How to care for your pets in stormy weather

Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland and northern England have experienced some of the highest winds on record during Storm Éowyn.

Weather like this can cause huge disruption to people's everyday lives, damage to homes and mess up travel plans.

But it can also affect animals.

Changes to routine and stormy conditions can cause some animals distress, so Newsround have asked the experts for some advice.

RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Sam Gaines sent us some top tips on how to keep your pets or larger animals happy during times of tricky weather.

Read on to find out more, and leave your own suggestions in the comments section below.

1. If getting outside isn't possible, get creative!

Who doesn't love a game when you can't get outside?

It might not be safe to take your dog for their normal walk, so exercising their mind is a good alternative.

Sam says making up games or playing with some puzzle toys is a great way to keep them happy. You could even teach them a new trick.

2. Make them feel safe

Not all dogs like being wrapped up in blankets, but this one seems to be happy!

If your dog or cat is worried about the noise of the storm, you could build a cosy den using cushions, sheets and blankets.

Perhaps using theor own bed or crate, using furniture (with permission from the adults of course!), or in a safe corner.

You can tempt them to explore with toys and healthy treats.

3. Get baking!

How about making some guinea pig "sushi"?

Providing you have all the ingredients in the house already, you could try making your own cat treats or dog biscuits.

If you have smaller furry friends, you can make special food gifts.

For rabbits, Sam suggests making a hay tube toy by stuffing hay and healthy treats inside a cardboard tube (kitchen roll or toilet paper tubes will work as long as they are free of glue and paper), which can keep them busy and distracted during the storm.

For guinea pigs, she says you could even try making some tasty and healthy vegetable 'sushi' . You will need a courgette, plus a selection of their favourite tasty fruit and vegetables.

1. Ask an adult to help you cut the courgette in half and then cut the rounded end off so you are left with a cylinder shape.

2. Then carefully use a knife to hollow out the centre of the courgette so you are left with a tube. Then fill that with long slices of your pet's fave treats like pepper, apples, leafy greens and strawberries. The more colour the better!

3. Once you are happy it's all stuffed in, slice the courgette into sushi roll shapes and watch your guinea pig devour them!

4. Introduce small distractions

Soothing music can help animals keep calm

The RSPCA recommends that small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs should be brought inside and kept somewhere secure, safe and quiet for the duration of the storm so you can keep an eye on them.

It says to try playing calming music such as classical music - it can help to muffle scary sounds and Sam says it can help dogs feel more relaxed.

5. Get prepared

Avoid the mad dash to find the cat carrier - find it now!

Sam says that if you have small animals or cats, make sure you know where your pet carrier is.

And keep your dog's lead and harness somewhere easy to reach - just in case you need to leave your home quickly.

The RSPCA also says that getting pets microchipped means that if they get lost in a storm and are found by someone, they can be more easily reunited with owners.

If you have larger animals like horses, sheep, goats and chickens, Sam suggests making a contact card to secure on a fence or gatepost, just in case someone needs to get in touch about your animals during the storm.

6. Look ahead to the future

Make sure you ask for help from an adult if you are unsure about an animal's safety.

Once the storm has passed, you could help restore any destroyed wildlife habitats by creating a woodland log shelter or a ladybird home.

If you find an animal after the storm, a pet or a wild animal like a deer, fox or badger, then your parents should contact the RSPCA for advice.