"Congratulations!"

Lost Dogs: 
After Rescue

By  Debbie Hall

"Lost Dog Found" --Great news and Congratulations!

Now give your dog a hug AND the care it needs and deserves for being a survivor.

1. DO NOT GIVE A DOG UNLIMITED AMOUNTS OF FOOD OR WATER

Many dogs that have been lost are mentally and physically stressed (sometimes severely) and cannot handle ANY abrupt changes. Your "act of kindness" could put your pet in further distress and have serious consequences. Don't risk its health and well being. Let a Veterinarian evaluate your dog's condition in a professional and experienced environment.

2. IMMEDIATELY - TAKE YOUR DOG TO A VETERINARIAN or 24 HR CLINIC

Vital information to tell a "new" Veterinarian you might see in an emergency situation: 
· Number of days the dog was lost.
· Dog's weight before it was lost. Significant weight loss needs special attention.
· Pre-existing medical conditions and/or medications.
· Current status of vaccinations, especially rabies.
· If you gave the dog food or water, tell the Vet how much it consumed. 

The Veterinarian should do a complete physical exam and will look for ticks, scratches and puncture wounds. Blood, urine and stool sample tests will help detect intestinal parasites, bacterial diseases and infections. Stools should be tested at least twice. Lost dogs can drink stagnant or polluted water and eat decayed food from trashcans or the remains of wild animals. Scavenging could cause the ingestion of pieces of plastic, foil or other foreign objects. Entire body systems can be severely weakened. If your dog's health is fragile, ask the Vet about delaying non-critical booster vaccines and withholding the application of flea and tick products. 

3. AT HOME

Advise your Vet of any changes in your dog's condition. Try to keep the dog calm and quiet. It needs time to recuperate and lots of rest. Avoid putting it in "stressful" situations. Dogs are always eager to please, even when ill. Be patient. Just because you are ready to return to a "normal" routine, doesn't mean your pet is. 
Dogs may become food-protective. There was no "supper" dish waiting for them while they were lost and they may have had to guard what little food they found to eat. If you have other pets in the house, make sure to feed them separately or at different times until you have determined that this is not an issue.

4. PHONE CALLS AND FLYERS

ASAP - Make those phone calls, notifying everyone on your "contact" list and to say "Thank You!" 
(ACOs, Vets, Breeders, Rescue Groups, City Workers, Businesses, etc.)

ASAP - Remove all flyers and signs. Make an effort to do a thorough job. Some people ignore flyers and signs that are "old", while others will continue to watch or search for your missing pet. Removing all postings will send a clear message that your dog has been found. It also says, "Thanks! I didn't forget that I was here asking for your help" to the people in areas directly impacted by your signs. Maintaining a good relationship with the general public is important and can be immensely beneficial to future lost dogs and their searchers. 

 

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Copyright by Debbie, Lostdogsearch@aol.com 10/2002