A couple of weeks ago, we reported a true story on what happened to one of our Pawfit Pals when not one, but two of their dogs went missing!
It’s something we all dread hearing, that our dogs have gone missing and we will literally do anything to keep our dogs happy, healthy, and by our sides! But sometimes, disaster can strike.
If you’ve been in the unfortunate situation of losing your dog, you know that nothing can prepare you for it.
The thoughts that run through your mind are unbearable. So how can you avoid this worst-case scenario?
Why Do Dogs Go Missing?
Does your dog usually stick to your side and not leave? Or maybe it runs off, but always within eyesight? So what makes them suddenly run off?
It could be:
- Unfamiliar surroundings
- They might be in heat
- They might be scared
- Fireworks or loud noises have scared them
- Hunting instincts and
- Boredom!
1. Unfamiliar Surroundings
During holidays, the risk of your dog running away increases as they’re overwhelmed by new surroundings, smells and distractions. All these distractions can easily cause your dog to go and explore the new areas and get lost!
2. They’re in Heat
Whatever the gender of your dog, both sexes have a strong instinct to reproduce. If your bitch is in heat, she may, unfortunately, try to get out and find herself a handsome husband.
We’ve heard stories of Pawfit Pals getting the, erm, ‘urge’ and have run off like cheeky teenagers!
3. They Might Be Scared!
Just like humans or characters out of The Wizard of Oz, every dog has their own personality. Some are more courageous, like the Lion, others are more brainy, like the Scarecrow.
Does your dog get easily scared by every little thing? This behaviour can also be the result of their very sharp sense of hearing/ being super brainy!
Compared to us humans, dogs have different frequency ranges and therefore, they are more sensitive to (and prone to reacting to) noises.
Facts check: A dog is able to hear tones of ca. 15 bis 50.000 vibrations per second.
Humans only acknowledge vibrations of ca. 20 until 20.000 per second. In addition, the ear conches of your furry friend are very mobile. That way, your dog is able to locate in a very targeted way.
4. Fireworks Or Loud Noises
Imagine how you would feel in this situation: Your sense of hearing is very sharp (as described above) and in your area, there is suddenly thunder and bright lights or scary explosions in the sky? We as humans are used to the fact that fireworks don’t represent a danger but instead fun! But unfortunately, your dog doesn’t feel the same.
Fireworks are one of the most common reasons why dogs run away.
Fireworks can be quite terrifying for your dog; when they go off and dogs are home alone or being watched by strangers or someone they’re not familiar with, your furry friend has to face this new situation all by themselves.
Your dog will either try to hide and search for shelter, or they might run away.
Both outcomes can lead to your dog going missing.
5. Hunting instinct
We see dogs as being these cuddly, loveable creatures, so it’s sometimes hard to believe that dogs have a hunting instinct. Some are more inclined to follow their instinct and others, not so much.
Nonetheless, their genetic inclination can be extremely challenging for the doggo’s hoomans! Especially during the Autumn as the presence of wild animals pose a higher risk on your four-legged friend.
Your dog can easily pick up the scent of a wild animal and try to chase it. Due to an uncontrollable hunting instinct, your dog might easily run away and go missing.
Your dog can track the scent of a wild animal within seconds.
Dogs possess many more olfactory cells than we do as humans. Depending on the breed, the differences can be big.
Rule of thumb: The longer the snout, the better the olfactory scent of your dog.
Dogs have approx. 7.000 mm² of space in the brain for smelling, that represents almost 10% of their entire brain capacity. Compared to them, we only have 500mm², representing only 1% of our brain capacity.
The absorbed information is immediately forwarded to the limbic system, the one responsible for instincts and hormones.
6. Boredom
The most common cause of dogs running away is boredom. With very smart dog breeds being the most likely suspects! It starts out with them wanting to get to that squirrel over there. Or go down the road to play with the neighbourhood kids. But then, it’s easy for them to get lost.
Missing dog: How to stop it?
1.GPS tracking device
The safe and easy way to always know where your dog is is a tracking device with GPS. The way this function is to attach the GPS tracking device to your dog’s collar and you can start tracking your dog directly on your smartphone, in real-time.
With a GPS tracking device, you also have the possibility to set a predetermined safe zone, for example, your house or garden. Should your dog leave this safe zone, you will immediately get a notification on your smartphone. With a Pawfit GPS device, you can always keep your dog in sight and know the location of your beloved furry friend, leaving them safe, healthy and happy.
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