The Growing Threat to Pet Health
Pet Insurance
The escalating impact of climate change is affecting our pets.
As we navigate the impact of climate change on our own well-being, it’s important to understand how shifts in weather patterns and unforeseen climate events also affect our pets.
From weather-related injuries to increased risk of disease, the implications for pet health are serious. Here are some ways pet owners can help navigate climate-related health challenges.
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Extreme heat. In hot climates and during heat waves, look for signs of heat stress. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke impact pets more quicky than humans due to their limited body temperature regulation. Hot pavement can also blister or burn paw pads.
How you can help: In addition to keeping your pets cool during periods of extreme heat, make sure they have access to grass and shady areas when outdoors.
Natural Disasters. When natural disasters like floods and wildfires displace humans, there is inevitably an uptick in abandoned and injured pets.1
How you can help: Have an emergency action plan in place for your pets that includes making sure they have food, shelter, and medications if you need to evacuate quickly.
Allergies. Pet allergies are on the rise due to longer pollen seasons and new plant species. Higher humidity levels foster mold growth, which also contributes to pet allergies.
How you can help: Plan walks for times when pollen counts are lower. If your pet suffers from itchy skin, runny eyes, sneezing, or respiratory distress, consult a veterinarian who can provide antihistamines and allergy shots.
Changing Disease Patterns. Diseases like Lyme and heartworm are spreading to new areas as temperatures soar, putting dogs, cats, and people at risk. According to a study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, zoonotic diseases—infections spread between people and animals—have risen in recent years as climate change has made it easier for viruses to spread.3
How you can help: Vaccinations (and flea and tick preventatives) are essential to protect pets from emerging diseases. Dogs should have Lyme disease vaccines, along with other parasitic prevention measures to prevent disease transmission.
Animal Safety. A shift in wildlife patterns can result in unexpected encounters between pets and wild animals. These exchanges can lead to injuries and the transmission of diseases.
How you can help: Keep pets supervised outdoors and keep dogs leashed during walks.
Staying informed about local climate risks can help you prepare for potential pet health issues. Pet insurance can help cover expenses for both unforeseen and planned veterinary care. In addition to coverage for injuries and illness, consider wellness plans that cover preventative care, such as vaccinations against diseases that are spreading to new areas. Preventative measures can mitigate the risk of illness and reduce the likelihood of costly treatments down the line.
1 “The Impact of Climate Change on Pet Health and Insurance Needs,” petpolicyplus.com, June 2024.
2 “ASPCA Survey Shows 83% of Pet Owners Are Impacted by Disasters, Fewer Than Half Have Preparedness Plans,” aspcapro.org, September 2021.
3 “Climate change is driving the expansion of zoonotic diseases,” researchoutreach.org, November 2023.
