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Pets Corner:Paws Before the Storm: Prepping Your Pup for Wild Weather
- Jacqui Grant
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Connect & Grow Magazine: Issue 19: April 2025
Cyclone Alfred didn’t hit as hard as predicted, but it still had us panic-buying toilet paper (seriously, why is that always the first thing to go?). While we’re grateful things weren’t worse, it’s a good reminder that while prepping ourselves, we can’t forget our most important (and fur-covered) family members - our dogs.
So now that we’ve all unclenched a little, let’s talk about five simple things you can do right now to make sure your dog is actually prepared before the next big storm has us all in a spin. (Pun fully intended.)
1. Crate Training – Give Them a VIP Storm Bunker
A crate-trained dog has a safe, cozy retreat when chaos strikes - like their own VIP storm bunker. If you need to evacuate, a crate-trained dog is easier to transport and settle. But don’t introduce it during a storm - start now. Make it fun. Treats are your friend.
2. Pack a Pet Emergency Kit - Because Last-Minute Scrambling is Stressful
Save yourself from running around like a headless chook by keeping a ready-to-go kit. Include:✅ 3–5 days of food & water (non-perishable - because Uber Eats won’t deliver in a cyclone)✅ Medications & vet records (because emergencies don’t pause for prescriptions)✅ Comfort items (favourite blanket or toy for emotional support)
3. Microchip & ID Tags – Because Wild Weather + Dogs = Potential Houdini Escapes
If your dog pulls a vanishing act in the storm, updated ID tags and microchip details are your best bet for a fast reunion. Double-check that everything is current - because a microchip registered to your old address isn’t much help.
4. Stock Up on Calming Aids – Help Your Dog Zen Out
Storms are scary, but prepping calming aids in advance can help. Some pup-approved chill-out options:🌩 Thundershirt (like a weighted blanket, but for dogs)🌩 Adaptil spray (dog-appeasing pheromones that whisper, “It’s cool, buddy.”)🌩 Vet-prescribed anti-anxiety meds (talk to your vet before the sky starts growling)
5. After the Storm – Assess the Damage Before Unleashing the Beast
The storm might be over, but hazards remain. Before letting your dog loose, check for:⚠️ Fallen power lines (electricity and wet paws don’t mix)
⚠️ Broken fences (prime escape opportunity)⚠️ Sharp debris (glass, nails, and mystery objects - yum)⚠️ Displaced wildlife (snake season just got interesting)
Even confident dogs can feel off after a storm. Keep routines normal, offer reassurance, and if they’re still acting like a nervous wreck, reach out to an experienced canine behaviour professional.
Final Thought – Be Their Calm in the Storm
Your dog doesn’t understand what’s happening but looks to you for reassurance. Stay calm, be prepared, and make sure they feel safe - because dogs don’t just share our homes, they share our lives (and, let’s be honest, most of our furniture).
Written by
Sarah Rutten
Canine Behaviour Specialist
#1 Amazon Best-Selling Author
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