In partnership with

🐶 Bring Your Pup Home Safe

One of the worst nightmares for a pet owner is their beloved animal friend getting loose. It’s an especially scary prospect if your dog gets loose in the winter when temperatures are very low, and hypothermia can set in. That’s why acting quickly when a dog gets out in the colder months is important.

We suggest saving this email just in case you need it one day. These tips could potentially save your dog’s life.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Bringing Your Pup Home Quickly and Safely

Bringing a lost dog home is always stressful. The most important thing you can do is not lose hope. Acting quickly gives a better chance of that happy reunion without significant health complications or injuries.

Here are some tips to get your pup home quickly:

• Spread the Word ASAP:

  • Notify your neighbors: Ask them to keep an eye out for your dog.

  • Contact authorities: Call your local animal shelter and police department to alert them of your dog’s disappearance.

  • Social media power: Share photos and your contact info on social media platforms and local community groups. There are also local lost pet pages you should reach out to.

  • Flyers: These can be a helpful long-term solution, but using the other ways of spreading the word is better in the short term.

• Attract Your Dog Home:

  • Scent trail: Leave items with your scent (such as worn clothing) near your home's entrance.

  • Food and water: Set out food and water bowls, especially on colder nights. Local wildlife might also be attracted to this, so keep an eye out. 

• Winter Safety:

  • Hypothermia watch: If you find your dog, check for shivering, lethargy, or stiff limbs. Gently warm them with a towel. Warm water bottles (with a towel between their skin and the bottle) can also help. Gradual heating up is best.

  • Warm shelter: Provide a warm, dry place for them to rest.

• Prevention is Best:

  • Microchip magic: Ensure your dog's microchip is registered with current contact information.

  • GPS tracker: Consider a GPS tracker for added peace of mind.

  • Recall training: Practice "come" commands regularly, especially in distractions.

Stay calm and persistent! The ASPCA estimates that up to 93% of lost pets are reunited with their families. Hold on to hope and do your best to find your friend!

We hope that you never need these tips. But if you do, we hope they help bring your furry friend home safely!

Worried about vet bills?

We’ve helped make it simple for pet parents to submit a claim and get reimbursed for eligible vet bills in just a few days.*

1. Visit any licensed vet

2. Submit your claim online or in the app

3. Get cash back for eligible vet bills

Get my free quote

*Jan 2023 – Sep 2023 administrator claims data.
Independent and paid ad from Spot. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit spotpetins.com/sample-policy. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout.
Insurance plans are underwritten by either Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC 1126581. A Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) or United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), and are produced by Spot Pel Insurance Services, LLC. (NPN If 192463il5. 990 Biscayne Blvd Suite 603, Miami, FL 33132. CA License 116000188).

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• Gaines Family Farmstead - Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• ANSWERS - All beef and chicken dog foods for potential listeria and salmonella.

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Watch for Signs of Hypothermia

When you find your dog, it’s possible that exposure to cold temperatures affects their health. You need to be aware of the signs of hypothermia so you can respond quickly for the best medical outcomes.

There are a few telltale symptoms of hypothermia. Some of these symptoms include the dog being very cold but not shivering anymore, seeming confused or sleepy, breathing slowly and shallowly, having pale paws, ears, and/or tail, or their internal body temperature being dangerously low (below 98 degrees).

If you notice these signs, immediately take your dog to the vet or an animal hospital.

Treats

• 🐶 Armando Finds His Furever Home: Read this heartwrenching story about Armando, who was abandoned in a parking lot but quickly found a forever family.

• ✍️ Curated dog content: I Love Every Dog creates adorable, heartwarming, and real (not AI) daily content about dogs, like this post about people who don’t like dogs. 

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!