Hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, oh my! The weather kicks up and your pets are not having it. Every pet parent experiences this and you doubt want to calm your little one.

Heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and the potential for evacuation all come with the territory. Managing pets during a storm can add a layer of complexity to your safety measures. Don't fret; we've got you. This blog will show you:

• How to help calm your pet's storm anxiety

• What precautions to take to help keep your pets safe

• What to pack in an emergency kit so you're ready before a disaster strikes

Dog afraid of thunder? Cat hates the rain? Storm pet anxiety is real!

Whether you’re a pet parent living in "Tornado Alley," facing hurricane-like winds on Puget Sound, or weathering a severe thunderstorm on the coast of Kennebunkport, you want to help your pet through it safely. After all, your pets think the sky is falling and are looking to you to protect them.

When your dog is shaking and your cat is hiding, it makes it even more difficult in the event you have to evacuate your home due to severe weather. We'll dive into the practical ways to prepare, but first, let's address your scaredy-cat or dog...or rabbit...or...

Pets can display storm anxiety in different ways. Expect destructiveness, vocalizing, hiding, and other out-of-the-norm behaviors. VEG ER for Pets always plans to stay open 24/7 during extreme weather. Call us before you come in.

Helping anxious pets during a storm

In addition to the noise anxiety that comes from thunder booms and howling winds, there are other factors that contribute to your pet's storm fears. Namely static electricity and the barometric pressure.

Static electricity and your pet

The friction of ice and water particles within a storm cloud causes a jumble of positive and negative charges. From this, static electricity builds in the air, and enough of it will create lightning. What does this have to do with your pet? Well, if you've ever had static affect your hair, think of what it does to fur. That's right, your pets feel static just like humans. And while they're getting the creepy-crawlies feeling that static in their fur, there's another thing that makes them fearful: barometric pressure.

Barometric pressure and pets

The weight of air can rise and fall, and the amount of force air exerts as it does is measured as the barometric pressure. A storm brewing will cause the barometric pressure to drop, and some pets can sense this shift. They view this as a signal that danger is near.

So, before a storm, you might find your dog pacing in circles or cat meowing non-stop. That's because of the barometric pressure; they feel the storm before it even appears.

Steps to help a pet's storm anxiety

1. Create a safe space for rainstorms

   Their favorite napping spot or hiding place is a good place to start. Make sure they have a cozy blanket, add in a shirt of yours so they are comforted by your scent. Close any windows and blinds as the sight of lighting, trees blowing and trash cans tipping can add to their anxiety.

2. Identify a safe space for extreme weather

   If you need to hunker down in the basement or an interior room without windows, you'll want your pet with you and vice versa. Keep emergency supplies in your shelter spot for easy access. The ASPCA recommends practicing calmly going to that spot together to make it a positive experience.

3. Decrease noises

   If you have power, turn on the TV, play soft music, or run a white noise machine to muffle the booming sounds of thunder.

4. Consider a Thundershirt 

   You can try a Thundershirt on your pet, which acts as a gentle swaddle to calm their nerves.

5. Provide play

   Try not to show that you're fearful as well. A good way to do this is through distraction. Play a game of pull rope, fetch, or any other game they usually happily engage in. Keeping their mind and body busy will help reduce anxiety.

   
   

Storm preparedness for pets: a 3-phase plan

When a tornado, hurricane, or any severe weather is in the forecast, being prepared makes a huge difference in calming your pet's nerves—and yours! Having a solid storm preparedness plan for your pet is your best bet to keeping them safe.

To help you prepare, we’ve broken down the key steps into three phases: what to do before, during, and after the storm. 

We also recommend saving the number and address of your nearest VEG ER for Pets. We're open 24/7 and you can walk in anytime. No appointments, no waiting — just emergency care from experienced veterinary professionals who understand how urgent these situations can be.

Phase 1: Prep for storm

First, make sure you know the location of your nearest VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospital in case your pet needs urgent care. Remember, all VEG hospitals are open 24 hours a day to help.

• Create an emergency kit

  Pack a "go bag" with food, water, medications, a leash, and a familiar blanket or toy to help keep your pet calm. Keep your pet in a carrier if you use one when traveling. For a full list of what to pack, see below.

• ID, microchip & emergency plan

  If you have a dog or cat, make sure they wear a collar with an up-to-date ID tag, and consider microchipping for extra protection if you get separated. Again, know the location of your nearest VEG so you’re prepared if your pet needs emergency care day or night.

• Designate a safe space

  Identify a safe room in your home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows, where you and your pets can take shelter. Keep their supplies there for easy access. The ASPCA recommends practicing calmly going to that spot together to make it a positive experience.

• Take special care for special creatures

  Many exotic pets, like reptiles and small mammals, rely on consistent heat to stay healthy. Have a plan for keeping them warm if the power goes out, such as battery-powered heating pads, insulated enclosures, or backup generators.

• Have an evacuation plan

  If your home isn’t tornado- or hurricane-safe, know where to go—whether it’s a friend’s house, a storm shelter, or a sturdy building. Plan ahead for pets, as not all shelters allow them. 

Phase 2: What to do with during the storm

Yes, you can be "Kansas strong" during a tornado no matter where you live! When the storm hits, staying calm and keeping everyone safe, including your pets, is your top priority.

