BOSTON — Veterinary behaviorists are reporting a significant increase in consultations for disaster-related behavioral changes in pets, with dogs and cats exhibiting anxiety, aggression, house soiling, and phobia symptoms for months after exposure to floods, fires, and severe storms.
The behavioral changes, which parallel post-traumatic stress disorder in humans, are triggered by the combination of sudden environmental disruption, separation from owners during evacuation, exposure to loud noises and unfamiliar environments, and the loss of the familiar sensory cues that give pets a sense of security.
Dogs are particularly susceptible to noise phobias following storm exposure. A dog that was previously calm during thunderstorms may develop severe anxiety responses — including destructive behavior, self-injury, and attempts to escape — after experiencing a major hurricane or tornado.
Veterinary behaviorists recommend early intervention for disaster-stressed pets, including the use of pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, behavioral modification techniques, and in severe cases, anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a veterinarian.
Restoration contractors who encounter distressed pets at job sites should notify the homeowner and avoid sudden loud noises or movements that could trigger a fear response. Several restoration industry organizations have developed pet-aware job site protocols as part of their customer service training.
