PRESS RELEASE

Help Your Pets Brave Severe Weather Conditions

New Orleans (7/06/05) – The Louisiana SPCA is reminding all pet owners to include their pets in severe weather preparation and to remember that high winds, thunder and lightening can be traumatic to some pets during heavy storm periods associated with tropical storms and hurricanes.

Loud sounds, such as thunderous lightening claps, often produce anxiety, fear and a need to escape in pets during rainstorms, and the LA/SPCA often sees increased reports of family pets that have run away from home. The following helpful hints can help your pets brave the weather and reduce their fear and anxiety.

CREATE A SAFE PLACE
Try to create a safe place from their perspective, not yours. If the animal is trying to get under your bed, give them access to your bedroom. You can also create a "hidey-hole" that is dark, small, and shielded from the frightening sound as much as possible, but your pet must be able to come and go from this location freely.

DISTRACT YOUR DOG
This method works best when your dog is just beginning to get anxious. Encourage them to engage in any activity that captures their attention and distracts her from behaving fearfully.

DE-SENSITIZE THEM TO FRIGHTENING SOUNDS
Over a period of time, begin by exposing your dog to an intensity level of noise that doesn't frighten her and pairing the noise with something pleasant, like a treat or a fun game. However, professional guidance by a trained professional such as an animal behaviorist is greatly encouraged when using this method.

CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN
Medication may be available which can help reduce your dog's anxiety levels for short time periods, but a veterinarian is the only person who is qualified and licensed to prescribe medication for your dog.

During the hurricane season the LA/SPCA is also reminding residents to include pets in the evacuation plans should they decide to evacuate. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME; BEGIN PLANNING NOW. Visit www.petswelcome.com or www.dogfriendly.com for a listing of pet-friendly hotels; and when traveling with your pet make sure to use safe pet carriers. Do not be abandon or drop off animals at a local shelter. The LA/SPCA will also evacuate during severe hurricane threats.

PETS SHOULD NOT BE TIED TO TREES OR FENCES. Like humans, they virtually have no chance of surviving the elements. Also, remember to keep your pet’s vaccinations current and store the records in an accessible place. Make sure the pet has a properly fitted collar with identification and rabies tags attached. This could be your pet’s round trip ticket home in the event they get lost.

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