Vet Shares Tips on How to Keep Pets Safe During Storm Éowyn

Following the Met Office's announcement of rare Red Weather Warnings for parts of the UK[1], Storm Éowyn is expected to bring winds of up to 100mph, with the worst conditions predicted between 7am and 2pm on Friday, 24th January.

Pet owners are urged to stay at home and take extra precautions to protect their animals during these challenging conditions.

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home, shares her tips to help pet owners keep their dogs, cats, and small animals safe during the storm:

Dogs:

  1. Keep Them Indoors: Limit outdoor time to avoid hazards such as flying debris. Consider just a quick toilet trip outside as opposed to a long walk.

  2. Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, cosy area with their favourite bedding and toys to help ease anxiety caused by storm sounds.

  3. Stick to Routines: Keep feeding and play schedules, indoors, consistent this can help your dog feel more secure.

  4. Use Background Noise: Calming music or having the TV on louder, can help mask storm sounds and keep your dog relaxed.

  5. Leads for Bathroom Breaks: If your dog must go outside, always keep them on a lead and stay close to home for safety. Ensure they’re wearing their collar with an ID tag.

Cats:

  1. Secure Indoors: Ensure your cat stays indoors, avoiding exposure to high winds.

  2. Provide Hiding Spots: Cats tend to seek secluded spaces in stressful situations; provide them with safe, comfortable hiding spots.

  3. Maintain a Clean Litter Tray: Keep the litter tray clean and accessible and ideally have one tray more than the number of cats in the house

  4. Interactive Play: Use toys to keep your cat distracted from the storm's noise and activity.

Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.):

  1. Bring Hutches Indoors: Move outdoor enclosures indoors where possible, to protect your small pets from the extreme weather.

  2. Add Extra Bedding: If hutches are remaining outdoors, keep them warm by adding extra bedding or insulation to their enclosures. This can help muffle the sound from the storm.

  3. Quiet Rooms: Place their home in quiet, sheltered areas away from windows and drafts to reduce stress.

  4. Check Food and Water: Ensure water bottles are filled and provide extra food to support their energy needs.

  5. Sturdy Enclosures: If it is not possible to move their enclosure inside, ensure hutches are sturdy and cannot be easily tipped over by high winds or sudden gusts. Move hutches to a sheltered location away from falling debris or trees

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies advises that taking these simple, yet effective steps can make a significant difference in your pets' safety and well-being. With a bit of preparation, pet owners can ensure their animals remain protected, comfortable, and stress-free during Storm Éowyn.