AVMA Offers Advice for Keeping Pets Safe during Natural Disasters and Severe Summer Weather Conditions

With forecasters predicting sweltering temperatures and an above-average hurricane and tornado season across much of the country, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is urging pet owners to take steps now to protect their animals. AVMA President Dr. Sandra Faeh is offering expert advice to help ensure pets stay safe and healthy through the challenges of summer weather.

“Summer weather provides a variety of hazardous conditions for indoor and outdoor pets alike,” said Faeh. ”There are preventive steps and actions you can take to help keep your pets safe.”

When severe weather is forecast:

• Create an evacuation plan, including how pets will be transported, mapped out in advance.
• Connect with family and friends to determine places to go and means of travel.
• Assemble an evacuation kit including several days’ pet food, medications, a first aid kit, and medical records with veterinarian information.
• Make sure your pet has proper and up-to-date ID tags and a microchip, in case you get separated.
• Contact your veterinarian for advice on how to keep your pet calm during weather emergencies.

In the sizzling heat of summer:

• Walk your dog early in the morning and/or later in the evening.
• Make sure to bring plenty of water with you.
• Stay on grassy areas with shade whenever possible.
• Be mindful not to leave your dog outside longer than necessary – even if they want to stay outside in the sun.
• Keep the air conditioning on indoors.
• If a pet has light skin or thin fur, apply some pet-safe sunscreen.
• Always watch a pet in a pool, and use a life vest in deep water.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows signs of heat stress, which include excessive panting or drooling, increased heart rate, pale gums, lethargy, fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Log on to www.avma.org for more valuable information about pets, summer heat, and disaster preparedness planning. 

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Posted by Liz on Jul 30 2025. Filed under Current Articles, Featured, Health & Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.