PROJECT: SSS PUBLIC AWARENESS - PROTECTING YOUR PETS DURING EXTREME WEATHER

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The developing 2026/2027 El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to place additional pressure on communities, infrastructure, water resources, agriculture and animal welfare across Southern Africa.

Pet owners must recognise that extreme weather conditions pose serious risks to domestic animals,

particularly dogs and cats that depend entirely on humans for food, water, shelter and protection.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) confirmed in September 2026 that El Niño

was firmly established and expected to strengthen, potentially affecting global rainfall

and temperature patterns and increasing the risk of extreme heat, drought and flooding.

South Africa's seasonal forecasts indicate that above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall

are likely across much of the country. However, individual regions may still experience severe thunderstorms,

heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds and localised weather emergencies.

Animals are particularly vulnerable because they cannot independently prepare for these conditions,

access emergency assistance or evacuate themselves from danger.

Responsible pet ownership therefore requires preparation before extreme weather develops.

1. EXTREME HEAT: PREVENTING DEHYDRATION AND HEATSTROKE

High temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they primarily regulate their body temperature through panting and have limited ability to cool themselves efficiently in extreme heat. Cats may also suffer heat-related illness, particularly elderly animals, overweight pets, animals with underlying health conditions and breeds with short or flattened faces.

Pet owners should implement the following precautions:

Provide continuous access to clean drinking water. Place several water bowls around the property, preferably in shaded areas. Check and refill them regularly, as water evaporates quickly during hot weather.
Ensure sufficient shade and ventilation. Animals kept outdoors must have access to shaded, well-ventilated shelters throughout the day. A kennel exposed to direct sunlight can become dangerously hot.
Bring pets indoors during extreme heat. Where possible, allow animals to remain inside a cooler environment, particularly during the hottest hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise. Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.
Protect their paws. Hot paving, tarred roads and paving stones can cause painful burns. If the surface is too hot to comfortably hold the back of your hand against for several seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Never leave an animal inside a parked vehicle. Even with windows partially open, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become life-threatening.
Provide appropriate cooling opportunities. Cooling mats, damp towels and access to cool, shaded surfaces can help animals regulate their temperature.

Particular attention should be given to puppies, elderly animals, overweight pets and animals with respiratory or cardiovascular difficulties.

2. RECOGNISING HEATSTROKE IN PETS:

Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. Delayed treatment can result in organ damage, neurological complications and death.

WARNING SIGNS INCLUDE:

Excessive or unusually heavy panting.
Difficulty breathing.
Excessive drooling.
Bright red or unusually pale gums.
Weakness, confusion or disorientation.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
Unsteadiness, collapse or seizures.

WHAT TO DO:

Immediately move the animal into a cool, shaded or air-conditioned environment.
Begin cooling the animal with cool, not ice-cold, water applied to the body, particularly around the neck, abdomen and legs.
Allow the animal to drink small amounts of water if it is conscious and able to swallow normally. Never force water into its mouth.
Arrange immediate veterinary attention, even if the animal appears to recover.

Do not use ice baths or delay veterinary treatment while attempting to cool the animal at home. Heatstroke can progress rapidly. Recognising the symptoms and acting immediately can save an animal's life.

3. THUNDERSTORMS, LIGHTNING AND STRONG WINDS:

Although El Niño is associated with an increased likelihood of warmer and drier conditions in much of Southern Africa, it does not eliminate the risk of severe thunderstorms or localised extreme rainfall. Weather conditions can vary considerably between provinces and even neighbouring communities. Thunderstorms can expose pets to several dangers, including lightning strikes, falling trees, damaged roofs, flying debris, flooding and panic-related injuries.

The following precautions are recommended:

Bring dogs and cats indoors before a storm begins. Do not wait until lightning and heavy rain are already present.
Never leave animals chained, tied up or confined in exposed outdoor kennels during severe weather.
Secure gates, fences, loose roofing, garden equipment and objects that could become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
Provide a quiet, secure indoor space where frightened animals can retreat.
Close windows and doors to prevent animals from escaping when startled by thunder.
Keep cats indoors during severe weather, particularly if they normally roam outside.
Ensure that dogs have collars and identification tags, even when they are inside the property.
Keep pets away from windows, glass doors and areas where falling branches or damaged structures could cause injury.

