Sakshi Bawa
Rains bring respite from the summer heat, but they also mean taking extra care of your precious pooches. As a pet parent, one has to be more aware of the challenges of monsoon, like dampness, and infections to ensure their pets remain comfortable. Here are some things to look out for to ensure healthy pets:
Keep them dry: Monsoons means more humidity, which can get stuck on the fur and lead to skin infections. It is advisable to keep checking on your pet’s fur and pat your dog dry if you feel that their fur is damp. Also, invest in a good quality raincoat to protect your pet from rain when they go for walks
Focus on the nose, ears, eyes, and private areas: It is important to clean these areas as accumulated moisture leads to infections quickly. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove any wetness from these areas. If you smell a foul smell emanating from your dog’s ears, consult a vet immediately.
Do not miss the bath: Bathing is not equivalent to getting wet in the rain. Use a good anti-tick and flea shampoo to bathe your dog, and make sure you completely pat or blow dry them after their shower.
Avoid grass or wet patches: Grass is your enemy during monsoons, and you must try to keep your pet away from it. Grass is the nesting ground for ticks and fleas. If you do have to take them to a park, make sure you check their fur thoroughly post-walk.
Clean is the golden word: Cleanliness is next to Godliness, especially during monsoons. Clean everything regularly, from your dog’s bed to their eating bowls. Make sure you change their water twice every day so that mosquitoes do not breed in it. Cover their food or put it in the fridge if they do not eat it.
Shedding is okay: Do groom your pet regularly. Dogs tend to shed more during monsoons because of the seasonal change; but if you notice excessive hair loss, do consult a vet. Fungal infections are also more common during monsoons, so if you notice itchy skin or rashes, give your vet a visit.
Clean water: Try and give your pet filtered water, and keep changing it daily. Also, a strict no to drinking from puddles. Dogs are prone to water-borne illnesses and can get Leptospirosis from drinking standing water.
Change their meal plan: Monsoons can result in less outdoor activity, hence it is important to change your pet’s diet depending on their exercise time. Break a big meal, into multiple small meals to aid digestion better.
What about thunderstorms? : If your pet is scared of thunderstorms, it might be a good idea to keep track of the season highlights and change their walk timings accordingly. Do invest in a good ear muff to diminish those storm sounds. Also, try and see if there are any behavioral issues, and consult a vet for advice if your dog is too anxious. Remember, your dog can hear well than you, so the sounds you hear are a fraction of what they are capable of.
Last but not the least…
Be kind to your community dogs: While you might try to do everything in your power to take care of your pet, there are numerous community dogs who do not have anyone to look after them. Be kind to them. Leave a dry spot for them during rains. Provide kibble if you can to feed them. And, if you have the option let them into your porch or stairs during rain showers to rest and keep themselves dry.
Sakshi Bawa is Founder, Mutt Of Course, and pet-parent to Coco and Magic
