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What to do if you have lost your dog
16/9/2020
Losing a dog is one of the most distressing things an owner can go through. We have seen lots of reports of lost and stolen dogs recently, which is devastating. We have been out helping a couple of our adopters find their missing dogs in the last month or so. Most of the time we have a very happy ending but recently, one of our rescues was killed on a railway line. We will never forget gorgeous Kyra and she has inspired us to put together this advice.
How to avoid losing your dogSome dogs are flighty, jumpy or nervous and can easily slip pout of a collar or harness if spooked.
We recommend;
- Buy a GPS Tracker. We have a deal with Tractive where you can get a free tracker with a one or two year subscription. Contacts us on dogswalkthiswayrescue@mail.com for more information
- Double lead your dog. Using a harness and a slip lead is something we always advise our adopters to do for the first few weeks, or more, when they take their dog home.
- Always supervise your dog in the garden if the garden is not secure. Please know that rommies can be very clever at escaping if they feel the need.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped (all of our dogs are chipped before they are rehomed) and also make sure the dog has a collar and name tag
- If your dogs is a DWTWR rescue dog, please contact us immediately. We have an army of volunteers who have experience and we will do everything we can to help reunite you with your dog.
- If you think your dog has been stolen, call the police.
- Contact your microchip company and report them as lost or stolen.
- Contact your local dog warden, via your local council and neighbouring authorities.
- Contact local vet surgeries.
- Register on Dog Lost
- Put posters up in your local area
- Ask dog walkers to keep an eye out
- Share your dogs photo on all local Facebook groups and lost pet Facebook groups.
- We recommend Dog Lost Recovery South
Should I organise a search?
Many dogs will be spooked by lots of people out calling their name so searches need to be handled very carefully and sensitively. However, having lots of people on the look-out can be good. We always advise anyone searching for a dog to avoid calling the dogs name and just to wander around the local area on the look-out, whilst putting up posters. If they spot your dog and it doesn’t come to them, they should call the owner and report the sighting. Being very careful not to frighten the dog is key here – dogs can travel a long distance in a short time so the main aim is to get the owner on site at that specific location asap.
All dogs are different and some will come to a stranger for a treat or food so you will need to make a judgement on how active you want the search volunteers to be.
Keeping your dogs cool
20/5/2020
We have had some unseasonably hot weather in the UK over recent months and many of us have been thinking of ways to keep our dogs cool. We often see stories, in the news, of dogs being left in hot cars which is so upsetting. Dogs can suffer fatal heatstroke in minutes. Our canine friends are not able to regulate their body temperature by sweating, like we do, so they rely on panting.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Excessive panting, dribbling and collapse can be a sign of heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke in your dog, move them out of the sun, into the shade, wet their coats with water (cool but not freezing) and call you vet immediately.
10 ideas to keep your dogs cool in the extreme heat.
1. Make sure your dog always has access to clean water. If you are leaving the dog at home, make sure their bowl is filled right up and maybe leave a second bowl as well. If you are going out on a walk, make sure you take water and a bowl for your dog.
2. On very hot days, try to walk your dog very early or very late when the temperatiure is cooler. As well as the risk of heatstroke in the midday sun, your dog is also likely to find the pavements very warm which, at best is very uncomfortable for your dog and, at worst can burn your pooches pads.
3. If it is too hot to walk your dog, try some positive enrichment games. There are some great ideas online, and we will be sharing some of our ideas in a blog very soon.
4. Never leave your dog alone in a car, even with water and the windows open – it is not safe for them.
5. Be very careful with short-nosed dogs like bull-breeds, older or very overweight dogs as heatstroke can be caused just by running around in the heat.
6. Grooming is very important all year round but more so in the hot months. Groom your dog regularly and, if you can, take it to a professional groomer for a clip.
7. Swimming is heaven for many dogs but please take the same precautions you would with children, be aware of currents etc and please ensure lakes, canals etc are clean enough for your dog to swim in. For instance, some places, like Frensham Ponds, sometimes have blue algae, which can be deadly for dogs so keep your eye out for signage, and if an area is closed off, please don’t risk it. If your dogs seems unwell after swimming, please contact your vet as water intoxication can be very dangerous
8. Try freezing your dogs favourite treats into ice-lollie moulds or popping some yummy treats into a Kong and freeze that.We would recommend staying with your dog while they enjoy these treats to ensure they don’t choke.
