Pet Safety During Extreme Weather: How to Protect Your Furry Family
Keep pets safe during extreme weather like heatwaves, storms, and wildfires. Learn practical tips and gear recommendations for your furry family.
8/19/2025
Pet Safety During Extreme Weather: How to Protect Your Furry Family
Keep pets safe during extreme weather like heatwaves, storms, and wildfires. Learn practical tips and gear recommendations for your furry family.
Why Pet Safety Matters During Severe Weather
Pets rely on us to keep them safe, especially when extreme weather strikes. From heatwaves to wildfires to freezing storms, disasters put pets at risk of dehydration, injury, or even separation from their families.
With a little preparation, you can make sure your dog, cat, or other furry companion stays safe, comfortable, and by your side no matter the conditions.
1. Hot Weather & Heatwaves
Pets can overheat quickly — especially breeds with thick coats, short noses (like pugs and bulldogs), or older animals.
Safety Tips:
Never leave pets in cars, even for a few minutes.
Provide shade and plenty of fresh water.
Walk dogs early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Helpful Gear:
Cooling Pet Mat – keeps pets comfortable indoors or outdoors.
Collapsible Pet Water Bowl – perfect for walks or evacuations.
2. Cold Weather & Freezing Temperatures
Pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia, just like humans.
Safety Tips:
Limit outdoor time during freezing temperatures.
Wipe paws to remove ice-melt chemicals that can burn skin.
Provide warm bedding away from drafts.
Helpful Gear:
Dog Winter Coat – great for short-haired breeds.
Pet Booties – protect paws from ice and salt.
3. Wildfires & Poor Air Quality
Smoke and ash can be harmful to pets’ lungs and eyes.
Safety Tips:
Keep pets indoors during smoke events.
Use pet-safe wipes to clean fur and paws.
Always have carriers ready in case of evacuation.
Helpful Gear:
Pet Air Quality Mask – for dogs in high-smoke areas. This a tough one for my dog.
Portable Pet Carrier – makes quick evacuations safer and easier.
4. Storms, Hurricanes & Floods
Thunder, lightning, and rushing water can frighten or endanger pets.
Safety Tips:
Bring pets inside at the first sign of severe weather.
Keep leashes, harnesses, and ID tags handy.
Create a quiet “safe space” inside to reduce stress.
Helpful Gear:
Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket – helps calm storm-anxious dogs.
LED Dog Collar – makes pets visible in low-light emergencies.
5. Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Every family should have a pet-specific emergency kit, ready to grab in case of evacuation or long-term sheltering. Include:
Food & water (3 days minimum)
Medications & medical records
Leash, harness, and carrier
Blankets or comfort items
Waste bags, litter, or pee pads
Starter option: Pet Emergency Kit, 3-Day Supply
Keeping Pets Safe in Any Weather
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent — but your pets don’t have to be vulnerable. With preparation, the right gear, and a solid plan, you can ensure your furry family stays safe, comfortable, and close during any emergency.
Take the first step today: Build your pet emergency kit, stock up on essentials, and download our Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist to make sure no family member — human or animal — is left behind.