Does Your Pet Have the Strength to Handle an Emergency?
By: Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, Veterinary Advisory Member, MYOS PET
Every June, National Pet Preparedness Month reminds pet parents to prepare emergency kits, evacuation plans and backup care arrangements for their animals. But while food, medications and microchips are often top priorities, many families overlook another important question: Is their pet physically prepared to handle an emergency?
Hurricanes, wildfires and sudden travel disruptions can lead to extended boarding stays that can dramatically impact a pet’s daily routine. Exercise decreases, stress levels rise and pets may spend long periods confined to crates, carriers, cars, shelters or unfamiliar boarding facilities. For pets already dealing with mobility challenges, those disruptions can quickly affect muscle condition and overall well-being. Muscle health is an important and often overlooked part of emergency preparedness.
Why Muscle Condition Matters
Stress and inactivity can accelerate muscle loss in pets, particularly in aging animals. Even short periods of reduced activity during evacuations, boarding stays or recovery from injuries can weaken muscles that pets rely on for balance, mobility and stamina.
Senior dogs are among the most vulnerable during emergencies. Dogs that already struggle with stairs at home may have difficulty navigating hotel hallways, shelter entrances or unfamiliar surfaces during an evacuation. Getting in and out of cars can also become challenging for pets with arthritis or weakness.
Large breed dogs that lose strength with age or medical conditions may require assistance lifting or other mobility support, especially when muscle condition also declines. During emergencies, physically moving a large dog safely can become difficult for families.
Excess body weight places strain on joints and muscles, can lead to short lifespan, and may make travel or temporary relocations more physically demanding.
Pets recovering from surgery or with arthritis are another high-risk group. Disrupted rehabilitation routines, reduced exercise and increased confinement can contribute to further muscle loss and mobility decline.
The Hidden Impact of Routine Changes
Boarding stays, temporary housing situations and disrupted schedules may continue for weeks after a storm, wildfire or other crisis.
Routine changes longer than a few days can significantly impact a pet’s physical condition.
Dogs accustomed to regular, long walks and high energy active days at the dog park may be required to suddenly spend most of the day indoors. Cats relocated to unfamiliar environments may hide more and are less playful. For senior pets, muscle loss — known as sarcopenia — develops gradually and often goes unnoticed. Many pet parents assume slowing down is simply part of aging, but declining muscle condition can affect far more than mobility.
Muscle supports balance, metabolism, immune function and recovery from physical stress. Pets with better muscle condition and strength are often better equipped to handle temporary inactivity, travel and environmental changes during emergencies.
Preparedness Starts Before an Emergency
Maintaining muscle health throughout a pet’s life can help improve resilience during unexpected situations.
Daily walks remain important, but many pets benefit from additional strength-building activities designed to support mobility and muscle condition. Simple sit-to-stand exercises, balance activities and low-impact conditioning such as swimming may help pets maintain strength as they age.
Nutrition also plays a major role in supporting mobility and muscle health.
I often recommend omega-3 fatty acids, joint-support supplements, and high-quality animal based protein sources for aging pets. Digestive support, including probiotics and fiber from psyllium husk , may also help prevent stress diarrhea, may reduce stress and support the immune system during stressful times and situations.
One nutrition option with scientific evidence is Fortetropin, a bioactive compound derived from raw fertilized egg yolk and found specifically in MYOS PET. Fortetropin has been clinically shown to help support muscle growth, increase lean body mass, and reduce muscle atrophy in aging pets.
In a placebo-controlled study involving senior dogs with reduced mobility, dogs receiving Fortetropin experienced improvements in mobility scores after six and 12 weeks.
Supporting muscle condition proactively may help pets stay stronger, more mobile and better prepared for physical challenges throughout their lives.
Watch for Early Warning Signs
Subtle behavior changes can sometimes signal declining muscle condition before major mobility problems appear.
A dog hesitating before climbing stairs or jumping into the car may already be experiencing weakness or discomfort. Cats that stop jumping onto furniture, sleep more frequently or become less playful may also be showing early signs of mobility decline.
Pet parents should discuss these changes with their veterinarian early rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
National Pet Preparedness Month is ultimately about helping pets stay safe during the unexpected. Alongside emergency kits and evacuation plans, physical wellness deserves a place in that conversation. Helping pets maintain strength, mobility, and muscle health may improve not only their ability to handle emergencies, but also their long-term comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Biography:
Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, is a leader in the field of veterinary sports medicine and physical rehabilitation. As the founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists and a veterinary advisory board member at MYOS PET, she has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of life for animals through her integrative approach, combining nutrition, fitness, and state-of-the-art therapy methods and tools that improve the long-term health, mobility, and well-being of dogs and cats. Her primary focus is to equip pet parents with the knowledge and tools they need to help their animals live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Fishman specializes in helping animals recover from traumatic injuries and surgeries, excel in canine sports and competitions, and maintain optimal mobility and comfort during every stage of their lives. Through her work, she continues to set new standards in veterinary care, earning her recognition as a trusted leader and advocate for animal health. Fishman earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, completed her veterinary degree at Ross University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and honed her skills during an internship at the prestigious University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. As a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT), Dr. Fishman has advanced expertise in pain management, mobility, rehabilitation, and sports medicine for animals.
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