Public Advisory

LOUISIANA SPCA URGES PET OWNERS TO PROTECT THEIR PETS
FROM TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED -  Hurricane IKE

New Orleans, LA (09-11-08) - Although our area will not be directly impacted by Hurricane Ike the Louisiana SPCA is urging all pet owners to protect their pets from tropical storm conditions. Pets should be kept indoors and protected from high winds and flying debris. High winds, thunder and lightening can be traumatic to some pets during heavy storm periods associated with tropical storms and hurricane force winds.

Loud sounds, such as thunderous lightening claps, often produce anxiety, fear and a need to escape in pets during rainstorms, and the LA/SPCA often sees increased reports of family pets that have run away from home. The LA/SPCA urges pet owners to take the following steps to help their pets brave the weather and reduce their fear and anxiety.

PETS SHOULD BE KEPT INSIDE
If your pet normally lives outside, bring them inside during this time. Use a crate, kennel or other type of temporary housing, or set up a safe place for them in a separate room of the house.

PETS SHOULD NOT BE TIED TO TREES OR FENCES
Like humans, they virtually have no chance of surviving the elements. Also, remember to keep your pet’s vaccinations current and store the records in an accessible place. Make sure the pet has a properly fitted collar with identification and rabies tags attached. This could be your pet’s round trip ticket home in the event they get lost.

CREATE A SAFE PLACE
Try to create a safe place from their perspective, not yours. If the animal is trying to get under your bed, give them access to your bedroom. You can also create a "hidey-hole" that is dark, small, and shielded from the frightening sound as much as possible, but your pet must be able to come and go from this location freely.

DISTRACT YOUR DOG
This method works best when your dog is just beginning to get anxious. Encourage them to engage in any activity that captures their attention and distracts her from behaving fearfully.

DE-SENSITIZE THEM TO FRIGHTENING SOUNDS
Over a period of time, begin by exposing your dog to an intensity level of noise that doesn't frighten her and pairing the noise with something pleasant, like a treat or a fun game. However, professional guidance by a trained professional such as an animal behaviorist is greatly encouraged when using this method.

CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN
Medication may be available which can help reduce your dog's anxiety levels for short time periods, but a veterinarian is the only person who is qualified and licensed to prescribe medication for your dog.

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