How to Keep your Pets Safe During Storm
Dogs:
Keep Them Indoors: Limit outdoor time to avoid hazards such as flying debris. Consider just a quick toilet trip outside as opposed to a long walk.
Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, cosy area with their favourite bedding and toys to help ease anxiety caused by storm sounds.
Stick to Routines: Keep feeding and play schedules, indoors, consistent this can help your dog feel more secure.
Use Background Noise: Calming music or having the TV on louder, can help mask storm sounds and keep your dog relaxed.
Leads for Bathroom Breaks: If your dog must go outside, always keep them on a lead and stay close to home for safety. Ensure they’re wearing their collar with an ID tag.
Cats:
Secure Indoors: Ensure your cat stays indoors, avoiding exposure to high winds.
Provide Hiding Spots: Cats tend to seek secluded spaces in stressful situations; provide them with safe, comfortable hiding spots.
Maintain a Clean Litter Tray: Keep the litter tray clean and accessible and ideally have one tray more than the number of cats in the house
Interactive Play: Use toys to keep your cat distracted from the storm's noise and activity.
Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.):
Bring Hutches Indoors: Move outdoor enclosures indoors where possible, to protect your small pets from the extreme weather.
Add Extra Bedding: If hutches are remaining outdoors, keep them warm by adding extra bedding or insulation to their enclosures. This can help muffle the sound from the storm.
Quiet Rooms: Place their home in quiet, sheltered areas away from windows and drafts to reduce stress.
Check Food and Water: Ensure water bottles are filled and provide extra food to support their energy needs.
Sturdy Enclosures: If it is not possible to move their enclosure inside, ensure hutches are sturdy and cannot be easily tipped over by high winds or sudden gusts. Move hutches to a sheltered location away from falling debris or trees
effective steps can make a significant difference in your pets' safety and well-being. With a bit of preparation, pet owners can ensure their animals remain protected, comfortable, and stress-free during Storm