Michelle J.
2 years ago
For Senior Lost Dogs- advice from Lovy Myers
I am a Lost Pet Professional. As I'm sure you know- this is an EMERGENCY...As a Lost Pet Professional I have found many older sight / impaired dogs with/without dementia. Their disappearance is an EMERGENCY. The first place the sight impaired/older dogs get into trouble is a natural water source that they can either smell or is in their line of travel - this would include unfenced retention ponds and open pools etc. Drowning is the leading cause of death in blind/sight impaired/older dogs - especially small dogs and should be the FIRST concern. Large older dogs are not as susceptible to drowning in shallow waters due to size- but still a concern. Large dogs will sometimes just get stuck in the mud etc in shallow water and can't get out easily and will tire quickly. Many dogs with dementia, in addition to sight impairment, will simply walk away in a straight line once lost and not turn around. Most blind dogs will trail downhill if available - taking the path of least resistance which also usually ends up in water accumulations. Many follow previous paths taken on walks and simply do not turn around to come home- or get stuck in brush where sidewalks or trails end. If the dog has physical problems with mobility they will likely be close but may still get into trouble with water as thirst is a powerful urge in dogs and the topography will guide them downhill. Make sure ALL close neighbors are notified as soon as possible. Drowning is the main concern and Traffic of course being the other danger. I recommend people go directly to the closest natural water source including retention ponds, if close by and search there and then backward toward the house checking any drainage areas that drain into that source- natural or manmade and any bridges over these areas. Grid searches need to be done ASAP and with flashlights if the search needs to start at night. Many also get into/fall into the ditches/storm drain runoffs and can't be seen and can't figure out how to get out. Also check any ledge type situation where the sight impaired dog might have fallen from or into something and not be able to climb out- or simply may be injured and not moving Other sight impaired dogs simply run into a bush or fence and can't figure out how to reorient and just sit there. Also grid search back from major traffic roads The grid searches need to be repeated daily or more as the sight impaired dog may get into one of these situations at any given time while lost - and may not be there the first time you search - so constantly repeat searches. My advice is to try and protect the dangerous areas until the dog can be found in a grid search or you have information from sightings. Always leave out food/water and owner scent articles and dogs bedding at home with as many lights on as possible - ideally with a camera to monitor as many return at night when it's quiet if they can find their way back or when everyone is out searching. Make sure someone is always home if possible. Bedding of Owner - if available - or old t-shirts can be dragged in trails back to the home/feeding station to give the dog stronger Owner scent trails home. Getting the word out on Nextdoor stressing their impairments and some large neon LOST DOG signs at major intersections for 2 miles is imperative as well as canvassing all neighbors asap with flyers - but should not interfere with search efforts - especially on small dogs. Usually if you can keep them out of the water and the road- they will likely eventually be found alive and close by. Good luck!
