Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarians say Gulf Coast storms can disrupt pet medications, veterinary care and parasite protection long after landfall
AUSTIN, Texas (May 6, 2026) – As National Hurricane Preparedness Week highlights the start of storm season, veterinarians with Thrive Pet Healthcare are warning Texas 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 Texas 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.
“When I was practicing in Houston during Hurricane Harvey, I saw how quickly flooding could create new health risks for pets,” said
Dr. Brittany King, emergency veterinarian at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists Mansfield. “Pets were exposed to contaminated water, sharp debris, mold, toxins and prolonged stress, all while many families had limited access to veterinary care. That is why preparing early matters. It gives pet owners a better chance to protect their pets before roads, clinics and pharmacies are disrupted.”
The 5 hurricane mistakes Texas veterinarians see every year
Waiting until the last minute to refill pet medications
Failing to prepare for prolonged power outages and heat
Letting pets drink or walk through floodwater
Running out of heartworm, flea and tick prevention
Assuming veterinary care will remain easily accessible after storms
Texas veterinarians say some of the most common post-storm problems include gastrointestinal illness and leptospirosis linked to contaminated floodwater, skin infections from prolonged moisture exposure, paw injuries from debris, heat exhaustion, toxic exposures, increased heartworm risk from mosquitoes and worsening chronic conditions when pets miss medications or routine care.
“Parasites thrive in the warm, humid conditions that follow hurricanes, and flooding can increase a pet’s exposure risk,” said
Dr. Glorymar Molina, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare South Lamar in Austin. “Starting and maintaining a consistent monthly parasite prevention routine now helps protect pets before storms disrupt access to care. It’s also important to test pets after severe weather, as contaminated water and changing conditions can increase the risk of internal infections.”
What Texas veterinarians recommend pet owners do now
Veterinarians with Thrive Pet Healthcare recommend Texas 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
Replace worn pet carriers, harnesses and leashes
Create a cooling plan for pets in case of extended power outages
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 55 primary, specialty, urgent and emergency care facilities in Texas. Pet owners can search for their nearest location at
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
