Helping Animals in Hurricanes and Other Disasters

Helping Animals in Hurricanes and Other Disasters

Tellington TTouch and Body Wraps to the Rescue

During this very active hurricane season, those in the path of the storms, who must evacuate or find alternative shelter for themselves and their pets, may be wondering what they can do to help their pets feel better in the midst of so much turmoil and stress. Those who work in animal shelters and rescue organizations may also be feeling overwhelmed as traumatized animals are admitted in large numbers or transferred out to other locations.

Be as Prepared as Possible – Anticipate All You Will Need

Of course you can try to be as calm and optimistic as possible because our pets always read our thoughts and pick up on our energy and emotions. You can also be as prepared as possible to keep your pet safe when there is any kind of natural disaster. Below are some links to articles that detail best ways to prepare your pet in an optimal way when there is an impending disaster in your area. Some of the links take you to sites that also will help you be better prepared for what you may have to do and know such as when a fast-moving wildfire ignites in your area:

Talk to Your Pets – Let Them Know What’s Going On

As an animal communicator, I know that talking to your pets and telling them what’s going to happen and what you plan to do and why will also be very helpful. On the one hand, it’s hard to believe that our pets truly understand what we are sharing, but I have had too many validations showing me that straightforward communication is important to them. Sometimes when we are not sharing and they know something difficult is going on, they will go straight to your thoughts to get the answers they need. That may be confusing for them because when we are stressed, we often have many thoughts racing through our mind. Why do you think your pets can bolt or hide when you are going to bathe them or take them to the vet before you even move a single step?

Our dogs have their own thoughts and preferences. They also understand everything we say to them and often read our thoughts. Photo by Hamza Gergeley from www.freeimages.com.

I once did a reading for a woman who had a very special service dog who passed. His younger protégé was his best friend and became very depressed when his friend left and never returned. It wasn’t until I did a reading that learned from him that his guardian never told him about his friend’s death. When I shared what I learned, it confirmed her feelings about his uncertainty and depression. She was then prompted to have a talk with him about his friend’s passing. Although he was still sad, he was able to move forward. He also knew it had become his time to fill his friend’s big paws and help his guardian with her service work.

Another time a woman at a training was so upset because her dog at home wasn’t eating. She had not told her dog where she was going or when she would return. The pet sitter shared that her pet was moping and not eating his food.

At the lunch break, I checked in with her dog telepathically and told him where his guardian was and when she was returning. I also told him she was having a good time and that he should have a good time too. About three hours later, the woman called home and found out that her dog had eaten and was out playing and having fun with another dog.

Our pets like to be kept in the information loop of our lives. It is our job to let them know what’s going on and what they can expect.

Use Soft Music Whenever Possible to Help Soothe and Calm Animals

You can also bring some calming music with you loaded onto your iPhone or other device that plays your favorite soft music. Animals respond so beautifully to gentle music that affects their central nervous system and helps them relax. Indeed, some animal shelters have speakers that play soft music in their kennels to help the animals there calm down.

In the book Through a Dog’s Ear, by Joshua Leeds and Lisa Spector, which also comes with a DVD, they explain how and why music helps calm animals. Click on the picture below to watch the video where you can learn more about this phenomenon:

Tellington TTouch® Works Wonders to Help Calm Animals in Disasters

How else can you help your pet in a disaster or emergency? Tellington TTouch® is always a wonderful way to calm animals and help them feel so much better. In my e-book “25 Ways to Maintain a Happy and Healthy Dog,” Tellington TTouch is one of the ways. Another one of the ways is to use Tellington TTouch body wraps.

If you have to evacuate an area, a few hours before you leave you should wrap your pet to help calm his nervous system. You can also use a TTouch wrap before and during a big storm or before and during any stressful event, whether it involves a visit to your veterinarian, fireworks or a noisy party in your home.

My dog Socrates, an English springer spaniel who made his transition in July 2011, always enjoyed wearing a TTouch wrap. It helped him feel so much calmer. Photo by Donna El Haber. All rights reserved.

TTouch wraps can be used regularly to positively affect your pet’s central nervous system and help them feel calmer. You can also purchase several non-adhesive ace bandages and die them a color of your choice.

The Thundershirt®, www.thundershirt.com, can also be used to help calm your dog. You can also put a T-shirt on your dog to help calm him, tying any extra material off to the side.

Tellington TTouch® Ear Work and Mouth Work