VMD 511: Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2+0)

ANIMAL WELFARE DURING NATURAL CALAMITIES AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Safety of pets during storms

• Pets need special attention during storms.
  • Keep cats indoors all day, every day all year long.
  • During the monsoon season, keep dogs indoors. Thunderstorms easily frighten many dogs that might dig or jump from the yard to escape. High winds can blow open gates, knock over fences, and even topple brick walls, making it easy for a dog to run away.
  • Be sure your pets are confined safely indoors when you leave in the morning. Many storms roll in late in the day when people are at work; violent storms can crop up quickly!
  • Confine pets to a safe, secure room. Turn on the TV or a radio to help drown out scary noises. Make sure pets have water, bedding and favorite toys.
  • Be sure all pets have current identification in case they run away. Recommends a microchip complemented by a collar and I.D. tag.
  • The I.D. tag should include two telephone numbers, such as a home number and a work, pager or cellular number. If you have recently moved or changed phone numbers, be sure to update all tags!
• Thunder and blowing wind can scare even the bravest of animals and they usually try and escape, usually under the bed or behind the closet. But there may be some pets that suffer from storm anxiety.
• The symptoms can include biting, excessive chewing, hiding, pulling out own hair and shaking. The case may be a mild one but there are cases where it turns severe which is why it needs to be effectively taken care of.
• Some breeds of dogs are more prone to chronic anxiety namely Bull dogs, German Shepherd, Dalmatians and most breeds of terriers. There are many anti-anxiety drugs available with vets that can help ease the fear and stress.
• Do make sure your pet has proper identification so that if he runs away, you can get him back safe and sound.