Help! El Nino is Freaking Out my Pets!

By MIRNA ALFONSO (Patch Staff)

Pets are like humans; they look for warmth, safety and shelter from rain.

A humane society in Southern California on Wednesday reminded pet owners that their animals should be indoors, not outside in a dog house or garage.

“If it’s not possible for your pets to stay inside while you’re gone, make sure they have warm shelter in a place that won’t flood,” said information officer John Van Zante of the Encinitas-based Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

“If your pet is already cold and wet, it’s even worse if they have no way to escape rising water,” Van Zante said.

Owners can help their pets stay comfortable by following a few guidelines:

• Reassure your pet that everything is fine. Speak in a soothing voice. Remember that your pets can tell when you’re upset.
• Make sure they have access to their “safe zones” to hide if they need to. This might be a crate, an open closet, or other room where they have access to food, water, and blankets or beds.
• You might try a “Thunder Shirt.” A Thunder Shirt is a form fitting wrap that gives pets the feeling of being hugged. The shirts come in a variety of sizes and they are adjustable to fit individual pets.
• Leave them with something that smells like you. Your scent helps to reassure pets when they are frightened or unsure. Leaving them with a shirt, towel, or blanket that smells like you can reassure frightened pets.
• DO NOT force them out of a place where they feel safe. If your cat or dog hides under a bed, behind the couch, or in a closet…leave it there. Try coaxing it out with treats or affection, but do not force your pet to leave the place it feels safe.

One of the care providers in the kennels at Rancho Coastal gives her dog half of a Benadryl to keep it calm. Pet owners should check with their veterinarians before giving pets any medication.

For cats, many veterinary professionals recommend using a synthetic pheromone spray such as Feliway. Feliway imitates the pheromone that a mother cat releases to her kittens, helping to calm frightened cats. It’s available at most pet supply stores.

(Information from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society)