May 13th is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. While it’s not an everyday occurrence that we find ourselves faced with an emergency evacuation due to a natural disaster, it’s a traumatic event for both pet owners and pets when it does happen. Here are four key ways to help your pet recover from the stress of a natural disaster.
Create a Secure Environment
After a natural disaster, it’s crucial to create a calm, secure environment for your pet as soon as possible. This may include keeping your home quiet and relaxed, cleaning up any debris around your property, and ensuring they have a soft, comfortable place to rest to decompress from the traumatic event they’ve endured.
Pay Attention to Their Behavior
After a disaster, your pet may be suffering from stress, which can lead to defensive or aggressive behavior toward people or other animals. It’s important to pay attention to their behavior and to keep them calm as much as possible. It’s best to avoid other animals or people outside of your immediate family while they recover to protect them from potentially dangerous situations.
Keep an Eye on Them When They’re Outside
After a disaster, gates and fences may be damaged and there may be debris, spilled chemicals, or other dangerous materials scattered outside along your property. Therefore, it’s important to accompany them while they go outside to ensure they do not escape or find themselves in a hazardous situation. Furthermore, disasters can disrupt your pet’s scent markers making it challenging for them to find their way home should they wander off.
Seek Professional Guidance
If your pet seems to be displaying signs of severe distress or anxiety as a result of stress endured during a natural disaster, it’s important to seek professional guidance. Your pet’s trusted veterinary professional can provide assistance with getting your pet back to their normal selves by evaluating their behavior and identifying any injuries or abnormalities that may be halting your pet’s ability to recover.
Remember to be patient as your pet will need additional love and attention while they overcome the stress of a natural disaster. For more information on helping your pet recover, contact your local veterinarian today.
