Here’s a friendly reminder to visit your veterinarian and get your pet chipped if they aren’t already. If they are, now is a good time to visit with your veterinarian to get a test and verify their microchip’s parameters!
In an article from Pet Health Network, Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM explains that, “Microchips are implantable computer chips that encode a unique identification number to help reunite you with your lost pet. They are no bigger than a grain of rice and they are placed under your pet’s skin with a needle and syringe, not much differently than a routine vaccine.”
And while it’s also a fantastic idea to make your dog wear a collar and ID tag, microchipping them provides additional protection as the chips won’t break or fall-off and your contact information is more readily available by veterinarians and animal shelters when your dog is found.
Additionally there are precautions pet owners can take to decrease the chances of their pet from running away. A fence in the backyard is heavily recommended (and sometimes required) for pet owners. This will not only enclose your pet but it will also prevent other animals from entering the yard and potentially harming your pet. An added advantage to installing a fence, is that you’ll be better equipped to let your dog in and out as they please with the installation of a Magnador Dog Door and/or MagnaFlap Dog Door from Lakeside Products.
Sometimes pets escape homes out of boredom. Increasing your pet’s ability to get outside and play outside as they please with a dog door, and increasing their exercise not only makes them more relaxed in the long run but it also allows them to be less bored.
Lastly, if your pet has a tendency to get out and run away when leaving them at home alone, you should most likely consider taking them to a pet daycare or hiring a dogsitter. This may be expensive, but a pet's safety is priceless. Now is the time to ensure your dog's safety and protection by either getting your pet chipped or testing and updating their chip with your veterinarian!