9. A doggie paddling pool can be enormous fun and a great way for your dog to cool down.Try to position this is a shady spot, or use an parasol to keep it nice and shady.If you use a paddling pool, clean and replace the water regularly
10. Cooling mats are also great for dogs. However, do avoid these if your dog is a “bed chewer” as they contain a gel to help keep them cool.
Excessive panting, dribbling and collapse can be a sign of heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke in your dog, move them out of the sun, into the shade, wet their coats with water (cool but not freezing) and call you vet immediately.
10 ideas to keep your dogs cool in the extreme heat.
1. Make sure your dog always has access to clean water. If you are leaving the dog at home, make sure their bowl is filled right up and maybe leave a second bowl as well. If you are going out on a walk, make sure you take water and a bowl for your dog.
2. On very hot days, try to walk your dog very early or very late when the temperatiure is cooler. As well as the risk of heatstroke in the midday sun, your dog is also likely to find the pavements very warm which, at best is very uncomfortable for your dog and, at worst can burn your pooches pads.
3. If it is too hot to walk your dog, try some positive enrichment games. There are some great ideas online, and we will be sharing some of our ideas in a blog very soon.
4. Never leave your dog alone in a car, even with water and the windows open – it is not safe for them.
5. Be very careful with short-nosed dogs like bull-breeds, older or very overweight dogs as heatstroke can be caused just by running around in the heat.
6. Grooming is very important all year round but more so in the hot months. Groom your dog regularly and, if you can, take it to a professional groomer for a clip.
7. Swimming is heaven for many dogs but please take the same precautions you would with children, be aware of currents etc and please ensure lakes, canals etc are clean enough for your dog to swim in. For instance, some places, like Frensham Ponds, sometimes have blue algae, which can be deadly for dogs so keep your eye out for signage, and if an area is closed off, please don’t risk it. If your dogs seems unwell after swimming, please contact your vet as water intoxication can be very dangerous
8. Try freezing your dogs favourite treats into ice-lollie moulds or popping some yummy treats into a Kong and freeze that.We would recommend staying with your dog while they enjoy these treats to ensure they don’t choke.
9. A doggie paddling pool can be enormous fun and a great way for your dog to cool down.Try to position this is a shady spot, or use an parasol to keep it nice and shady.If you use a paddling pool, clean and replace the water regularly
10. Cooling mats are also great for dogs. However, do avoid these if your dog is a “bed chewer” as they contain a gel to help keep them cool.
Preparing your dog for the “new normal”
5/5/2020
Did you know that separation anxiety is very common in dogs? Most dogs are pretty social creatures and can get very lonely and distressed when they are left alone.
It’s also worth noting that any routine changes can affect your dog’s behaviour. During the lock-down, your dog is probably getting used to you being at home a lot more than normal and most dogs love it. However, what will happen when the restrictions on movement are lifted, and everything goes back normal, or “the new normal”?
An abrupt change in routine that may increase the time your dog is home alone can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Your doggo probably won’t like it and will miss you a lot. He/she just got used to another routine, a much better one, so they won’t understand what has changed.
Dogs will show signs of separation anxiety in different ways but some of the signs are;
These behaviours do not usually occur in the presence of the owner and it is likely that they will probably happen within the first 30 minutes of being alone.
Even if you believe your dog is happy when left home alone you could always check for the hidden signs by filming your dog while you are away.
Your doggo probably won’t like it and will miss you a lot. He/she just got used to another routine, a much better one, so they won’t understand what has changed.
Dogs will show signs of separation anxiety in different ways but some of the signs are;
- Destructive behaviour
- Unwanted toileting
- Barking, Howling or whining
- Attempting to escape
- Repetitive behaviour or Pacing
- Excessive salivation or panting
- Loss of appetite
These behaviours do not usually occur in the presence of the owner and it is likely that they will probably happen within the first 30 minutes of being alone.
Even if you believe your dog is happy when left home alone you could always check for the hidden signs by filming your dog while you are away.
Ways to help your dog
It is really important that we never punish an anxious dog, even if the behaviour is annoying or frustrating (such as urinating in the house or chewing the furniture). It will not help and in fact, it will most likely make things worse as you raise the dogs anxiety and stress levels even more.
Here are some suggestions of ways to reduce their anxiety
It is really important that we never punish an anxious dog, even if the behaviour is annoying or frustrating (such as urinating in the house or chewing the furniture). It will not help and in fact, it will most likely make things worse as you raise the dogs anxiety and stress levels even more.
