Helping pets through hurricane season

Give your pet the care needed to brave the storm.

In the coastal states, there isn’t a single definitive way to handle hurricane season. Some of us pack our bags the second that a tropical storm receives its name. Others wait until the flood waters rise to our bedsides before we admit that there was something worth worrying about. Hurricane Issac reminds us of the importance of emergency supplies and plans, but have you considered your pets?

Pets are no different. Some handle hurricane season with perked ears and an occasional bark at the noises outside of the window. Others can feel the tempest brewing days in advance. They react with any of the following behaviors:

• incessant shivering
• shallow breathing
• heightened need to chew or scratch
• pacing
• ears pushed back
• tail lowered for prolonged periods, not wagging
• tail lowered for prolonged periods, only tip wags
• compulsive licking of self or others
• tension in muscles, stiffness
• unwarranted sniffing
• self-inflicted injuries (biting, scratching, or licking beyond regular grooming needs)
• frequent vocalization (barking, meowing, cawing)

These are signs of discomfort, stress, and in some cases, anxiety. Left unchecked, the pet can hurt himself, others, or cause damage to property.

Go to Page 2

1 2