Crazy Weather & Your Pets Odd Behaviors: Helping Your Pet Weather The Storm

Summertime often brings crazy weather; wind one day, storms the next. As the temperature heats up, you may be concerned with the wellbeing of your outside dog. As the lightning strikes, be wondering whether or not your pooch is safe. More than likely, the shelter you have provided him is adequate, but it’s never a bad idea to bring him out of the rain. So, what exactly constitutes a weather emergency, and when should you bring your outside dog inside?

Temperature: If your pet is kept outdoors, then he probably doesn’t see the inside of your home often. In the winter, most owners will bring their pets indoors (even just inside the garage) if the temperature drops below a certain degree. Many owners don’t regard the heat of the summer the same way they regard the cold of the winter. However, summer heat can be more life threatening than winter cold. You need to figure out just how hot is too hot. This will be dependent on the area where you live. For instance, 80 degrees with high humidity is much more miserable than 80 degrees with low or little humidity. You don’t necessarily have to have a specific temperature that means your pooch must be brought inside. Instead, make judgments based on the way you feel. If you walk outside and can only handle the heat for a couple of minutes, then assume that your dog feels the same way. At least bring your pooch indoors during the hottest part of the day, and put him back outdoors as the temperature wanes.

Storms: If your pet has lived his entire life outdoors, then a little rain may not bother him. If a big storm rolls through with constant thunder and lightening, then consider taking your pet inside. He is more than likely safe in his living quarters, but taking him out of the storm can keep his fear and anxiety down. If he is especially fearful, then take him inside and play games with him to keep his mind off of the storm.

A pet should never be left outdoors in the event of a tornado, a hurricane, or a flood. Take care of a pet just as you would a family member; you wouldn’t let your child walk outside during a tornado. If it is a weather emergency, then include your pet in your family’s emergency plan. If there is a special area of the house where you seek shelter, make sure you take your pet with you!

Preparation: Your outside dog probably does not know the inside rules, so don’t expect him to behave perfectly when you take him inside. In preparation for such a situation, have a crate on hand. You can even use the carrier that you use to transport your pet. Make the crate or carrier comfortable for your pooch by adding padding and blankets. Throw in a couple of toys and a handful of treats and you are ready to go. Try not to leave your pet alone once you bring him inside. He may be confused or anxious about why he is indoors in the first place. Talk to him and play with him as much as possible.

Don’t get angry with your pup if he acts out. He may be fearful of the thunder or the bright flashes of lightening. If possible, take him to an area with few or no windows, but do not leave him alone. Even taking your pooch into the garage or carport is safer than leaving him outside. Use a crate in these areas too, so that he is kept away from items that can harm him (i.e. antifreeze).

Your pet deserves a cool, dry place to take shelter. If the temperature gets too hot, bring your pet inside for a couple of hours, at least until the temperature cools. If a storm is rolling in, then provide a place for your pet to stay indoors. A crate or a travel carrier works great, since your pet probably does not know the household rules. Make sure he is comfortable, and try not to leave him alone. Leaving him by himself in a strange place can make him anxious or fearful. Treat your pooch like a family member, and protect him from the weather!