Is your dog collared with an ID tag and Chipped?

by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist
I have noticed many lost dogs – and some cats – and some not reunited with their people. Why? The answer is often simple. No collar. Collar, but no ID tag with name and phone number. Not microchipped with a rice sized microchip containing up to date owner’s information on it to be easily scanned at a shelter or vet’s office.
It is immensely beneficial to, at the very least, have a collar with an ID tag attached. A collar by itself might help when leash walking a dog, but is useless without an ID tag with your phone number and dog’s name on it, should your dog go missing. There are several places where you can have a tag personalized here in the valley. Call AVHS and ask about their many tag options at 719-395-2737.
What I have found to be the best collar/tag system is a personalized collar with my dog’s name and my phone number embroidered on it. Instant information for whoever finds my pooch. And it shows I care. I would want my dog returned as soon as possible if they run off or simply become lost. Dogs can become lost or disoriented easily, and the owners are not always to blame. Adding identification helps have them returned quickly.
The very best thing you can do is have your dog microchipped at an animal shelter or at a veterinarian’s office. It takes only a few seconds to microchip a pet and is no more painful than a typical vaccination. The microchip is placed near the neck area and can be scanned at animal shelters and vets’ offices with a universal scanner. Microchips often provide the best source of information, with microchipped pets being returned twice as often as non-microchipped pets according to a recent study at Ohio University College of Veterinary Medicine. It is important to always keep your pet’s microchip up to date with your current contact information, to ensure you can be reunited quickly.
Another feature to consider is realizing that six million dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters every year. Shelters have a limited amount of space to deal with all these animals and limited funds to provide food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. If they can scan and find the owners, it can relieve the shelter of space and save money. Every little bit helps.
I still have space to give you two recipes. It’s winter and time to bake some treats. First, Four Ingredient Cheesy Treats for Dogs: 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, 2 cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup oil, ½ cup milk. Blend the flour and cheese, add oil and milk, roll out dough and knead for a minute, cut out whatever shapes you want, spray a cookie sheet, and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
Kitty Cat Crunch: 2/3 cup whole wheat flour, 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal, ¼ cup oil, 1 jar (2.5 oz) of turkey or chicken baby food, 1 TB water. Mix and use your hands for final mix, place dough on a sprayed cookie sheet, roll out and then cut into small squares. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Makes 2 cups and can be stored for a month in a freezer bag.
Happy New Year. For 2025 I hope for fewer lost pets.
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