MANAGING STORM ANXIETY:

Thunder, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds can trigger significant anxiety in animals. Some dogs and cats become extremely distressed, attempt to escape, hide in dangerous places or injure themselves trying to get away.

Pet owners should:

Remain calm and avoid shouting at or punishing frightened animals.
Provide familiar bedding, blankets and toys.
Allow animals to retreat to a safe hiding place.
Use background noise, such as television or music, if it helps reduce the impact of thunder.
Consult a veterinarian about severe storm phobias. Medication, where necessary, should only be administered under veterinary guidance.

Animals that repeatedly escape during thunderstorms should be microchipped where possible, with current owner contact details registered on the relevant database.

4. FLOODING, FLASH FLOODS AND WATER CONTAMINATION:

Heavy rainfall, sudden storms and overflowing drainage systems can create dangerous conditions, even in areas that do not ordinarily experience flooding. Pets left outside may become trapped by rising water, swept away by strong currents or injured by floating debris. Floodwater may also contain sewage, chemicals, fuel, pesticides and other contaminants.

Pet owners should take the following measures:

Identify areas around the property that are prone to flooding.
Move animals to higher ground before water levels rise.
Bring outdoor pets inside when severe weather warnings are issued.
Never allow pets to drink from floodwater, stormwater drains, dams or stagnant pools.
Keep animals away from contaminated water, damaged electrical infrastructure and exposed cables.
Check fences and gates after storms, as damaged boundaries create opportunities for animals to escape.
Inspect pets for cuts, puncture wounds and injuries after exposure to floodwater or debris.

If evacuation becomes necessary, take pets with you wherever possible. Do not leave animals behind on the assumption that they will find their own way to safety. If an animal has been exposed to potentially contaminated floodwater, seek veterinary advice, particularly if it develops vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or other signs of illness.

5. DROUGHT AND WATER SHORTAGES: PROTECTING PETS WHEN RESOURCES ARE LIMITED

One of the major concerns associated with the developing El Niño event is the increased likelihood of below-average rainfall across parts of Southern Africa. Water shortages can create additional risks for domestic animals. Pet owners must plan for periods when municipal water supplies are interrupted, water restrictions are introduced or private boreholes and reservoirs become depleted.

Practical precautions include:

Maintain an emergency supply of drinking water specifically for pets.
Store water in clean, covered containers to prevent contamination.
Monitor water consumption, particularly during heatwaves.
Never restrict an animal's drinking water to conserve household supplies.
Ensure that animals have access to water when travelling or relocating.
Avoid allowing pets to drink from stagnant water sources.
Keep water containers clean to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.

Owners with several animals should calculate their household's daily water requirements and maintain sufficient reserves for interruptions in supply.

Water security must form part of every household's emergency preparedness plan.

6. VELD FIRES AND SMOKE EXPOSURE:

Hot, dry and windy conditions can increase the risk and spread of veld fires. Animals living near open fields, farms, nature reserves and undeveloped land may be particularly vulnerable. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory irritation and serious complications, while approaching fires may trap animals before owners have time to evacuate.

Pet owners should:

Monitor local fire warnings and weather conditions.
Remove dry vegetation and combustible materials from areas immediately surrounding the home, where safe and permitted.
Keep pets away from smoke and burning vegetation.
Identify an evacuation route and a safe destination in advance.
Prepare carriers, leads and transport arrangements before an emergency develops.
Never deliberately release pets to fend for themselves during a fire.

If smoke or fire threatens a property, evacuate early with the animals. Do not wait until escape routes become blocked.

7. PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PET SURVIVAL KIT:

Every household with animals should have an emergency kit that can be accessed immediately during a weather-related emergency.

