What must be done if a stray dog is found
Dogs are often seen wandering around. If you see an obviously lost dog on the countryside, would you pull over, be a Good Samaritan and try to help the stray or would you drive on and chuck the pitiful sight as one of the facts of life? Some of these dogs are genuinely lost because dogs are one of the animals that have the tendency to roam. Other stray dogs are purposely abandoned by cruel owners who wouldn't even bother to leave the pet in animal shelters.
Not all dogs are friendly to strangers. Even a small cuddly dog with an appealing appearance can bite a person that is trying to help. Be very careful if you decide to stop and help the animal. A dog can turn vicious if it does not understand your intention to help. Remember, the vaccination status of the animal is unknown and the risk of rabies and other infections would naturally be high. Approach the dog only when it has not shown aggression. Call the animal control authorities if you are uncomfortable with the idea of capturing the dog.
A naturally friendly stray dog will follow any person. Additionally, because stray dogs are commonly hungry, even aloof ones would act tame at the sight of food. You may be able to capture the dog by speaking gently and offering food. After securing the dog look for identification tags so that you can notify the owner.
If the dog has no identification tags, you can either take the dog to an animal shelter or take the dog home while trying to find its owners. 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. If a vet visit is not possible you need to isolate the stray to protect your other pets from diseases and parasites that the stray can be carrying.
The stray can be lost or it can really be homeless. Homeless strays would have an emaciated look. 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. Inform the authorities that you have found a dog. 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. Even a small cuddly dog with an appealing appearance can bite a person that is trying to help. Be very careful if you decide to stop and help the animal. A dog can turn vicious if it does not understand your intention to help. Remember, the vaccination status of the animal is unknown and the risk of rabies and other infections would naturally be high. Approach the dog only when it has not shown aggression. Call the animal control authorities if you are uncomfortable with the idea of capturing the dog.
A naturally friendly stray dog will follow any person. Additionally, because stray dogs are commonly hungry, even aloof ones would act tame at the sight of food. You may be able to capture the dog by speaking gently and offering food. After securing the dog look for identification tags so that you can notify the owner.
If the dog has no identification tags, you can either take the dog to an animal shelter or take the dog home while trying to find its owners. 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. If a vet visit is not possible you need to isolate the stray to protect your other pets from diseases and parasites that the stray can be carrying.
The stray can be lost or it can really be homeless. Homeless strays would have an emaciated look. 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. Inform the authorities that you have found a dog. It would be a great feeling to be able to help an owner be reunited with the pet.
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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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