As a dog owner, one of your biggest fears is probably that your dog will run away. This can happen when their curiosity gets the better of them, or they see something enticing in the distance.
Whatever the reason, losing your dog is a heart-wrenching experience. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of this happening. One of them involves grooming your dog properly. Here are some grooming hacks that can help you keep your dog from running away:.
: 1. Keep Your Dog Clean and Comfortable
One of the primary reasons dogs run away is discomfort. Make sure your dog is clean and groomed regularly to avoid skin irritation, matting, and irritation that can lead to discomfort.
Use dog-friendly grooming products and make sure you avoid any use of human grooming products as it can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. When the coat of your dog is Clean and nicely trimmed, it will be less likely to get matted and tight, which will lower the risk of discomfort.
: 2. Groom Your Dog Regularly
Grooming your dog regularly will not only keep them looking good but also improve their well-being. Brushing your dog frequently will lower the risk of hairballs and matting.
This will help your dog stay comfortable and will reduce the desire to run away to scratch itself or remove mats in odd places. Comb through your dog’s fur regularly to keep it smooth and knot-free.
Additionally, leaving mats for too long can lead to infections and infestations that are not only dangerous for your dog but also careless to other people and animals in its vicinity. Bathing regularly is also very important as it will keep your dog clean, smelling great and remove ticks and fleas.
: 3. Check For Fleas & Ticks
Fleas and ticks are some of the most frustrating pests that can be present in dogs, and they are also a major source of discomfort. Keep your dog free from fleas by adding flea medicine to their grooming routine.
Conduct a manual flea check on your dog in case a flea and tick medicine is not added, especially after the dog has visited an area that has ticks and fleas. By Getting rid of fleas and ticks, your dog will be less anxious and less likely to wander.
: 4. Take Care of the Nails
Long nails can cause discomfort for dogs and can lead to problems walking, which may cause them to want to run away. Take care of your dog’s nails by trimming them regularly.
Regular nail trimming will avoid the risk of snags and make them more comfortable and secure on their feet. This will lower their chance of running away and will ensure they are staying in good health.
: 5. Train Your Dog to Stay
Training your dog to stay is an essential part of ownership. Take the time to train your dog, so he or she knows to stay in one place. This will be useful when you’re out in public or have guests over.
By keeping your dog mentally stimulated, it will help reduce their desire to explore and wander, keeping them at home more often.
: 6. Provide Enough Exercises and Playtime
Dogs are social animals and need plenty of exercises and playtime. Lack of exercise can make them bored, anxious or restless, which can result in wandering away from home.
Make sure your dog has plenty of playtime by regularly taking them for walks, swimming, or dog parks. Keep them entertained by playing games, and giving them enough toys to keep them distracted. By providing your dog with enough exercises and playtime, you’ll provide a healthy outlet for their energy and reduce the risk of them running away.
: 7. Monitor Your Dog
It’s important to always keep your eyes on your dog, especially when you’re out in public. Keep your dog on a leash when you’re outside so that you can always maintain control of them.
If you’re in a Park that isn’t fenced, have a long leash as it will give you the flexibility to let your dog explore out of their usual spaces, while giving you control. Be aware of surroundings in public places, including any construction zones or big crowds that can startle your dog. By being vigilant, you will be able to ensure your dog’s safety and reduce the risk of them running away.
: 8. Use Identification Tags
While grooming is crucial in keeping your dog from running away, there are situations wherein your dog may make the run. Identification tags will help you deal with these situations.
By attaching a dog tag to your dog’s collar, you will be able to help identify them in case the dog goes missing. The identification tag should include your dog’s name, contact information, and any other relevant instructions on how to deal with your dog. This will help you get your pet back home quickly and painlessly.
: 9. Check Your Yard
Check your yard frequently to ensure that it is secure before letting your dog outside, particularly if you have recently moved into a new home. Look for any damaged fences or holes, which your pet may exploit to escape.
Repair any damage you find immediately. Furthermore, make sure to remove any dangerous objects that may harm your dog. This will help keep your dog happy, safe, and secure in their own territory.
: 10. Minimize Anxiety
Anxiety and stress can increase the risk of your dog running away. This may be caused by an unfamiliar environment, loud noises, or other dogs. Provide your dog with a safe and comfortable resting area at home.
Making sure they have access to clean water and a cozy bed to rest in when they need to will help keep your dog happy and calm, reducing the risk of running away. Also, consider using calming products such as pheromones to minimize your dog’s anxiety and nervousness.