Here’s what you can do to make sure pets stay as calm and secure as possible:

• Bring pets inside

  At the first sign of severe weather, bring your pets indoors before things turn dangerous. Loud thunder and strong winds can make them anxious and more likely to run away.

• Keep pets secure

  Place cats in carriers and leash dogs to prevent them from bolting if they get scared.

• Stay calm around your pet

  Pets pick up on your emotions. Speaking in a calm, soothing voice and keeping a firm but gentle hold on them can help ease their stress.

Phase 3: Steps to take after the storm

Once the storm has passed, check on your pets and make sure they’re safe and feeling secure. Here’s what you can do to help them adjust and get any care they might need.

• Check for hazards

  Downed power lines, broken glass, and debris can be dangerous for everyone, pets too. Inspect your surroundings before letting pets roam freely.

• Look for signs of stress

  Trembling, hiding, or refusing food are common signs of anxiety in pets after a traumatic event. Give them time to readjust and provide plenty of hugs and comfort.

• Know where to go for help

  If you're having a pet emergency, such as your pet is injured or showing signs of distress, VEG is open 24 hours with emergency veterinarians and staff ready to assist.

By preparing in advance and knowing what to do in each stage of the storm, you can help ensure your pets stay safe when severe weather strikes.

Be sure to keep the pet carrier near the door for a quicker exit should you have to evacuate during a storm. Keep your nearest VEG ER for Pets' contact information on hand, too.

Disaster plan for pet owners

What to do when they're time to prepare? Start by creating a pet emergency kit and organizing your important documents. If you have to leave home quickly, you’ll want everything ready to go.

Pack a pet-friendly survival kit

Here’s what to include:

• Two weeks' worth of food and water

• A manual can opener, if your pet eats canned food

• Food and water bowls

• Your pet’s medications and any written prescriptions

• Flea and tick preventatives

• Waste bags, disinfectant wipes, paper towels

• Litter and litterbox for cats

• A blanket or towel for comfort

• Favorite toy(s) to help reduce stress

• Leash, collar, and harness

• A pet carrier for each pet

• Recent photos of your pet, in case you get separated

Paws for a Tip: Use waterproof containers or bags whenever possible so your supplies stay dry.

Keep your paperwork safe

Put these important items in a waterproof folder or small fireproof safe:

• Vaccination records and rabies certificate

• Microchip information (and make sure it’s up to date)

• Medication list and dosing instructions

• Adoption or ownership papers

• Recent test results (like fel for dogs or FeLV/FIV for cats)

• Contact information for your regular vet and your nearest VEG

Make an evacuation plan for pets

If you need to leave home, know where pets are welcome.

• Look up emergency shelters that allow pets

• Ask family or friends outside the storm zone if you can stay with them

• Identify local pet-friendly hotels as a backup

• Practice getting your pet into their carrier calmly

• Make sure your pet’s ID tags are current and securely attached

VEG animal hospitals are open for emergency and urgent care 24 hours a day. If you're experiencing any emergency, come in; no appointment taken or needed.

How to help pets after a severe storm

Anyone who's been through a severe weather-related storm can tell you that the aftermath can be exhausting. You, your family, and neighbors, will have much to manage. Remember, your pets don't understand a hurricane or tornado. To them, it felt like the end of the world, so they may need extra TLC.

Read on to learn how to comfort your pet and help them cope after a hurricane or other weather disaster.

Caring for your pet after a storm

Once the storm has passed, do a careful inspection of your surroundings before letting your pet roam. Floodwater, broken glass, power lines, and debris can pose serious risks.

Some pets may have a hard time settling down after a big storm. Signs of stress can include:

• Trembling

• Hiding

• Vocalizing

• Pacing

• Not eating

Stick to your routines as much as possible and give them extra love and reassurance. If something doesn’t seem right or you’re worried about their health or behavior, don’t hesitate to call or visit VEG.

What to do if you find a lost pet

After a hurricane or other extreme storm, pets often get separated from their families. If you find a stray animal, bring them to a local shelter, general practitioner vet, or animal rehabilitation center to scan for a microchip and help reunite them with their owner.

If you find a pet that's injured or in distress, bring them to VEG ER for Pets, and we can also scan for a microchip and provide medical attention the pet needs.

VEG is open 24 hours a day for emergency vet care

If you're evacuating, bring your emergency kit, documents, and your pet with you. Never leave them behind. If you arrive at a shelter that doesn't take pets, have your backup plan ready.

When the storm clears, VEG is still here. If after a storm, your pet still needs a little extra care, come see us—no appointments taken. Just walk in.

Some pets may be shaken up, others might not feel their best. That’s completely normal, and our expert ER vet staff is here to offer high-quality emergency vet care. Keep us in your contacts to save precious time in case of emergency.

Our doors are open 24/7, and our emergency veterinarians are ready to treat everything from minor concerns to urgent situations, including:

• Scrapes or injuries from debris

• Upset stomach from spoiled food or dirty water

• Dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Stress-related behavior changes

• Surgery or overnight monitoring, if needed

We care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals — and you can stay with your pet the entire time. Storms are unpredictable. Finding help for your pet shouldn’t be.