Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarians say Gulf Coast storms can disrupt pet medications, veterinary care and parasite protection long after landfall
BATON ROUGE, La. (May 5, 2026) – As National Hurricane Preparedness Week highlights the start of storm season, veterinarians with Thrive Pet Healthcare are warning Louisiana pet owners not to wait until a storm is in the forecast to prepare their pets, saying many of the medical emergencies they treat after hurricanes are preventable and often tied to last-minute decisions.
Veterinarians across Louisiana say they routinely treat preventable medical problems after hurricanes because pet owners underestimate how quickly pharmacies, veterinary hospitals and pet supply stores become overwhelmed once storm preparations begin.
“During Hurricane Ida, we had a hallway full of fans just trying to cool dogs that were too overheated to catch their breath,” said
Dr. Stephen Lee, medical director at Sherwood South Animal Hospital Emergency & Critical Care Center in Baton Rouge. “Heat stroke is a major concern after storms, so it’s important to have a plan to keep pets cool, whether that’s access to fans, air conditioning or a backup power source.”
The 5 hurricane mistakes Louisiana veterinarians see every year
Waiting too long to secure pet-friendly evacuation or backup housing
Not having pets crate-trained or able to travel safely
Running out of heartworm, flea and tick prevention
Leaving pets exposed to floodwater and storm debris
Assuming veterinary care will be readily available after the storm
Louisiana veterinarians say some of the most common post-storm problems include lost or displaced pets, stress-related illness, injuries and infections from floodwater and delayed access to medications and care.
“One of the biggest risks after a hurricane isn’t the storm itself, it’s what pets are exposed to afterward,” said
Dr. Claire Scott, veterinarian at Hickory Small Animal Hospital in Ponchatoula. “We’ve seen pets suffering from heat stroke when power was out and others who were sick after contact with floodwater that contained waste, debris and infectious organisms.”
What Louisiana veterinarians recommend pet owners do now
Veterinarians with Thrive Pet Healthcare recommend Louisiana pet owners:
Refill medications and prescription diets before hurricane season intensifies
Keep at least two weeks of medications on hand when possible
Make sure dogs and cats are microchipped
Verify microchip registration information is accurate
Maintain year-round heartworm, flea and tick prevention
Keep veterinary records accessible digitally and on paper
Get pets comfortable with carriers and travel
Identify pet-friendly housing options in advance
Common questions about hurricane preparedness for pets
What is the biggest mistake pet owners make during hurricane season?
Veterinarians say one of the most common mistakes is waiting until a storm is approaching to refill medications, update vaccines or replace missing pet supplies. By then, veterinary hospitals, pharmacies and pet stores may already be overwhelmed or closed in preparation for the storm.
Why should my pet be microchipped before a hurricane hits?
Hurricanes and severe storms can increase the risk of lost pets due to damaged fencing, open doors or evacuations. Veterinarians recommend microchipping pets and making sure registration contact information is current.
Can floodwater make pets sick after a hurricane?
Yes. Floodwater may contain bacteria, parasites, chemicals and debris that can lead to gastrointestinal illness, skin infections or injuries. Veterinarians recommend keeping pets out of standing water whenever possible after storms.
Thrive Pet Healthcare’s veterinary hospital network includes five primary, specialty, and emergency care facilities in Louisiana. Pet owners can search for their nearest location at
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
