach them. In these cases, the best thing you can do is to take a photo or video of the animal so you can provide a better description and try to help the pups’ owners solve the mystery. It’s important that you watch for signs of aggression like stiff body language, bared teeth, and hair that is standing on end so that you don’t get too close to an aggressive and potentially dangerous dog.

If you feel uncomfortable or threatened by the animal, the best thing you can do is call for help. Calling your local animal shelter or police department will help this dog get to safety and is a step in the right direction to helping them locate their home.

What to do if your pup is the one that goes missing

When pets are lost the AVMA recommends that you follow some very specific steps to try and locate your pet. One recommendation is to physically check animal control and animal shelters daily. Another recommendation is to post waterproof lost animal notices and notify local law enforcement, animal care, veterinarians, and your neighbors (you may even want to check Facebook or other online resources for your local area where they have lost pet boards). Finally, they recommend that if your pet has a microchip, you should notify the microchip registry that your animal is missing.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of microchips or the best tips to keeping your dog safe, your veterinarian can help. To schedule an appointment for your pup at Bregman Veterinary Group, click here to get started!

4 Tips To Train A Shy Cat

Known as being independent and lovable creatures, it’s no wonder cats are among the most popular house pets. In fact, an average of one in three households in the United States (37 million total) has at least one pet cat with an average of two cats per household. With millions of pet cats living in the States, it’s important for pet owners to know the top tips and tricks to train them and keep them healthy and safe. 

 

While many cats are playful and outgoing, some have more shy personalities. It’s normal to feel anxious when training a shy cat, especially because you aren’t familiar with their behaviors under pressure or in social situations. Here are a few top tips to help you train your introverted kitty so you can help your cat relax and ease into being more social. 

 

Give your cat a safe place to hide

 

If your cat shows signs of being scared or timid around people or in a new environment, giving them a place to hide and feel comfortable can help put them at ease. Giving your cat dark and safe refuges where they can escape will help them calm down quicker and feel more comfortable in your home.

 

Remain gentle and calm when you’re around them

 

Quick and fast motions can stress out any animal regardless of their temperament but can be especially stressful around an already anxious cat. It’s important as you are training them and helping them ease into a new environment or feel more comfortable around people that you are calm, patient, and sensitive to their needs. If you have young children who will be spending a lot of time around your shy cat, it’s important to teach them to do the same to help alleviate unnecessary stress. 

 

Encourage your cat to approach you

 

Rather than chasing or calling for your cat, a better approach may be to let them come to you. While you are peacefully sitting or are laying down at home, keep space around you open for them to approach if they want to. You may even want to give a small treat when they approach so they can associate the experience with a positive reward and as a non-threatening one. Over time you can space out the time between the approach and the treat to encourage a lengthier visit.

 

Create a socialization plan for a new kitten

 

The AVMA recommends that all new kitten owners should spend the time planning ahead to help their new pet develop a calm and confident temperament that will help them enjoy life to the fullest. This socialization plan should include important things like a timeline and strategy for exposing your new pet to other animals, a plan for rewarding engagement and discouraging naughty behaviors, and for positive and diverse experiences so they can be more confident each time.

 

Once you follow these tips and take your time to gradually earn your cat's trust, chances are they’ll be much happier and more friendly around you and your loved ones. If you notice that your cat is showing extreme signs of fear or discomfort or their mood changes from outgoing to anxious suddenly, it may be important to schedule a veterinary appointment. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with the Bregman Veterinary Group, click here to get started!