What to do if you find a stray dog
A lot of stray pets are seen roaming the streets. If you see an obviously lost dog on the countryside, would you pull over, be a Good Samaritan and try to help the stray or would you drive on and chuck the pitiful sight as one of the facts of life? Dogs get lost all the time as these animals are lured to wander by interesting scents and sounds. Other stray dogs are purposely abandoned by cruel owners who wouldn't even bother to leave the pet in animal shelters.
Not all dogs are friendly to strangers. Even a small cuddly dog with an appealing appearance can bite a person that is trying to help. Be cautious if you want to help a stray dog. A dog can turn vicious if it does not understand your intention to help. Bear in mind that the stray dog's vaccination status is unknown thus the risk of infections is high. Approach the dog only when it has not shown aggression. If the dog is aggressive your next option is to notify the animal control authorities.
You will know if the stray is friendly as it would follow people. Additionally, because stray dogs are commonly hungry, even aloof ones would act tame at the sight of food. You may be able to capture the dog by speaking gently and offering food. The first thing that must be done is to check for identification tags so that the owners can be notified.
If the dog has no identification tags, you can either take the dog to an animal shelter or take the dog home while trying to find its owners. A vet visit is a must before you take the dog home as with an unknown vaccination status, the dog can be a potential risk to the family. Isolation is imperative for stray dogs that were not examined by a vet to prevent the stray from transmitting diseases and parasites to other family pets.
The stray can be lost or it can really be homeless. Strays that are not owned can be easily distinguished because of their gaunt appearance. Although scruffy looking, an owned dog that become a stray would still retain its groomed appearance. Owners of dogs that have strayed are surely looking for their pet. Extend a helping hand by informing the Animal Control people that you have found a stray. Posters and fliers would do a lot in reuniting owner and pet.
Not all dogs are friendly to strangers. Even a small cuddly dog with an appealing appearance can bite a person that is trying to help. Be cautious if you want to help a stray dog. A dog can turn vicious if it does not understand your intention to help. Bear in mind that the stray dog's vaccination status is unknown thus the risk of infections is high. Approach the dog only when it has not shown aggression. If the dog is aggressive your next option is to notify the animal control authorities.
You will know if the stray is friendly as it would follow people. Additionally, because stray dogs are commonly hungry, even aloof ones would act tame at the sight of food. You may be able to capture the dog by speaking gently and offering food. The first thing that must be done is to check for identification tags so that the owners can be notified.
If the dog has no identification tags, you can either take the dog to an animal shelter or take the dog home while trying to find its owners. A vet visit is a must before you take the dog home as with an unknown vaccination status, the dog can be a potential risk to the family. Isolation is imperative for stray dogs that were not examined by a vet to prevent the stray from transmitting diseases and parasites to other family pets.
The stray can be lost or it can really be homeless. Strays that are not owned can be easily distinguished because of their gaunt appearance. Although scruffy looking, an owned dog that become a stray would still retain its groomed appearance. Owners of dogs that have strayed are surely looking for their pet. Extend a helping hand by informing the Animal Control people that you have found a stray. Posters and fliers would do a lot in reuniting owner and pet.
About the Author:
At Sarah's Dogs you can learn more about what to do if you find a stray dog and other common dog behaviors.
0 comments:
Post a Comment