Lightning Information for Pet Owners

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Your pets cannot protect themselves from lightning; it is your responsibility to help protect them.

Take these steps to help protect your pet from lightning:

  • Don’t leave your pet outdoors
    Do NOT leave your pet outdoors or chained to a tree during a lightning storm. Doghouses are NOT safe shelters; bring your pet inside.
  • Remove any metal collars, leashes, or harnesses and replace with plastic
    Even though metal does not attract electricity, it is a good conductor and can make injuries, such as burns, worse if struck.
Additional Resources
Infographic: Be Ready! Hurricanes Ready: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. Social Media at CDC Emergency

Page last reviewed: June 7, 2022
Content source:  National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC)