Tips for Rescuing Abandoned Dogs

Cody Saltsman

Tips for Rescuing Abandoned Dogs

A passionate activist for the rights of animals, Cody Saltsman has rescued numerous abandoned cats and dogs in his community. Cody Saltsman owns two dogs of his own, a Great Dane and a Norwegian Elkhound.

Tips for Rescuing Abandoned Dogs

When you find an abandoned dog on the street, your first instinct may be to grab it and take it home. While protecting and caring for the dog is a positive instinct, you must remember that a dog alone may be frightened, injured, or ill. The dog may have history of abuse, which may make it wary of humans. By moving slowly, you may be able to help the dog feel more secure. Speak calmly as you approach the animal and stay within its eyesight at all times.

Tips for Rescuing Abandoned Dogs

If you have a chance of getting the animal to safety, first try to contain the dog where it is. You may attempt to get the dog inside your car, but experts warn against driving away with the dog unless you can restrain it securely. If you can confine the dog and keep it from interfering with your driving, you can take it to a nearby animal shelter or a veterinarian.

Tips for Rescuing Abandoned Dogs

Another option isto take the animal home, but experts urge rescuers in this situation to alert animal control officers in case the dog's owner comes forward. Authorities also advise those caring for a found dog to place fliers and announcements in the neighborhood to help an owner find a runaway pet.