How Much Time Do I Have To Search For My Missing Dog?

One of the most distressing situations in life, without a doubt, is when our pet gets lost. At first, we hope that he will return on his own, but as the days go by, our faith wanes. In this article, we’ll try to answer the question: How long do I have to look for a missing dog?

Find a missing dog: step by step

There is no doubt that the loss of our pet is truly distressing and frightening. It’s critical to stay calm and follow a series of steps that will help you find your best friend again. Follow these tips when looking for a missing dog:

1. Search around the house

Sometimes dogs, when they are playing or sniffing something, something catches their attention, and it can make them go into completely unimaginable places. Take a look at these places where he may have entered and where he couldn’t escape or leave on his own, even in the washing machine, behind the cabinet, inside the toilet bowl, under some garden vase, etc.

2. Start the search as soon as possible

As soon as you realize that your pet is not at home, you will have to go looking for it. The first 12 hours are estimated to be crucial. Once that time has elapsed, the chances of finding him diminish drastically. Don’t waste time, every minute counts.

3. scream his name

Or speak the way he’s used to being called. He can respond if you call him by name or nickname. You can alternate the use of both names. Scream as hard as you can and wait a few moments to be able to hear if the animal responds to the call. Sounds logical, but we don’t always think about it when looking for a missing dog.

4. Take food with you on the search

It is worth saying that animals have a very developed sense of smell. If they sniff your favorite food, they won’t hesitate to run your way. Shake the bag as you walk and yell out his name. For example, say: who wants a cookie? Even if your dog is trapped or injured, he will do his best to get out of there in search of his prize.

5. be silent

While the call is critical to getting your pet’s attention, it’s important that you remain silent after yelling for its name. That way, you’ll be able to identify any strange noise that can alert you that he is trapped, injured or hiding somewhere.

6. Look for footprints

Check if the marks left on the floor are from your dog, or if the feces along the way are his. Take a look at high or low places, use a flashlight if it’s already at night. Look behind and under bushes, on the porch and even on the roof.

7. Go out in the car to look for the dog

Did you know that a dog can walk many miles in an hour? In a matter of days, he could go a long way. Therefore, leave by car to extend the search radius by 20 or even 40 km.

8. Be sure to search at dusk

Although it becomes more complicated and darkness obstruct the search, consider that the dogs that escape or are lost are very frightened when they stop in places full of people. When night comes and the noise subsides, they will go out to hide in their hiding place and it will be easier to find you.

9. Notify friends and authorities

If it still doesn’t show up, make a poster with the animal’s photo and stick it in different parts of the neighborhood. Talk to kennels or animal shelters in the area. Don’t disregard the places that are 60 km from your house, especially if it’s been a day since the dog disappeared. You can also place an ad in an area newspaper or on local radio.

Many people also post about their missing dog on social media. Users are very supportive and share the story with all their contacts. Don’t forget to put the contact phone number on the animal’s photo so people can get in touch with you anyway.

How long should I look for a missing dog?

This is a very common question, and there is not always a specific answer to it. The truth is that everything depends on the owners and the actions that are developed. If you’ve exhausted all search possibilities and don’t know what else to do, maybe you’re feeling powerless or hopeless to keep looking for the dog.

Experts recommend doing an “intense” search the first day, and then just waiting for the posters and advertisements to do their part.