How to reduce pet anxiety during storms
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Loud cracks of thunder and heavy winds can be scary for anyone, including pets.
It’s a serious concern, Wayside Waifs can see an influx of animals who got loose during storms due to the panic.
As storms continue to roll in, the organization suggests pet owners double-check their ID tags and even microchips to make sure information is correct and up to date.
Pet owners can also try and prevent the panic animals may experience during a storm by putting them in a cage, a safe place they prefer or snuggling with their favorite toys and blankets.
If you seek shelter in a storm, make sure you take the animal with you or put them in a safe location. Anxiety can be minimized by putting the pet in a snug t-shirt to comfort them during the anxiety and keeping them inside to cut down on the amount of noise they can hear from the storm.
Casey Waugh, the communications manager at Wayside Waifs, says they’ve gotten creative when it comes to minimizing the sound of storms.
“So here we try to reduce their anxiety, whether it be through playing some calm music or sitting with them and spending one-on-one time, just whatever we can to help ease them a little bit,” she said.
Monday, spa music played throughout the room where they hold the dogs available for adoption. Many of them had extra blankets and toys around, too.
Even if you know your pet to be fine during storms, that can always change with age. Keep an eye out for excessive panting or pacing during severe weather.
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