Florida just endured a destructive hurricane, and as pet owners, part of our preparedness plan must include ways to keep our dogs safe, calm, and secure during these stressful times. When you shelter in place during a storm—whether at a friend’s house, hotel, or even a public shelter—it can be stressful for dogs, especially if it’s somewhere completely unfamiliar. The good news is that there are several things you can do to help your dog adjust to a new environment and stay calm during the storm.
Pack Familiar Items and Create a Safe Space
Most dogs are highly attuned to their immediate surroundings, and unfamiliar environments can easily cause anxiety. Pack familiar items like your dog’s favorite toys, blankets, or beds when preparing to shelter in place. Household items carry familiar scents of home and can give your dog a sense of security in an uncomfortable and scary setting.
Additionally, if your dog is used to being in a crate, bringing it along can be an excellent way to provide them with a safe and comfortable spot. For dogs that aren’t crate trained, now is an excellent time to consider introducing it as part of your hurricane preparedness plan. A crate can act as a personal refuge during stressful moments, making your life as an owner much easier, limiting the need to always control and monitor them.
If you bring it along, the dog’s crate or bed should be in a quiet corner, away from windows, to reduce exposure to wind noise, rain, and other stressors. This setup gives your dog a “safe zone” to retreat to when the storm becomes overwhelming or they need to relax.
Use Calming Tools and Techniques
In the middle of a hurricane, there are several ways to soothe your dog and keep them relaxed. There are even specific products like calming collars, anxiety wraps, and scent diffusers that can help reduce stress.
In addition to these products, your own behavior plays a role in calming your dog. Dogs often mirror their owner’s emotions, so staying calm and composed can be just as important for you as your dog. Speak to your dog in a soothing voice like you would on a normal day, and avoid raising their anxiety levels through sudden movements or loud noises. If you notice your dog pacing or showing signs of anxiety, be by their side and take their mind off their surroundings.
Stick to a Routine If You Can
Even during a storm, maintaining some semblance of a routine can help your dog feel more at ease. As most owners know, dogs are creatures of habit, so disruptions to their normal schedule can increase stress. If possible, attempt to feed them, walk them (when safe to do so), and play with them at the same times you would on a typical day.
If weather conditions or shelter restrictions prevent outdoor walks, use indoor spaces for short play sessions. You may not have as many opportunities as at home, but burning off nervous energy and tiring them out enough to nap through the storm can simplify the sheltering process and let you focus on your immediate family’s concerns.
Prepare for Future Hurricanes with Training
If your dog struggled with the stress of sheltering in place during this hurricane, now is the time to plan ahead for next year. If you start now, future storms will be more manageable, safer, and enjoyable for everyone.
The easiest way to practice is by bringing your dog to unfamiliar environments like a friend’s house or even pet-friendly stores during non-emergency situations. The more they are exposed to different environments, the more adaptable they will become when their cooperation is dearly needed in future storms and dangerous moments.
If anxiety in unfamiliar areas continues to be an issue, a professional dog trainer may be able to help reinforce these skills and address your dog’s anxiety-related behavior. Sheltering in place with your dog during a hurricane is rarely simple, but with a bit of preparation and training, you can make the experience less stressful for both of you.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training can be your training partner to help your dog overcome anxiety and become chiller when emergencies arise. Our training programs are designed to help all types of dogs, and we would love to teach your pup how to be brave when it matters most. Contact us today to learn more.