The kit should contain:

Several days' supply of pet food.
Bottled or safely stored drinking water.
Food and water bowls.
Essential medication and copies of veterinary prescriptions.
Basic pet first-aid supplies.
Collars, leads, harnesses and secure carriers.
Current identification tags and microchip information.
Recent photographs of each animal.
Copies of vaccination records and veterinary information.
Familiar blankets, bedding or toys.
Waste bags, litter and sanitation supplies.
Contact details for your veterinarian and emergency animal welfare organisations.

Store the kit in an accessible location and check it regularly to replace expired food, medication and other supplies.

8. EVACUATION PLANNING: KNOW WHERE YOUR PETS WILL GO

One of the most common problems during natural disasters is that families have an evacuation plan for people but no arrangements for their animals. Some emergency shelters and temporary accommodation facilities do not accept pets. This can leave owners facing difficult decisions when they are already under pressure.

Responsible planning requires pet owners to:

Identify relatives, friends or boarding facilities that can temporarily accommodate their animals.
Confirm which accommodation facilities accept pets before an emergency occurs.
Ensure that every animal can be safely transported.
Keep carriers and leads in an accessible location.
Make arrangements with a trusted neighbour or family member who can assist if the owner is away when an emergency develops.
Keep identification details updated so that lost animals can be reunited with their owners.

Never assume that a pet will be safe if left behind in a house during a flood, fire or other emergency. If evacuation is ordered, follow official instructions and take animals along wherever it is safe to do so.

9. ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PETS:

Although dogs and cats are the most common household pets, other domestic animals also require protection during extreme weather.

Birds: Keep cages away from direct sunlight, draughts and exposed outdoor areas. Ensure adequate ventilation and access to clean water.
Rabbits and guinea pigs: These animals are particularly sensitive to heat. Provide shade, ventilation and cool surroundings. Never leave their enclosures exposed to direct sunlight.
Small mammals: Ensure cages are not positioned near windows, heaters or areas exposed to temperature extremes.
Fish: Monitor aquarium temperatures during heatwaves and ensure that filtration and aeration systems continue operating during power interruptions.
Reptiles: Maintain species-specific temperature and humidity requirements, including an alternative plan for power outages affecting heating equipment.

Pet owners should understand the particular environmental requirements of each species and not assume that all animals respond to heat and cold in the same way.

10. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PET OWNERS:

Animal welfare does not begin when an emergency occurs. It is an ongoing responsibility that includes providing adequate food, clean water, shelter, veterinary care and protection from foreseeable dangers.
Extreme weather conditions also expose existing weaknesses in animal care. Pets that are permanently chained, confined to small enclosures, left without adequate shade or kept in poorly ventilated structures are at increased risk when temperatures rise.
Owners must assess their properties before the onset of extreme weather and address preventable hazards.
Neighbours and communities also have a role to play. If an animal appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, trapped by rising water or abandoned during an emergency, the situation should be reported to an appropriate animal welfare organisation or the relevant authorities.
Where an animal is in immediate danger, intervention must be undertaken safely. People should not put their own lives at risk by entering floodwaters, approaching unstable structures or attempting dangerous rescues.
Animal cruelty and neglect should also be reported. South Africa's animal protection framework includes the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which provides for the protection of animals against specified forms of cruelty and suffering.

The 2026/2027 El Niño event presents important challenges for South African households.

Higher temperatures, potential heatwaves, water shortages and changing weather patterns

require communities to prepare for conditions that may place both people and animals at risk.

Pets are entirely dependent on their owners to recognise danger and provide protection.

They cannot independently find sufficient drinking water, escape dangerous temperatures,

secure themselves during thunderstorms or evacuate when flooding and fires threaten their homes.

Preparation must therefore include every animal in the household.

SSS encourages all pet owners to review their animal care arrangements, prepare emergency supplies,

identify safe evacuation destinations and monitor official weather warnings throughout the summer season.

A pet is a dependent member of the household, and its safety must form part of every family's disaster management plan.

Protecting animals during extreme weather is not optional. It is an essential part of responsible pet ownership.

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