A lot of stray pets are seen roaming the streets. An obviously lost dogs wandering around the neighborhood is not an uncommon occurrence, so if you found one would you be a Good Samaritan and help in reuniting the dog with its owners or would you ignore the pitiful sight and go on your way? Dogs get lost all the time as these animals are lured to wander by interesting scents and sounds. Some stray dogs though were dumped by dog owners that are either overwhelmed with the unmanageable behavior of the dog or simply uninterested with the pet.
Not all dogs are friendly to strangers. You may have good intentions in helping a stray dog but be aware of the fact that you may be helping an aggressive dog. Be cautious if you want to help a stray dog. Approach the dog with caution as a cornered animal can turn aggressive. Bear in mind that the stray dog's vaccination status is unknown thus the risk of infections is high. You can only approach and secure the dog if it has not shown aggression. But if the dog is aggressive, your only recourse would be to notify the animal control authorities.
A naturally friendly stray dog will follow any person. Strays are commonly hungry and the sight of food can make an aloof dog docile. Gentle coaching and the offer of food would make an aloof stray dog submissive. The first thing that must be done is to check for identification tags so that the owners can be notified.
A lot of dogs do not have identification tags thus you can decide whether to keep the stray temporarily in your home or leave it in an animal shelter. If you have decided to take the stray home, it would be best to take the dog first for vaccinations and blood and fecal exams to rule out any canine diseases and parasite infestation. Stray dogs that were not examined by a vet have to be isolated as they could be carrying parasites and other disease that can be transmitted to other pets.
The stray can be lost or it can really be homeless. Strays that are not owned can be easily distinguished because of their gaunt appearance. Although scruffy looking, an owned dog that become a stray would still retain its groomed appearance. Owners of dogs that have strayed are surely looking for their pet. Extend a helping hand by informing the Animal Control people that you have found a stray. It would be a great feeling to be able to help an owner be reunited with the pet.
Not all dogs are friendly to strangers. You may have good intentions in helping a stray dog but be aware of the fact that you may be helping an aggressive dog. Be cautious if you want to help a stray dog. Approach the dog with caution as a cornered animal can turn aggressive. Bear in mind that the stray dog's vaccination status is unknown thus the risk of infections is high. You can only approach and secure the dog if it has not shown aggression. But if the dog is aggressive, your only recourse would be to notify the animal control authorities.
A naturally friendly stray dog will follow any person. Strays are commonly hungry and the sight of food can make an aloof dog docile. Gentle coaching and the offer of food would make an aloof stray dog submissive. The first thing that must be done is to check for identification tags so that the owners can be notified.
A lot of dogs do not have identification tags thus you can decide whether to keep the stray temporarily in your home or leave it in an animal shelter. If you have decided to take the stray home, it would be best to take the dog first for vaccinations and blood and fecal exams to rule out any canine diseases and parasite infestation. Stray dogs that were not examined by a vet have to be isolated as they could be carrying parasites and other disease that can be transmitted to other pets.
The stray can be lost or it can really be homeless. Strays that are not owned can be easily distinguished because of their gaunt appearance. Although scruffy looking, an owned dog that become a stray would still retain its groomed appearance. Owners of dogs that have strayed are surely looking for their pet. Extend a helping hand by informing the Animal Control people that you have found a stray. It would be a great feeling to be able to help an owner be reunited with the pet.
About the Author:
At Sarah's Dogs you can learn more about what to do if you find a stray dog and other common dog behaviors.
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