Being with your pet when the weather is nice can be a great feeling. Unfortunately, sometimes the weather in our part of Tennessee isn’t as nice. Tornadoes and hailstorms can develop suddenly, leaving families with only minutes to react. When preparing for these weather emergencies, it’s just as important to consider your pets’ safety as your own. Veterinary Home Healthcare & Canine Chiropractic is committed to helping pet owners keep their four-legged family members safe, no matter the weather.
Pet Risks During Severe Weather
Pets experience storms differently from humans. The loud sounds of hail, the pressure changes before a tornado, and the chaos of sudden evacuations can cause extreme stress. Some pets may bolt and run, while others may hide in unsafe places. Severe storms can also damage fencing, shatter windows, and create dangerous debris that puts pets in harm’s way.
Steps to Getting Your Pets Prepared
Step 1. Identify a Safe Shelter Spot
Designate a secure location in your home where the whole family (including pets) can ride out severe weather like tornadoes. Ideally, this should be a basement, storm shelter, or an interior room without windows. Make sure the space is large enough to accommodate crates, carriers, or bedding for your pets.
Step 2. Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Have a ready-to-go kit for your pets in case you need to evacuate or are displaced due to damage to your home. Include:
- 3–5 days of food and bottled water
- Medications and health records in a waterproof pouch
- Leashes, collars, and carriers
- A pet first aid kit
- Comfort items (a toy or blanket)
- Sanitation supplies such as litter, waste bags, and paper towels
Step 3. Keep Identification Current
Collars with ID tags and/or microchips are so important in case pets are separated during a storm. Keep microchip contact information updated and carry recent photos of your pets for identification if needed.
Step 4. Protect Pets from Hail-Related Injuries
Hail can cause serious injury to pets caught outdoors. During hailstorms, keep pets indoors and away from windows.
Step 5. Practice Storm Drills
Pets may resist entering carriers or moving to storm shelters if they’re not used to it. Practice tornado drills with your pets, rewarding them with treats and praise, so they learn the routine before an actual emergency.
Veterinary Care as Part of Preparedness
Preventive veterinary care is an important part of storm readiness. Keeping vaccines and parasite prevention up to date ensures your pet is healthy if evacuation or boarding becomes necessary, or if your pet gets lost during severe weather. Your veterinarian can also review guidance on emergency kits, storm anxiety management, and health concerns that may arise after severe weather.
Preventive Veterinary Care in Martin, TN
Tornadoes and hailstorms are unpredictable, but with preparation, you can protect your pets from harm. A safe shelter and updated veterinary care make all the difference when severe weather strikes. Veterinary Home Healthcare & Canine Chiropractic supports pet owners with in-home veterinary care in Martin, Union City, Troy, and nearby areas. Get guidance for keeping pets safe through every season’s challenges. Contact us for expert advice and integrative veterinary care.
