Talk of the Town: Helping your pet ride out a storm

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Anxiety in pets can occur for any number of reasons. Most recently, several pet rescue organizations in the Columbia area had to help save dogs from shelters in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina that were in the path of Hurricane Florence.

When animals are moved or displaced it can be traumatizing to them. Dr. Wendy King with Spears Creek Veterinary Clinic says there are numerous options to help calm cats and dogs.

The first tactic to help them is to put the animal in what will feel like their safe place. This is usually a crate. Put a blanket over it to help keep out bright light and loud noises. Put in one of your shirts. This will offer a calming atmosphere for your pet.

Natural options include Feliway Classic spray, packets or diffuser, Anxiety and Stress Calming Support supplement with chamomile, and KingKalm CBD oil.

Sileo (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel) is the first FDA approved treatment for noise aversion in dogs associated with fear and anxiety.

More traditional medicinal treatments include Prozac, Fluoxetine and Trazodone.

These are medications that will help calm an animal. The problem with these is they have to be in the body for six weeks to really work. And with a hurricane or other emergency situation, there's not enough time to get the medication in the system.

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