In Norton and across Kansas, tornadoes are a part of life. Usually they are mild, but sometimes they turn into home-destroying storms. Families often have a plan for getting themselves to safety, but pets, horses, and livestock are sometimes left out of the equation. When severe storms strike, animals are just as vulnerable as people, whether it’s a dog frightened by thunder or cattle exposed to flying debris. Norton Animal Health Center believes that tornado preparedness should extend to everyone, two-legged and four-legged.
Preparing Pets for Tornado Season
Create a Safe Shelter Space: Identify a tornado-safe area in your home (a basement or small interior room) and plan to bring your cats and dogs there with you. Keep leashes, carriers, and bedding nearby so you can move them quickly. Practice bringing your pets into that room regularly so they are less nervous in the event of a tornado.
Assemble a To-Go Pet Emergency Kit: Have a kit ready in the event of a tornado evacuation. Your pet’s kit should have food and bottled water for 5+ days, current medications, a first aid kit, waste bags/potty pads/litter, pet-safe cleaning supplies, and a comfort item like a blanket or toy. Store the kit in an easily accessible, temperature-controlled place.
Keep Identification Current: Microchipping and ID tags are a must during storm season. Pets that panic and escape can travel far in rural areas, and permanent ID greatly improves the odds of a safe return.
Preparing Horses and Livestock for Tornadoes
Shelter and Safety: For barns and outbuildings, ensure structures are secure and free of loose items that could become dangerous in high winds. If strong barns aren’t available, a large, open pasture away from trees, power lines, or equipment may reduce injury risks.
Identification for Large Animals: Use breakaway halters, ear tags, or livestock-safe paint markings to identify animals. Keep updated records and photos of your animal or herd in case you need to prove ownership after displacement.
Emergency Feed and Water: Storms often contaminate water sources and damage stored feed. Keep backup supplies in a safe, waterproof location to sustain your animals if resources are limited after a tornado.
Veterinary Care and Tornadoes
Preventive veterinary care is a cornerstone of tornado readiness. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and wellness exams prepare pets for the worse. For livestock and horses, veterinary guidance can also include nutritional planning and medical preparedness specific to your herd.
Even after a tornado passes, hazards remain.
- Keep pets leashed or under a watchful eye while outside to avoid dangerous debris.
- Inspect barns and fencing before turning horses or livestock out.
- Watch for signs of stress or injury, including limping, coughing, or refusal to eat.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice wounds, respiratory issues, or other health changes.
Make Sure Your Animals Are Tornado-Ready with Veterinary Care in Norton, KS
Preparation can make a huge difference when tornadoes strike. You can do your best to protect your pets or your livestock when severe weather threatens. Norton Animal Health Center has preventive veterinary care and injury treatment in Norton for cats, dogs, equines, and livestock from Oronoque, Norton, Almena, and surrounding Kansas areas. Do you have a tornado plan for your pets or farm animals? Contact us to schedule preventive veterinary care and get expert advice for your companions.