Dogs and cats can develop new anxieties and behavioral issues during recovery from natural disasters. To help pet families navigate the aftermath of major traumatic events, we asked Dr. Kwane Stewart, Founder of Project Street Vet and Fetch Pet Insurance Veterinary Advisory Board member, to share his top tips to promote healing for furry family members.
This advice is particularly resonant as the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey estimates that over 4 million Americans were displaced due to a natural disaster in the last year. The recent devastating storms, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, have only added to the suffering — and since more than half of U.S. households include a pet (66% according to American Pet Products Association), we know both pets and their people are in need. Here are Dr. Stewart’s tips for relief and recovery in these difficult times.
Dr. Stewart's tips for pet parents:
- Recognize trauma: Your pet may have experienced trauma during the disaster, which can lead to changes in behavior that require patience and understanding. Allow your pet to adjust at their own pace, avoiding punishment for stress-related behaviors and consistently offer reassurance through gentle interactions and a calm demeanor.
- Adjust to new environments: If you've been displaced or you are living in shelters, your pet may need time to acclimate to new surroundings. Create a safe, quiet space for them to relax. This can be achieved by setting up a familiar crate or bed in a low-traffic area, using blankets or towels to create a den-like atmosphere, and including items that smell like home, such as their favorite toy or your unwashed T-shirt.
- Maintain routines: Try to stick to familiar feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as much as possible to provide a sense of normalcy. Reinforce these routines by using consistent verbal cues or signals for each activity, and offer praise and small treats to create positive associations with these routines, helping your pet feel more secure and comforted in their new environment.
- Address medical needs: Ensure your pet receives necessary medical attention promptly. Stress can exacerbate existing health conditions or cause new ones. Be vigilant for signs of disaster-related health issues such as injuries, respiratory problems from smoke, water exposure or debris inhalation, gastrointestinal upset from dietary changes or contaminated water and skin irritations or infections from exposure to flood waters or unsanitary conditions.
- Emotional support: Spend extra time with your pet, offering comfort. Use gentle, slow petting or grooming to provide physical reassurance. Speak in a calm, soothing voice, using your pet's name and positive words they associate with safety and comfort. Practice deep breathing or meditation near your pet, as animals often mirror their owners' emotional states. For dogs, consider gentle massage techniques to alleviate stress. For cats, respect their need for space while ensuring they know the family is available. Remember, a consistent presence and calm demeanor are powerful tools to help pets feel secure during stressful times.
- Gradual reintroduction: If your pet has become fearful of certain stimuli (like loud noises), work on desensitization gradually and positively. Start by exposing your pet to a very low-intensity version of the feared stimulus, such as playing recorded thunder sounds at a barely audible level. Pair this with positive experiences like treats or playtime. Slowly increase the intensity over time as your pet becomes more comfortable. Never force your pet to confront their fears, and always move at their pace. For severe cases, consult a professional animal behaviorist.
- Exercise and mental stimulation: Regular exercise and engaging activities can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in pets. Physical activity helps release endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators. For dogs, daily walks or play sessions can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation through exposure to new sights and smells. Cats benefit from interactive play sessions with toys that mimic prey. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can keep both dogs and cats mentally engaged, redirecting their focus from stressors to problem-solving. These activities not only help burn excess energy that might otherwise manifest as anxiety-driven behavior but also reinforce the pet-human bond, providing a sense of security and normalcy.
- Consider professional help: Treatment for behavioral issues such as anxiety or depression can be costly but helpful to your pet. If you have pet insurance, consultations with a vet to diagnose and treat new behavioral disorders may be covered. "Fetch covers this valuable service," notes Dr. Stewart. Professionals can also provide specialized assistance for pets struggling with trauma. They can assess your pet's specific needs, develop a tailored behavior modification plan and teach you techniques to help your pet overcome fear, anxiety or stress-related behaviors. These experts can also address more complex issues such as aggression or severe phobias that may have developed or worsened due to the disaster experience.
To support disaster relief, the Fetch community has donated $416,000 to the Humane Society of the United States Emergency Animal Relief Fund.
