Storm warning 'Bombogenesis' poses special challenges to families with pets
Over the past few days, here in Southeast Michigan, we've been hearing murmurings of a rare winter storm event -- Bombogenesis -- that will evidently matierialize later this weekend. It seems important to highlight the inherent challenges this weather event can pose to sharing life with pets, along with some ideas to keep everyone safe. Bring your outdoor pets inside. Check for breaches in your yard fencing and inspect the latches on your fence gates before letting your pets loose in the backyard. Keep the deadbolts on your home's doors locked to guard against the extreme wind blowing the doors open, allowing pets to escape. The noise from the wind can trigger a sense of unease with some pets. Consider playing background noise like talk radio or soothing music to buffer anything going on outdoors. Synthetic pheromone products like Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs can help promote a sense of calm. During times of noisy, turbulent weather, pets have a higher inci...