The most important rule to understand when the lost dog you are looking for is sighted, is not to chase. By chasing the dog – even a dog you know – you scare it away from familiar ground. A lost dog is in flight mode – if they don't respond and come to your voice, chasing the dog will only make matters worse.
Experts say the first 12 hours are crucial. Once that time has passed, the chances of finding your pet are drastically reduced.
Many dogs, even dogs that normally are not fearful at home, become terrified when they become lost. While some dogs will ultimately calm down and then approach people, other dogs will continue to run from everyone, including their owners! One of the worst things that you can do is CALL a stray, loose, or panicked dog.
Getting your dog to trust you can take time, practice, and a lot of consistency. You can expect anything from 2 weeks-2 months for this to happen.
Research has confirmed that for most people, the loss of a dog is, in almost every way, comparable to the loss of a human loved one.
The death of a pet can hurt as much as the loss of a close relative or friend. It is normal to feel devastated. Often, individuals who live alone take longer to grieve because their companion played such an important role in their lives.
Always use respect, caution, and awareness. Slow your pace, and use a gentle tone. If you know the dog is shy or fearful, change your body language. Approach toward the side of the dog, not head on, and avoid direct eye contact.
Because dogs are so much more than pets. The loss of a dog is so painful because people are losing a little life that we were responsible for as well as a source of unconditional love and companionship. There's a reason that most emotional support animals are dogs.
Big strong dogs, especially young ones, can run 5 miles or more. Small dogs may be able to go half a mile at most. Most dogs are recovered well within a two-mile circle of their home, especially because they normally will never run for an extended length in a straight line no matter how strong or fast they are.
When a dog loses a companion, two- or four-legged, he grieves and reacts to the changes in his life. Dogs alter their behavior when they mourn, much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play.
DON'T: Chase a dog that's scared or lost
Never run or chase after a dog—doing so will only make them want to move away from you more, and can make them more nervous. Remain calm and move slowly.
One of the worst things that you can do is call out to a stray or panicked dog. It's likely other people who have encountered the loose dog have already tried to capture him and thus calling him has become a trigger that causes him to automatically bolt in fear when anyone, including his owner, calls him.
Lost dogs and cats are also more likely to move around in the late evening or early morning hours. With careful planning and the help of other people (and animals), you'll have a better chance of finding your pet soon. If you don't find him on the first night, don't give up.
Ignoring Fear Rarely Helps. In years past, dog owners were told to ignore their dog's fear. Experts said that comforting the dog could potentially be seen by the dog as praise for the fear. Correcting the dog for being afraid was, of course, never a good course of action.
Because they are social animals, dogs hate being left alone. The most common of dog fears is separation anxiety. There are always exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, a dog wants to be with her pack, be it you, your family, another dog, a cat, or even a bird.
Avoid reassuring your dog as this will only worsen the behaviour, your dog may think there is a reason to be nervous. If the subtle signs of nervous behaviour go unnoticed or are ignored then these will develop into more obvious behavioural signs.
Why Pet Loss Hurts. “One reason why losing a pet is such a deep loss is because animals' love is so unconditional and accepting,” she said. But it's also because so many aspects of people's lives are impacted. “Every single facet of life is part of the loss,” she explained.
In such circumstances, some pet carers find that they experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for a long time after the loss of their companion.
Losing a cherished dog can feel especially devastating to people with a history of trauma or adverse early life experiences because they relied on their dog as a protector, safe companion, and confidante. Others may view their dog as a surrogate child, and losing that treasured connection can feel especially painful.
Turns out it's actually quite normal for humans to experience more intense pain at the loss of a pet than that of a close friend or even a relative. For many people, the death of a pet is comparable in almost every way to the loss of a loved one.
Losing a pet can be devastating. After spending precious time together, saying goodbye to your best friend is beyond hard. It doesn't matter whether you raised your pet from being a baby or got them later in their life. They have a profound impact on your life.
Pet Loss and Mental Health
Some people experience mental symptoms of grief, which may include confusion, trouble focusing, constant dwelling on your pet, or thinking you see or hear your pet. Loss of an animal companion can also lead to anxiety and depression for some people.