Senior Dogs

There is a common myth that a senior dog who is missing has wandered off to die. While their age may put them at a disadvantage when they become lost, there may be medical issues that prevent them from finding their way back home. Senior dogs can suffer from a canine form of dementia. They may stand in front of a hinged door waiting for it to be opened or stare at an inside wall for several minutes before moving on. The same medical conditions that cause this type of behavior in pets may also cause a senior dog to unintentionally wander beyond familiar boundaries where they may become disoriented, confused and unable to navigate their way back home. Please don't make assumptions that your old dog does not want to be found. This only decreases the chances of bringing your pet home safely. As hard as it is, KEEP THE FAITH! Dogs (even seniors) have an amazing ability to survive on their own. Never give up unless you have physical proof that your pet is deceased.
How to effectively search for a senior dog with or without medical issues:
We hope your pet is home soon!
Lost Dogs Georgia
How to effectively search for a senior dog with or without medical issues:
- First things first - Although a senior dog may be sight impaired or have hearing issues, their nose will continue to work. Immediately put out scent items to help keep your dog in the area. This includes a well worn clothing item of the person your dog is most bonded to, their favorite bedding, blanket or toy, some smelly food such as tuna, tripe, bacon, etc. and a bowl of water. Keep these items refreshed for the duration of your search. Keep your garage door cracked (if possible) and leave a blanket inside. Your dog will be looking for a safe place to rest.
- Next, conduct a grid search of the IMMEDIATE area where your dog was lost. He or she may still be close by. Enlist the help of friends and family members, but advise them to move slowly and keep the noise to a minimum. The last thing you want to do is further frighten a scared dog who is already disoriented and confused. Make sure to search every inch of the terrain. Look in tall grass, under decks, in drainage ditches, under vehicles, boats, campers, in outdoor sheds, garages, window wells, ponds, canals, swimming pools, fencing, and places where your dog could have fallen in or may be stuck or trapped. Also look off steep cliffs where your dog may have wandered and taken a fall. Ask permission to check your neighbors property (be as thorough as allowed) and ask them to check their outdoor security camera footage as well. This may give you a clue as to the direction your dog was headed.
- Next, use Google maps to print an areal map of your area. Make note of any rivers, streams, ponds or lakes nearby. A lost dog will head out in search of water which is key to his or her survival. For that reason, we suggest that you do a grid search of those areas, but only when it's safe to do so. You can't search for your dog if you become injured during the search! Because of mobility issues, senior dogs will often travel downhill or take the path of least resistance. Keep that in mind while conducting your search. Start at the water source and move back to the point lost. (Suggested items to carry on your search: Wading boots, gloves, walking stick or large stick, flashlight for dark areas, a well sealed bag of food and a blanket to sit on to lure your dog to you in the event of a sighting, a slip leash, flyers to hand out to hikers or those walking the trails.)
- Keep a journal with the date and location of each search. If your dog is not immediately found, repeat your HOME and WATER grid search as often as possible.
- While you search, ask friends and family members to hand out flyers door-to-door. A dog with mobility issues may not travel far and may be picked up or hiding out just a few houses away. Also pay attention to any neighbors who feed outdoor dogs or cats. Your dog will be looking not only for water, but for a stable outdoor food source.
- Post large neon LOST signs at all major intersections.
- File a lost report with your local animal shelter and go there in person as often as you can. While there, leave a lost flyer with shelter staff. Most shelters have a short stray-hold period before a dog is adopted our our possibly euthanized.
- Take a flyer to the veterinary clinics in your area. Note any medical conditions your dog may have.
- Notify your microchip company and make sure your contact information is up-to-date.
- File a lost report with us at www.PetFBI.org. We will post your listing to the Lost Dogs Georgia Facebook page as well as Instagram to help get the word out. It's a completely free service run by our team of dedicated volunteers.
We hope your pet is home soon!
Lost Dogs Georgia