Thunderstorms and Pets
PIA Australia
April 22, 2015
Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is urging all pet owners to take care over this stormy Autumn.
“Many pets can end up with injuries caused by vicious storms,” Nadia Crighton spokesperson for PIA says. “Some animals suffer from a form of anxiety that can be brought on suddenly from thunderstorms, known as storm-phobia.”
Signs of anxiety vary, however many include;
• Rapid or excessive panting
• Yawning
• Licking
• Pacing
• Drooling
• Trembling
• Vocalisation
• Destructive Behaviour
PIA is advising pet owners to seek veterinary advice if they suspect their pet is suffering from storm anxiety before the animal is put in harms way.
“There are a range of treatment options available to those who have pets that are petrified of storms and the static electricity that comes along with them.”
For pets that are not storm phobic additional checks should also be considered during wild and unpredictable weather. Ensuring your pet has adequate, safe shelter is vital, particularly during high wind and hailstorm activity.
“Storms tend to hit hard and fast so assuming that there will not be a bad storm before you leave for work, may be a completely different story come 4pm,” Crighton suggests.
“Always check your trees after a storm and pop your dogs kennel in a safe area away from areas that could be affected by fallen branches, or large hail-stones.”
Crighton also suggest checking cat-flaps daily to ensure branches do not obstruct them while also considering putting your animals indoors in a ‘safe room’ during predicted destructive storm activity.
Keeping microchip and registration information updated with your local council can also assist in finding your pet if something goes wrong during a storm.
“Fences get damaged, gates blow open and pets get lost during storms of any degree,” Crighton says.
“Many times people forget to update their microchip information and the fact is; microchips reunite lost animals with owners, quickly.”
ENDS
Nadia Crighton – nadia@staging.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au
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Contact information: Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia, 95 Sixth Road, Berkshire Park, New South Wales 2765
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