Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Dog Welfare in Extreme Weather

Extreme weather events including heatwaves, floods, and storms create acute welfare challenges for dogs, requiring preparation and rapid response.

Key Facts

Heatwaves cause heatstroke in dogs within minutes of exposure in high temperatures
Flood events strand dogs and disrupt veterinary care access significantly
Storm events cause acute anxiety in up to 40% of dogs through thunder and wind noise
Emergency evacuation plans including pet-friendly shelters reduce welfare harm in disasters
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events affecting pets

Welfare Considerations

Extreme weather creates acute welfare emergencies for dogs. Preparation including emergency kits, evacuation plans, and anxiety management prevents the worst welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Create a pet emergency kit and evacuation plan for extreme weather events
Identify pet-friendly emergency shelters in your area
Prepare anxiety management strategies before storm seasons