As temperatures climb during the spring and summer months, along comes the chance for storms––and in extreme cases, severe weather––which can be especially stressful for our furry family members. As we prepare for the severe weather season, check out these six tips to help keep your pet safe and comfortable during storms.
1. Stay Weather Aware
The first step to being prepared is knowing when stormy or severe weather may happen. Keep an eye on your local weather forecast, and consider turning on alerts for a reliable weather app. This will allow you to plan ahead and even change plans to be home with your pets to provide comfort and reassurance if they experience storm anxiety.
2. Remain Calm
Often, pets pick up on our moods and emotions. If they see that you too are stressed out and anxious, that may increase their own anxiety. Do your best to remain calm and provide plenty of soothing words of support and of course plenty of cuddles, if you can, to keep them at ease.
3. Create a Pet Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit ensures your pet has everything they need if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Consider including:
- A supply of food and fresh water
- Medications and medical records
- A sturdy carrier or crate
- Extra leash and collar with ID tags
- Comfort items like a blanket, favorite toy, or special treat
If you’re stocking up on supplies, consider adding one of your pet’s favorite Post Consumer Brands pet food brands to your emergency kit to ensure they have a familiar option.
Providing your dog with a special treat like our Nutrish™ Soup Bones Dog Chews with Real Beef & Barley or your cat with Nutrish™ Purrfect Broths Grain Free Tasty Tuna Recipe may also help keep them calm and help reward good behavior during a potentially stressful time.
4. Secure a Safe Space
During storms, loud noises like thunder and sudden changes can cause pets to panic. Never leave your pets outside alone during bad weather; always accompany them outside for any bathroom breaks to make sure they don’t get scared and put themselves in harm’s way, like running away.
Inside your home, create a quiet, secure space where they feel comfortable. This could be a crate, an interior room without windows, or a designated safe area in your home. Ensure they have access to their bed or another cozy space and consider adding white noise like music or television to help drown out an approaching storm.
5. Have an Evacuation Plan
If you need to leave your home, locate where you can take your pets. Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends and family willing to help. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your veterinarian and local animal shelters.
6. Keep Your Pet’s Routine Consistent
Disruptions in routine can be stressful for pets. As much as possible, keep feeding times consistent and offer their usual food to provide a sense of stability.
Acting early can help keep the whole family safe. Whether preparing for a short-term storm or a longer emergency, having a safety plan in place ensures your dog or cat are cared for no matter the conditions.
By taking simple precautions, you can help keep your pets safe and comfortable during thunderstorms and other severe weather events. Planning ahead makes all the difference—because they’re not just pets, they’re family!
For more tips catered to keeping your dog calm during bad storms and understanding why they might be afraid of thunder, check out dog storm safety guide!