The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen million dogs entered its shelters. Not even twenty percent of these dogs' owners were ever contacted. They had no identification. It only proves that no matter how much you love your dog, no matter how much you spend on training and no matter many measures you take to ensure your pet's happiness; it could all go down the drain if your pet is ever recovered away from home without proper identification.
One of the first forms of identification is a simple collar tag that clearly marks that he has been vaccinated against rabies. This tag, often linked to a serial number and a veterinary clinic, may link the serial number to the owner. Also, it will show that someone has taken care of the animal and that it is not just a "stray".
Your animal should wear another tag that (at a minimum) clearly states the name, family name, address and phone number of the owner. If there is room, the tag should also contain the name and phone number of your veterinary clinic, which will also try contacting you if your dog is in custody. These tags should be replaced every year to ensure readability from ware.
To find some great ID tags for your dog, visit our site here: http://www.dog-gifts-and-toys-for-dog-lovers.com/dog-gift-tags.html Another option is to get your dog a tattoo. Not that he will have to gear-up in leather, because you can have the tattoo put in its usual location-under an earflap or underneath one of its legs. The tattoo will cause your dog some initial discomfort, but it's for his safety. Shelters and other organizations know that many pets are tattooed with a serial number that will lead to the owner's identification. You can register the pet's number to the American Kennel Club if your dog is a purebred. They will work on your behalf to locate the animal if it's ever lost.
One other option, growing in popularity, is a microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) injected underneath the pooches' first few layers of skin. An infrared computer that will give any pertinent information can then scan this microchip. It may reveal a serial number, like the tattoo, or even give the identity of the dog and its owner that any shelter, vet or humane society can use to contact you.
When the chip is inserted, it won't hurt your pet, such as a tattoo might. It's injected with a hypodermic needle and ready for immediate use. Once underneath the skin, the information stored on the tag can be updated and changed depending on your pet's medical history and condition.
When it comes to your puppy or dog, two types of identification should be enough. However, the more the better. If a regular person picks up your dog, he or she will at least be able to read the tag and hopefully call you. If the dog's collar is missing, maybe that person won't know to look for a tattoo, but a vet or shelter will for sure. Again, this is just one of many things you can do to ensure a safe and happy life for your pet-especially so that your pet remains with you! Puppies and dogs are lost everyday.
There's a high chance that yours will eventually wonder off too. So, instead of fretting, pay a little bit of money for peace of mind knowing that your dog will be prepared and identifiable in a big, and perhaps now, not so scary world!
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More
Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Pet |