Pet Safety and Storms

Spring showers and Summer heat often brings storms — these can often be scary for us, but for our furry friends, they can be flat-out terrifying. Loud noises tend to startle our pets, especially dogs. There’s nothing worse than seeing our animals scared and shivering, and although we can’t prevent the weather, there are certain steps you can take to prevent a freak-out or calm your pet during a storm. Here are four of PTC Pets’ top tips on storm safety:

1. Keep Yourself Calm

Dogs are extremely perceptive when it comes to human emotion. They can sense our sadness, anger, and fear. If you’re scared of a thunderstorm, or are overly anxious about your pet’s fear, they will pick up on it. Being scared can cause your animal to think that something is wrong. This will only increase their fear. Stay calm and comfort your animal — don’t freak out or make a big deal out of a storm!

2. Set Up a “Den”

Dogs, descendants of wolves, are naturally prone to making dens. This is where their instincts tell them to go during storms. Even though your dog may be inside your house, they might feel unsafe if they don’t have a closed-in, safe environment to hide in. Try bundling them up under some blankets or making a small, padded area specifically designated as a pet-safe zone. If you have a crate, you can put a blanket on top to make it feel dark and homey. Padding the crate with extra blankets and pillows can’t hurt, either!

3. Avoid Small/Fragile Objects

When stressed or scared, dogs often chew on whatever is closest to them. Sometimes, this can mean that they will destroy furniture, or fragile items. If they get their paws on small items, they may choke on them by chewing on them. Keep your dog in a safe, pet-proofed area where they don’t have access to these items! Give your pet a friendly alternative by providing a large chew toy or a favorite stuffed animal.

4. Secure the Area

Sometimes, during storms, dogs can be known to get loose or run away. Make sure that all fences and gates are closed, and all doors leading outside are firmly shut so they can’t escape. If you don’t want your dog to cause damage to an area of your house in their distress, keep in a secure location of your choosing by putting them in a comfortable crate or fencing them in with a pet gate.

Of course, the most valuable tip is to stay with your pet during their time of need. At PTC Pets, we will do everything we can to ensure that your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during storms, even while you are away.