It is stressful for pets to fend for themselves while lost. Pets experience stress when they stay in unfamiliar homes, pounds, or shelters when they are found by strangers.
Furthermore, lost pets are at high risk for injury and possibly death. They will face less stress and harm if they can be returned to owners as soon as possible after their disappearance.
You can assure the fast and efficient return of your pet by making sure your pet has two types of identification:
Pet Collar Tag – Dogs and cats should wear a visible, up-to-date identification collar. The tag should include your name, address and a telephone number where you can always be reached such as your cell phone number. A tag will help a neighbor or animal rescue worker find you quickly, reducing the amount of time your pet is stressed by staying in an unfamiliar environment.
Microchip Identification –A microchip containing owner identification information can be implanted under the skin of your pet by a vet. The microchips are no larger than a grain of rice and are usually implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades of cats and dogs, and in the breast of birds. Owner information is stored in a data base that the microchip is linked to. Veterinary clinics and animal welfare organizations have microchip scanners and routinely scan all animals that are brought in.
Dogs and cats need both forms of identification. The microchip alone doesn’t help neighbors find your name and telephone number, since they are invisible to the human eye and can be read only by microchip scanners. And although collars are useful in returning animals safely home, they often fall off, so microchips are recommended by pet experts in addition to collars.
And remember to update tags and collar if your contact information changes.
It is always better to try to prevent pets from becoming lost by keeping them on leashes, within fenced yards or inside houses. Rest assured though, if a pet does escape identification on the collar and microchip will help assure their safe return.
Grooming - General Information
Grooming is good for your pet and it’s good for you, too. The extra attention a pet receives during grooming is often just what your pet needs to reduce or eliminate stress related problems from loneliness and
separation anxiety. Dogs, cats and birds love receiving attention from their owners during grooming. And studies have shown that petting your animal lowers both his blood pressure as well as yours.
Grooming is also a good way to assess your pet’s health. You can see the condition of his fur or feathers and look for signs of fur or feather loss. You can look for parasites and check his skin for dryness or flakiness. You can check for signs of over-grooming such as excessive licking, flank sucking and feather plucking.
Check with your vet first to determine if there are physical causes for questionable signs and symptoms. It is always best to rule out physical causes first. However, it is also wise to consider if stress is causing your pet’s loss of fur or feathers, excessive scratching and licking, and over-grooming.
Furthermore, lost pets are at high risk for injury and possibly death. They will face less stress and harm if they can be returned to owners as soon as possible after their disappearance.
microchip scanners. And although collars are useful in returning animals safely home, they often fall off, so microchips are recommended by pet experts in addition to collars.
