Protecting You and Your Furry Friends During Storms

Thunderstorms can be a scary time for your furry friends. Many are prone to hiding or violently shaking out of fear. Here are some safety tips to help keep your pets safe during thunderstorms:

• Bring pets inside: If you have any outdoor pets, bring them inside for safety. Even if they have an outdoor shelter, they are much safer inside your home. Your pets may hide under a vehicle, which could get struck by lightning and ultimately hurt or kill them from the electric surge. Your pets may also wander off to look for a safe place. Having them inside allows you to know where exactly your pets are.
• Remove all metal from your pets: Metal collars, leashes and harnesses can be dangerous for your pets if they end up experiencing the effect of lightning as metal can transmit electricity. If your pet finds themselves in a tight space, a metal collar or harness could trap or restrain your pet from getting out. 
• Have your pets microchipped: This allows people to be able to contact you if your pet wanders off during a storm. All vet’s or shelters have the ability to scan for microchips, which will show your contact information as well as any health issues or important medication they may need.
• Have a safe space for your pets or try products to calm them: Creating a cozy corner will help your pets feel a bit safer during a storm. For cats, most are fine with a cat tree or other nook and crannies for them to hide in. For dogs, chew toys, treats and blankets are all things they love. There are also products on the market specifically designed to help pets in thunderstorms. For dogs, anxiety reducing vests can help calm them while cats may feel calm with pheromone diffusers. Also remember to stay calm yourself as your pets can sense how you are feeling.
• If outside walking your dog: The best place to take shelter is within an enclosed structure like a house or shed. If you cannot find a place inside, stay away from any tall objects or structures like trees and avoid climbing on top of anything. Also avoid any metal objects like a metal fence or light pole that could conduct electricity.

Ultimately the best place to be during a thunderstorm is in your home. The safest place in your home is an interior room without windows or exterior doors on the lowest level. This can be an interior closet or bathroom or in the central part of your basement. Avoid running any water as plumbing pipes can still conduct electricity. Concrete floors can also transmit electricity as well, so if your basement has that, find a different spot to hunker down with your pets. You may also wonder when it will be safe to return outside to let your pets go to the bathroom. It is best to wait at least 30 minutes since the last crack of thunder and lightning strike, but the longer the better as lightning can still strike several miles outside the original storm cloud. 

These tips will help ensure you and your furry friends stay safe during severe weather in your area. And remember to always stay calm to reduce your pets anxiety.

Source: PetMD
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