Pet owners are being urged to prepare their cats and dogs for thunderstorms expected to hit the North East over the next two days.
Experts warn the extreme weather could cause severe distress.
The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for parts of the North East including Teesside and County Durham, from 7pm tonight (August 19), until 10am on Thursday, August 20.
Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds are expected.
Vets say thunderstorms can be particularly distressing for pets, with concerns that some are in danger of fleeing homes and gardens.
Thunderstorms are set to hit the North East tonight.
(Image: Pixabay)
Dr Charlotte Inness, founder of online veterinary pharmacy VetMedi, said many owners underestimate how frightening storms can be for animals.
She said: "Every single year, veterinary clinics and rescue shelters see a massive, heartbreaking spike in lost pets directly following a thunderstorm.
"A frightened dog can breach a fence or slip a collar in a split second of blind panic.
"When you throw sudden flashes of blinding light, torrential rain, and unpredictable, gusty winds into the mix, it can trigger an instant, severe flight response in even the calmest animals."
Around 45 per cent of cats and dogs are scared of thunder and lightning, with signs including pacing, lip licking, yawning, trembling, and excessive grooming.
To help keep pets comfortable, owners are told to create a safe, quiet space away from windows where possible before the storms arrive.
Bathrooms, utility rooms, and covered crates can provide shelter from loud noises and flashing - and can be padded out with familiar bedding, as well as fresh water, and other comforting items to keep pets calm.
Background noise from a television, fan, or white-noise machine can also help to reduce anxiety.
45% of pets are scared of thunder and lightening according to research.
(Image: worcsregservices)
Dr Innes added: "Flooding an anxious animal with the stimuli that terrifies them will drastically worsen their phobia rather than improving resilience. If they want to hide, let them hide."
Owners should also plan walks carefully, taking dogs out a few hours before storms are expected to hit, and avoiding going out while there is thunder and lightening.
Those with outdoor cats should bring them inside as soon as weather warnings are issued, rather than waiting for the first signs of rain or thunder as they may not return home in time.
Experts also say checking garden fences, gates, and boundaries for damage or weaknesses is good practice before a storm to make sure pets can't escape in a blind panic.
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Keeping microchip details up to date is essential all year round - but it is particularly important in severe weather.
Battersea Dogs & Cats say 72 per cent of surveyed stray dogs with microchips had were not up to date.
Dr Inness said: "Spending five to 10 minutes to verify your microchip paperwork and check your boundaries can prevent a heartbreaking situation."
Owners whose pets experience severe anxiety during storms, including self-injury, destructive behaviour, or refusing to eat, should speak to their vet about available treatments and support.