Credit: ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE QUEENSLAND
Beenleigh’s Animal Welfare League Queensland is offering locals advice on the health risks pets can be exposed to after a natural disaster and what you can do to protect them.
“As conditions begin to clear and people begin returning to their homes after a flood, it is important for people to remain vigilant in protecting their pets,” says Craig Montgomery from Beenleigh’s AWLQ.
“Like us, in the aftermath of a flood, your pets may experience both physical and mental trauma.
“Cats, in particular, are vulnerable to anxiety caused by changes to their environment. It’s important to pay close attention to your pet’s health as you navigate the long journey to recovery from a flood.”
Post-traumatic phobias in pets are common, and any changes in behaviour, appetite, or appearance should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
With pets displaced and their homes and families affected, it is important they are safely integrated when they go back home and monitored closely.
Follow these tips to support your pets immediately after a flood:
- Be aware of water sources such as floodwaters, ponds and puddles that may be contaminated. Do not allow your pets to play in these or drink from them and monitor them closely.
- Assess your property for debris and other hazards before moving your pets back in. Never let pets explore debris as they can suffer lacerations or contract diseases.
- Create a calm environment for your pets, especially if you have experienced distressing events such as evacuation.
- Monitor your pets for any stress-related symptoms they may develop. Dogs signal stress through yawning, excessive licking or chewing or excessive shaking. Cats signal stress through excessive vocalisation, inappropriate toileting or vomiting. Exercise and play can help alleviate this, and contact your veterinarian for further advice.
- Keep your pets contained in your home as a flood can wash away familiar smells and introduce some new ones.
Remember that you comfort your pet as much as they comfort you in stressful times. Be patient with your pets after a disaster and do your best to stay together after an evacuation. While it is
important to try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, make any separation from each other, such as you returning to work, a gradual process.
More information can be found here for developing a Pet Emergency Plan or information if you have become separated from your pets during the flood.
For those people who find flood-affected wildlife in Queensland to call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 265) or Wildcare on 07 5527 2444. Both operate 24/7.
