DO NOT Give a Dog Unlimited Amounts of Food or Water
Many dogs that have been lost are mentally and physically stressed, sometimes severely, and cannot handle ANY abrupt changes. Your act of kindness could put your pet in further distress and have serious consequences. Don't risk its health and well being.
IMMEDIATELY Take Your Dog To a Veterinarian or 24 Hour Clinic
The Veterinarian should do a complete physical exam and look for ticks, scratches and puncture wounds. Blood, urine and stool sample tests will help detect intestinal parasites, bacterial diseases and infections. Stools should be tested at least twice. Lost dogs can drink stagnant or polluted water and eat decayed food from trash cans or the remains of wild animals. Scavenging could cause the ingestion of pieces of plastic, foil or other foreign objects. Entire body systems can be severely weakened. If your dog's health is fragile, ask the Vet about delaying non-critical booster vaccines and withholding the application of flea and tick products. Vital information to tell a new Veterinarian you might see in an emergency situation:
- Number of days the dog was lost.
- Dog's weight before it was lost. Significant weight loss needs special attention.
- Pre-existing medical conditions and/or medications.
- Current status of vaccinations, especially rabies.
- If you gave the dog food or water, tell the Vet how much it consumed.
At Home
Advise your Vet of any changes in your dog's condition. Try to keep the dog calm and quiet. It needs time to recuperate and lots of rest. Avoid putting it in stressful situations. Dogs are always eager to please, even when ill. Be patient. Just because you are ready to return to a normal routine, doesn't mean your pet is. Dogs may become food protective. There was no supper dish waiting for them while they were lost and they may have had to guard what little food they found to eat. If you have other pets in the house, make sure to feed them separately or at different times until you have determined that this is not an issue.
Phone Calls And Flyers
As soon as possible make those phone calls, notifying everyone on your contact list and to say Thank You! (Animal Control Officers, Vets, Breeders, Rescue Groups, City Workers, Businesses, etc.) As soon as possible remove all flyers and signs. Make an effort to do a thorough job. Some people ignore flyers and signs that are old, while others will continue to watch or search for your missing pet. Removing all postings will send a clear message that your dog has been found. It also says, “Thanks! I didn't forget that I was here asking for your help” to the people in areas directly impacted by your signs. Maintaining a good relationship with the general public is important and can be immensely beneficial to future lost dogs and their searchers.