Help for Pets Who Survive Hurricanes 

& Other Disasters

 

 

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the US Gulf coast and affected the lives of countless thousands of people. Although human lives are of paramount importance, we also anguish for the many pets who became homeless, abandoned, hungry, terrified and lost because of this storm and all the others that are sure to follow. Some pets will be reunited with their original families and make fresh starts. Others may be adopted by new families, if they are lucky. Change is, by definition, stress. Change brought on by sudden and intensely negative situations is, by definition, traumatic stress.

 

Many of the nonhuman victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters who are fortunate enough to survive will develop psychological disturbances because of their terrible experiences.  The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) www.dacvb.org is the organization of veterinarians who are recognized as specialists in animal behavior (Dr. Schwartz aka Dr. Cookie® is a proud member of this special group).  Please contact them for the nearest veterinary behavior specialist near you or ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behavior specialist in your area. Remember, dog trainers and other non-veterinary 'behaviorists' are not truly qualified to help with pet behavior problems of this nature (& many others).

 

We anticipate that many pets who live through major storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes and other disasters will be at higher risk to  develop anxiety disorders (panic attacks,  fear, separation anxiety syndrome, noise & storm phobia) and other behavior problems. Pets with no prior nervousness or skittishness may become anxious and those who showed a predisposition before their traumatic experience could get worse. 

 

Pets with no previous tendency toward aggressive before terrifying events such as 2005's hurricane Katrina may also develop aggressive tendencies because of their recent experiences. Pets can't tell us what happened to them during their ordeal; snapping, nipping, growling, hissing, scratching and biting may be the first reaction they have right now, even toward those who try to rescue them. Their feistiness is what helped them to live through the storm. We hope that rescuers and caregivers will avoid direct eye contact as they approach all pets slowly and calmly. Speak to them in soft, reassuring voices.  Don't forgot they are survivors, too.  

 

Time and patience are often the best medicines, but some pets will require the professional care of a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.  Beyond treatment and recovery from any physical injuries they may have suffered, these pets may benefit from psychoactive medications to help them feel less anxious and better able to cope with the introduction to their new lives after their ordeal. Veterinarians who specialize in behavior problems are best prepared to prescribe these medications and to outline a program of retraining exercises to help pets regain their emotional balance.  The sooner these pets get the help they need and deserve, the better their lives will be. Remember, intense fear and anxiety should be considered forms of pain that deserve immediate treatment.

 

Familiar routine always feels comforting. Provide food and fresh water on a regular schedule for caged or fostered animals. To minimize fear and competition between stray pets, disperse food and water at regular intervals and at many stations rather than clumping the resources.  

 

If your pet is suffering from post-traumatic distress because of natural disasters & other traumatic events:

As you and your pets adapt to and overcome the devastation caused by the catastrophic events in your lives, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Survival is the first step. The second step is Healing.  We hope that the information and contacts provided above will help you and your beloved companions recover quickly and with God's love.