Best Ways to Prepare in Case Your Dog is an Escape Artist

Whether it’s leaving a door open or slipping out of a collar, accidents happen. If your dog is an escape artist, this is all they need for them to wander off. While it’s not a situation a pet parent ever wants to experience, preparing for this can make a huge difference in getting your furry friend back quickly.

Here are some practical precautions you can take to improve the chances that your escape artist makes it back home safely. 

Common Ways Dogs Escape

1. An open door or gate. The most common way a dog escapes is by someone leaving a door open. Always double-check your backyard gates and that all doors are closed properly.  
2. Digging Under or Jumping Over Fences. Some dogs when left alone for too long may get anxious or bored. They will start digging holes or try climbing over fences to find an escape. 
3. Loose Collar or Harness. It’s important to have some wiggle room in your dog’s collar and harness so you are not hurting them. However, if you make it too loose they may squeeze and slide out of their collars. Before you even realize, they’ll be making a run for it.  

Microchip Your Dog

Most dogs that are lost are usually found by a person. The biggest issue is usually figuring out who the owner is. The most popular and effective way to resolve this issue is to get your dog microchipped.

A microchip provides a unique ID that is scannable by veterinarians. This allows them to see your contact information and reunite you with your dog quickly. Just remember to keep your information up to date. If you change your phone number and don’t update it, no one will be able to contact you.

Keep A Dog Tag On 

Though microchips are very effective, it’s always a good idea to have a backup just in case. Sometimes a chip may end up defective, or a vet might miss it when scanning it. That’s why a dog tag on your dog’s collar is a great option to use.

A dog with a collar is easy to spot and is more likely for a person to try to rescue it. This usually symbolizes that a dog is friendly and has someone looking after it. Make sure the tag displays your contact information in an easy-to-read print. 

Add an extra level of security with a USB Dog Tag

Depending on the material and type of print of your dog tag, the information may fade away or become hard to read. One way you can upgrade the dog tag is with a durable and customizable flash drive.

These flash drives can be engraved or printed with your contact information, like an ordinary dog tag, but they can also store files containing helpful details about your dog. Things such as:

• Additional Contacts. In case of a situation where they can’t get in touch with the pet parent, other emergency contacts can be stored in the flash drive.
• Veterinary and Medical History. A dog may suffer from allergies or need medication. This information can help the person who finds the dog keep the dog safe and provide the right care. 
• Behavioral Quirks: Some dogs may become aggressive or scared of certain things, such as loud noises or other dogs. This is crucial information that should be shared to avoid any more accidents.

Tip: Make sure the flash drive is durable and water-resistant. This will keep functional no matter what activity your dog decides to partake in during its adventure. 

Track Your Dog’s Location

Your dog technically can’t get lost if you know where it is at all times, right? With devices like dog GPS collars or AirTags, it’s easy to track your dog in real-time. With these tools, you don’t have to worry about where your dog ran off to. 

But before you buy any tracking device, consider: 

• Signal Reliability: Some GPS systems depend on cellular or satellite coverage. Make sure your area is supported.
  
• Battery Life: Daily charging can become a chore. Opt for trackers that can last longer.
  
• Geo-Fencing Alerts: Some devices let you set up safe zones and alert you if your dog leaves them.
  
• Cost: Many tracking devices come with monthly subscriptions. Read the fine print to avoid surprises. 

Additional Tips: Teaching your dog to reliably come to you when called in any type of environment can prevent them from getting too far in the first place. Great training is the best preventive action you can take. 

In Conclusion

Losing your dog is heartbreaking, but with the right precautions, you can avoid this from happening. Sometimes it happens in the most unexpected ways. In the case they do run away, you can use microchips, USB dog tags, and GPS collars to be reunited with your best friend quicker.