If your dog suddenly doesn't want to come when called, there may be a plethora of reasons behind it. It's important to look at the whole picture and work on resolving the issue.
One reason a dog might not want to come when called could be pent-up energy. It can be caused by things like anxiety, boredom or other behavioral issues.
1. Call Your Vet
If your pet doesn't come home, it is important to call your vet. They can give you advice and arrange an appointment.
If the dog doesn't eat or urinate, this may indicate a digestive issue or an obstruction that can't be seen with the naked eye. Skipping a meal isn't usually a big deal, but anything more than one day without food can be a sign of a problem.
Another symptom of concern is vomiting or diarrhea. These can be a sign of gastrointestinal disease or other issues, such as diabetes and kidney problems.
Losing blood from the nose, mouth or rectum is also a good reason to call your vet. If they are losing blood from these areas, apply pressure while you call and bring them in.
2. Call the Animal Control
We all know the situation: a dog refuses to come when called, or runs away in the street, or trespasses into your neighbor’s garage. You’ve made flyers, posted them on social media, notified your vet and local shelters, and done all the normal things you do to keep your pet safe.
But it’s a frustrating feeling that your dog isn’t coming home. It’s a sign that you need to call the animal control.
Neglect is the most common form of cruelty reported to animal control agencies. It can take many forms, including hoarding, lack of veterinary care, and tethering.
Animal neglect is also a major contributor to violence against people. If you witness animal abuse, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency, a local shelter or humane society that handles cruelty investigations in your area.
3. Call Your Friends
If you’re lucky enough to have a furry friend that runs off the leash, it can be a challenge to track them down. Aside from a well-trained dog, the best way to find your pooch is to enlist the help of friends and family. This is a great way to make your house and neighborhood a safer place for dogs and people alike.
One of the simplest ways to keep your best buds in the loop is to call them occasionally. It doesn’t have to be a huge production or the latest high-tech device, but a regular chat or text is just as important as those epic hangouts on the beach. In the end, you’ll likely save yourself a lot of headaches down the road. As long as you’re patient, there’s nothing quite like a good friend to turn to when life gets tough or even a little crazy.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have a dog that doesn’t come home when asked, it is important to contact your insurance company right away. The reason is simple - if you have a pet and don’t tell your insurance carrier, they could deny any claim you file when your dog bites or injures someone else.
Many insurance companies make their own lists of aggressive dog breeds, and they will use that list to decide whether or not to insure you. That is why it’s always a good idea to shop around and find an insurer that doesn’t discriminate against dogs.
You can contact your insurer’s customer service center or even a local agent. Knowing the name of your insurance carrier is also very helpful because it can speed up the process of settling a claim. You can usually find this information on your declaration page or insurance card. It is also very important to know your carrier’s direct contact information because they will likely try to investigate your claim before paying it.
