What to do if I lost my dog while hiking in the countryside or the forest?

Losing your dog in the wild is a distressing situation, but it is essential to stay calm and act methodically. Whether in a forest, countryside, hiking trail, or near open fields, your dog may be drawn to a scent, chasing an animal, or simply disoriented.

In these vast environments, the first hour is crucial, and every action counts to find them quickly. With Lost’Him, you can immediately report the disappearance and alert the local community, mobilizing valuable resources to maximize the chances of finding them.

1. React immediately and stay in place

When a dog wanders off in a forest or countryside, they usually stay within a certain radius around their owner and often return to the starting point.

👉 What to do in the first few minutes?

• Do not move immediately: Stay in place for at least 10 to 15 minutes and call them gently.
• Use an encouraging tone to call them, without shouting or panicking.
• Listen to the surrounding sounds: they may bark, whine, or make noise while moving through the underbrush.
• If they do not return quickly, retrace your steps while staying attentive to their scent.

💡 Lost dogs often return to their last known landmark. It is important not to leave too quickly in all directions.

2. Alert the community with Lost’Him

The Lost’Him app is your best ally to quickly alert residents and walkers in the area.

👉 How does Lost’Him help you?

• Instant report: Declare the disappearance with a photo and precise location.
• Activate geolocated notifications: Lost’Him sends alerts to veterinarians, shelters, associations, pet sitters, and other nearby users, maximizing the chances that someone spots your dog.
• Share your announcement on social media directly when reporting the loss.
• Print the poster generated by Lost’Him and distribute it in busy areas and to local residents.

💡 The faster you report it, the higher the chances of finding your dog safe and sound! 🐶

3. Search smartly in the forest or countryside

A lost dog in nature does not necessarily run far right away. Instinctively, they seek:

• A familiar scent to reassure themselves.
• A water source if thirsty (river, pond, ditch).
• A natural shelter (bush, cave, abandoned barn).

👉 Where to search first?

• Along trails: Dogs often follow marked paths.
• Near water sources: A lost dog may instinctively go there.
• In open fields or clearings: A dog may stop there to regain bearings.
• In hunting areas (with caution): Some dogs follow the scent of game and may venture onto hunting grounds.

💡 If your dog tends to chase animals, they may be further than expected. Gradually expand the search perimeter.

Conclusion: React quickly and mobilize the right resources

• ✅ Stay in place and call them calmly.
• ✅ Report the disappearance on Lost’Him to alert the community.
• ✅ Leave a piece of clothing or food to attract them.
• ✅ Search in strategic locations (water sources, trails, clearings).
• ✅ Notify the town hall, veterinarians, and local shelters.
• ✅ Take precautions to prevent future escapes (GPS, recall training, secure harness).

💡 With Lost’Him, every report is shared in real-time to maximize the chances of quickly finding your dog. 🐶💙