Australia is known for its wild weather, especially during the storm season.
It’s important to remember that our pets can feel anxious, scared and overwhelmed during storms, so it’s up to us as owners to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
This blog post will cover how to keep your pet animals safe during storm season.
Preparing Your Pet for Storm Season in Australia
During storm season, ensuring your pet is safe and secure is important.
Australian pet owners should be aware of the safety measures that need to be taken to protect their four-legged friends from potential dangers during a storm.
This blog post will cover some important tips to keep your pet safe and secure during any storm or natural disaster.
Have an Emergency Kit Ready
Prepare a kit with food, water, bowls, cleaning supplies and other items necessary for your pet’s care in case of an emergency. Make sure you have enough food and water for at least two weeks in the event of a disaster.
Have Their Collar On
Make sure your pet always has their collar on with all their contact details, along with an ID tag that includes their name and your phone number. It will help rescuers identify them if they get lost during a disaster situation.
Secure Baby Gates
If you have baby gates installed in your house, ensure they are secure so that if there is an electrical outage due to the storm, curious pets won’t escape from the danger zone into another area of the house or yard where they could find themselves in even more trouble.
Separate Other Pets
If you have multiple pets, separate them into different rooms if possible so that they don’t become agitated or fight each other when scared by loud noises such as thunder or lightning outside. Keep cats away from dogs if possible, as cats can easily become stressed out during a storm, while dogs may be too excited by all the noise.
Visit The Veterinarian
Before a storm hits, it is always good practice to visit the veterinarian’s office and ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date and that your pet is healthy enough to survive any disaster situation.
Check For Choking Hazards
Be aware of choking hazards, such as small objects that could choke or injure your pet if ingested during a chaotic moment like a storm or power outage. Keep these items out of reach so you can avoid any accidents caused by distraction or chaos due to the storm outside.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed around your house just in case there is any gas leak due to lightning strikes on nearby buildings or power lines that could put both yourself and your pets in danger from this odourless gas which can be deadly without warning signs.
Get A Trustworthy Neighbor
Find someone close by, who you trust, and who can take care of your pet during an emergency, such as evacuation orders due to flooding caused by storms outside.
Have Extra Leashes Ready
If you need to evacuate quickly, make sure you have extra leashes ready for each one of your pets so they can be easily controlled while being moved around without adding extra stress levels.
Stay Calm
Finally, remember to stay calm when dealing with frightened pets during storms because panicking could only lead them further into shock resulting in further health issues for them afterwards, which would not be ideal for anyone involved, unfortunately. However, it is still very important, especially when trying to safely save their lives as much as possible!
Dog-Specific Tips: How to Keep Your Beloved Dog Safe During Storm Season
As a dog owner, ensuring your pup is protected during storms can be challenging, especially when they don’t understand why they can’t go outside. Here are some tips on how to keep your furry friend safe as the stormy weather approaches.
Provide Comfort and Treats
Most dogs find thunderstorms upsetting and stressful, so it’s important to provide your pet with comfort and treats during these times. Give them their favourite chew toy or dog treats to help them relax. You may even want to invest in a cosy bed specifically for storm season, so your pet has an extra special place of refuge from the outside noise.
Keep Your Dog Unattended
During storm season, ensure you are always aware of your dog’s location. Not only will this prevent them from running off into the night, but it will also ensure that they don’t get injured by debris or lightning strikes. If you must leave the house during a storm, ensure that someone else is watching over your pup until you return home.
Watch Out For Other Dogs
Storms can cause strange behaviour in many dogs; they become agitated by loud noises and can become aggressive towards other animals. It’s important to keep an eye out for any other dogs nearby if you are walking your pup during stormy weather – this will ensure everyone’s safety during these unpredictable times!
Final Thoughts
As the storm season is hitting us in full force, it’s important to know how to keep our furry friends safe. Following these tips and being prepared can help your pet make it through the stormy weather unscathed.
Remember, your pets rely on you to keep them safe, so take the necessary steps to ensure their health and well-being during this potentially dangerous time of year.
For more information on keeping your pet safe during storms or any other time of year, contact Matraville Veterinary Practice. We’re always happy to help pet parents keep their animals healthy and safe.
About Matraville Veterinary Practice
Your pet isn’t just an animal to you but a family member. We care for all creatures, great and small – as if they were our family. At Matraville Veterinary Practice, we’re here to ensure your furry (and not so furry) loved ones have a long, happy, healthy life.
With our large team of friendly, dedicated staff, we’ll take care of your pet’s every need.
If you have questions or want to book an appointment, contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Important Is Pet First Aid for Dog Safety?
Pet first aid is essential for keeping your pup safe during storm season. Knowing the basics of pet first aid can help you quickly recognise any medical problems or accidents and get your dog the appropriate treatment. You should always have a pet first aid kit stocked and easily accessible in case an emergency arises.
hat Kind of Treats Are Safe for My Dog?
Making sure you give your dog healthy treats will ensure that they stay happy and safe during the storm season. Look for natural and organic treats that do not contain too many preservatives or unhealthy oils. Limited ingredient treats are also a great way to ensure your pup stays healthy.
What Safety Measures Should Dog Owners Take?
Dog owners need to take extra precautions when storms approach. Make sure that all pets are inside, especially if they are unattended. If their collar gets snagged on something, they may struggle to free themselves, so removing collars before storms arrive is also a good idea. Additionally, ensure gates and fences are securely closed so no wild animals enter the property or beloved pups escape!
Tips to Find Lost Pets During a Storm?
Unfortunately, pets can sometimes become lost during storms due to strong winds and heavy rains, making it hard for owners to locate them around their neighbourhoods or other areas. If this happens, contact local shelters immediately and try organising a search party with friends or neighbours who might be able to help spread the word about your missing pet faster than you could alone.
Is Pet Insurance Necessary?
Pet insurance can be a lifesaver if an emergency does occur during storm season — such as if your pup gets into a fight with another dog or experiences a sudden injury due to extreme weather conditions. Most pet insurance plans cover some medical expense reimbursements, which could come in handy at this time! Additionally, having one ensures you don’t have to choose between financially caring for yourself or your furry friend.
How Do I Keep My Dog Safe During a Thunderstorm?
During a thunderstorm, it is important to keep your dog safe. Listen for distress signals from other wild animals or pets in the area and check on indoor and outdoor pets regularly to ensure their safety and well-being. Ensure all windows and doors are closed tightly, and make sure your pup is inside the house. Provide them with their favourite bed or blanket along with some toys or chews to keep them occupied in case of anxiety. A first aid kit (for both people and pets) should be easily accessible in case of any injuries that arise during the storm, and pet insurance should be taken out for added safety measures.