What Should You Watch Out for with Pets During a Typhoon? Should You Still Walk Your Dog?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Impact of life · 更新 at 2026-10-18
As a typhoon approaches, the strong winds and heavy rain not only threaten human safety but also pose a severe test for the "fur babies" in our homes. As responsible pet owners, we need to upgrade our protection strategies comprehensively—from managing outings and creating a safe environment to preparing emergency supplies—to ensure the absolute safety of our pets during extreme weather.
Strictly No Outdoor Walks; Use Indoor Alternatives
Regarding the question of "whether to walk dogs during a typhoon," the answer must be clear and firm: During the impact of a typhoon, it is strictly prohibited to take pets outdoors.
When wind forces reach tropical storm levels or higher, outdoor risks increase exponentially. Hazards such as falling billboards, broken tree branches, displaced manhole covers, and exposed live wires are extremely difficult to detect amidst heavy rain and accumulated water. For pets, strong winds can cause leashes to become uncontrollable, leading them to break free in panic or even be blown away. The loud noise of wind and rain, combined with sudden changes in air pressure, can trigger severe stress, causing pets to become aggressive or flee in panic.
It is recommended that owners adjust their schedules in advance and switch from outdoor elimination to indoor solutions. You can lay out plenty of puppy pads, use an indoor dog toilet, or train your dog to relieve itself in a sealed area on the balcony. For cats and small exotic pets, be sure to reinforce window and door locks and check the integrity of screens to prevent them from squeezing into gaps or jumping out of windows due to fear. If you must go out briefly for emergencies, please use a secure harness instead of a collar and minimize exposure time.
Create a "Safe Haven" to Alleviate Stress and Anxiety
The low-frequency noise and changes in lighting during a typhoon can easily cause pets to feel anxious, bark, or hide. Owners should actively intervene to create a sense of security:
- Physically Block Stimuli: Close blackout curtains tightly to reduce visual impacts from external lightning and swaying trees; keep windows and doors closed. If necessary, play white noise or soft music to mask the sounds of thunder and wind.
- Provide Familiar Scents: Place your pet's usual blankets and toys nearby, and offer moderate petting and companionship. Avoid over-comforting, which may reinforce fearful behavior. Keeping yourself calm is key, as your emotions will directly affect your pet.
- Verify ID Tags: Take this opportunity to check if collar tags are secure and confirm that microchip information and contact details are up to date. This is the fastest way to reunite with your beloved pet in the event of an extreme separation.
Supply Reserves and Prevention of Secondary Disasters
In addition to wind protection, be vigilant against secondary hazards brought by typhoons. Please prepare at least 3-5 days' worth of pet food, drinking water, and common medications (such as anti-diarrheal drugs and wound disinfectants) in advance. In case of water or power outages, these reserves will be crucial for maintaining your pet's vital signs.
Pay attention to hygiene. Heavy rain may cause dampness or sewage backflow in the home. Clean up accumulated water promptly to strictly prevent pets from drinking contaminated water, which can lead to gastroenteritis or parasitic infections. If you live in low-lying areas, basements, or zones with high geological disaster risks, plan evacuation routes with your pet in advance and prepare carriers or portable cages to ensure a quick evacuation.
It is important to note that regulations regarding school and work suspensions and the meanings of warning signals during typhoons may vary by location. Please refer to the information released by local governments and meteorological departments for specific implementation standards. Ensure your own safety first before calmly taking care of your pets.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.