Dogs and cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds and other pets fear devastating storms just as humans do. Normal summer thunderstorms may be a nuisance to us but a big problem for our pets. In a sudden and intense situation such as a hurricane, this fear transforms into traumatic stress. Remember, our pets cannot verbally communicate with us through words so we need to “read” their fears as their behavioral patterns shift. Anything unusual or outside normal behaviors such as yipping, yelping, hissing, scratching, biting, hiding, pulling out hair or feathers is a pet’s way of telling us something is wrong.

Very loud and unusual noises (thunder and lightning), strong winds, and even a dramatic change in air pressure can overwhelm even the most even-tempered pet. Even if we don’t feel calm ourselves, we need to show our pets a confident, calm and loving attitude. A soft and reassuring voice and keeping a schedule as close to normal as possible will help them. Keep fresh food and water available. Check out this site that offers pet anxiety wraps for a product that may help your thunder-phobic dog.

Don’t lock your pet in a room away from the family or leave them outside during a thunderstorm. Above all, don’t evacuate your home and leave your pets behind during a hurricane. Before a hurricane is imminent, identify a safe location to evacuate to that allows pets, such as a friend’s home or a pet-friendly hotel. Search the internet for pet friendly hotels or pet friendly shelters to find accommodations for your family including your pets.

Your pets need a hurricane evacuation kit, too. Include water, litter, bedding, non-perishable food and medications to keep your pets healthy, clean and free of parasites. Keep a sturdy cage or carrier to comfortably hold your pet as well as a collar and leash or harness. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and keep a copy of the records with you, as well as a few good photos in case you get separated. Be sure identification tags are on the collars. Better yet, speak with your veterinarian about microchip identification for your pets.

At Creature Comforts Pet Resort we stay open and available to your pets during hurricanes. Remember, however, that we are NOT a designated evacuation site or hurricane shelter. We do have staff on hand to care for the animals as best we can.