Here are some suggestions of ways to reduce their anxiety
- Prepare now – Try leaving the house, when you can, and leave your dog alone. During lock-down they are probably not left alone very much, and they need to get used to this again gradually before life goes back to normal. Try leaving them in another room for some time, rather than let them follow you around the house. Maybe try leaving them in the house, when you go into the garden for a while. It’s all about the de-sensitisation of the anxiety triggers.
- Distraction and Enrichment - When you leave the dog alone leave them an irresistible toy by the time you leave the house . There are lots of interactive treat toys, but you need to make sure your dog can be left safely with it. Try to give this toy every time you leave and take it back once you get home again.
- Exercise - Take your dog for a walk before leaving to go out to work etc. This way your dog will be tired, calmer and quieter when you leave.
- Comfort - Some people leave some of their clothes with their dog as your scent can be comforting.
- Stay calm - Down tone your comings and goings. Stay calm and project that calmness to your dog. We know it’s exciting when you get home and you’ve missed your pup but try not to let the situation become over excited.
Enrichment Feeding for Lock-down and Beyond
4/5/2020
Limited walks can be frustrating for your dog at this time and so one of our volunteers, Kate, has shared some ideas of ways to keep your dogs busy during lock-down and beyond!
Like most of us - humans and dogs - things have changed in our lives recently. My dogs certainly are not getting the same interactions as before so I have tried different approaches to their normal feeding:
Firstly I have been scatter feeding - this isn't rocket science and basically entails putting their dry food/kibble around the garden to make them sniff it out and eat it.
4/5/2020
Limited walks can be frustrating for your dog at this time and so one of our volunteers, Kate, has shared some ideas of ways to keep your dogs busy during lock-down and beyond!
Like most of us - humans and dogs - things have changed in our lives recently. My dogs certainly are not getting the same interactions as before so I have tried different approaches to their normal feeding:
Firstly I have been scatter feeding - this isn't rocket science and basically entails putting their dry food/kibble around the garden to make them sniff it out and eat it.
I also use slow down bowls which do exactly that. I tend to use wet food for this and perhaps a sprinkling of dry/kibble on top, with a bit of water to squidge it down and make eating a little more elongated.
One of my favourite ways of feeding is using a Kong - this can be stuffed with a variety of food - wet, peanut butter (dog one only), squeezy cheese like Primula, chicken and veg mixed together ... plenty of options. These can also be frozen and are an excellent distraction for your dog if you're practising leaving your dog/s and/or returning back to work in the future.
One of my favourite ways of feeding is using a Kong - this can be stuffed with a variety of food - wet, peanut butter (dog one only), squeezy cheese like Primula, chicken and veg mixed together ... plenty of options. These can also be frozen and are an excellent distraction for your dog if you're practising leaving your dog/s and/or returning back to work in the future.
Licky mats are another variety of feeding ie. spreading their wet food onto one and letting the dog take his/her time by licking off their food. Again they can also be frozen. Please never leave your dog unattended with these as the rubber can be chewed.
Kong Wobblers - or as I call them Weebles - are another great way to feed your dog. You can fill them with dry kibble/mixed in with some dry treats and your dog then can nudge the wobbler around knocking food out of it. This can take a while to learn and again is a great brain game for your dog.
Snuffle mats are also great fun for dogs - you can sprinkle their kibble into the snuffle mat and they sniff it out. The can also be hand-made so if you're looking for something to do, to pass the time in lock-down, this might be a fun craft to try!
Any kind of game where your dog has to work for his/her food is good for their brain. Filling the yellow/green game with different food - some kibble and some higher value treats is a good way for your dog to use their brain. Even mine can use this so it really cant be that hard!
Give your dog/s time to be come adjusted to these tools and you'll understand which ones they are interested in, which ones they can be left with and which need supervision.
Cleaning these are important, and I put each of these gadgets through the dishwasher to ensure high temperature cleaning. Anything for an easy life!
Just some ideas to keep your dog happy and engaged during this quite bizarre time in our lives.
Have fun!
Give your dog/s time to be come adjusted to these tools and you'll understand which ones they are interested in, which ones they can be left with and which need supervision.
Cleaning these are important, and I put each of these gadgets through the dishwasher to ensure high temperature cleaning. Anything for an easy life!
Just some ideas to keep your dog happy and engaged during this quite bizarre time in our lives.
Have fun!