Keeping Your Pets Safe During Severe Weather: Your Complete Guide

As St. Louis pet parents, we're no strangers to wild weather. From spring thunderstorms to tornado warnings, our city sees it all. At House of Paws Pet Care, we know that preparing for severe weather with pets requires special consideration. Let's talk about how to keep your furry family members safe when storms roll through the Gateway City.

Building Your Pet's Emergency Kit

The key to weather preparedness is having everything you need before the sirens start. Your pet emergency kit should be stored in an easily accessible container and include about a week's worth of food and water. Don't forget medications, medical records, and comfort items like their favorite toy. We also recommend keeping recent photos of your pets (just in case) and ensuring your contact information is up to date on their ID tags and microchips.

Creating a Safe Haven

Every St. Louis home needs a designated safe space during severe weather. Typically, this is a basement or interior room away from windows. Make this space comfortable and familiar to your pets before an emergency strikes. Consider keeping their carrier or bed there, along with some familiar toys. The more comfortable they are with this space during normal times, the easier it will be to get them there during an emergency.

Reading Your Pet's Weather Warnings

Our four-legged friends often sense incoming storms before we do. You might notice your pet pacing unusually, hiding in unusual spots, or becoming extra clingy. Some pets might pant more or vocalize their concerns through increased barking or meowing. These behaviors are their way of telling us something's up – and in St. Louis, it often means weather is approaching.

Staying Calm in the Storm

When severe weather hits, your pet will look to you for cues. Keep your voice steady and calm, even if tornado sirens are blaring. Many pets find comfort in white noise or calming music to drown out the storm. If your pet has storm anxiety, talk to your vet about solutions like anxiety wraps or thunder shirts. Remember, our furry friends pick up on our energy, so staying calm helps them stay calm too.

After the Storm Passes

Once the weather clears, take precautions before returning to normal routines. Check your yard for fallen branches or debris before letting dogs out. Keep cats inside until things settle down, as storms can displace local wildlife and create unusual hazards. Watch your pet for continued signs of stress, as some may need extra comfort even after the weather improves.

St. Louis Weather Ready

Living in St. Louis means being weather-aware year-round. Our area averages 27 severe thunderstorm watches annually, making pet preparedness essential. Keep your vet's emergency number handy, and know which local animal emergency clinics are open 24/7. And remember, House of Paws Pet Care is here to help if severe weather strikes while you're away from home.

How House of Paws Pet Care Helps During Severe Weather

When severe weather strikes while you're away, having a trusted pet care partner becomes invaluable. At House of Paws Pet Care, we don't just check on your pets – we're your eyes, ears, and emergency response team on the ground in St. Louis.

Our Proactive Approach Includes:

• Monitoring local weather conditions and alerts

• Adjusting visit times to avoid severe weather when possible

• Securing outdoor furniture or items that could become hazards

• Checking your home for storm damage or power outages

• Moving pets to safe areas when needed

• Maintaining constant communication with you about your home and pets

• Following your emergency protocols and veterinary contacts if needed

But don't just take our word for it. Here's what one of our clients, Erin H., shared about her experience:

"Maris and team went above and beyond this weekend. We were out of town when a big storm hit and took out several power lines and trees in our neighborhood. This did not stop the team though, they parked and walked to our house and then took care of a very scared house pig who did not want to cooperate with anyone. The team was patient with her and got her outside for potty breaks and mealtime. Words cannot express how grateful we are to the House of Paws team for taking such good care of Miss Olive."

Stories like Erin's highlight why having a dedicated pet care team is crucial during severe weather season. Whether you have a nervous house pig like Miss Olive or a storm-anxious pup, our experienced team knows how to keep your pets calm and safe during challenging weather conditions.

When you're away, the last thing you need is to worry about your pets during a storm. Our team goes the extra mile (sometimes literally, through storm debris!) to ensure your pets receive the care they need, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. We'll keep you updated with photos, detailed visit notes, and immediate communication if any concerns arise.

Planning a trip during storm season?

Let's chat about creating a weather emergency plan for your pets. Contact House of Paws Pet Care today to learn more about how we can provide peace of mind during your next away-from-home adventure! Being prepared isn't about being paranoid – it's about having peace of mind knowing your whole family, including the four-legged members, will be safe when severe weather strikes. We're committed to helping our St. Louis pet community stay safe and sound, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Questions about pet weather safety? Need help developing your pet's emergency plan? Reach out to our team at House of Paws Pet Care. We're here to help our St. Louis pet family stay safe and comfortable through every season!