Keeping your furry friend safe and healthy during monsoons!
Who doesn’t love rains? But, rainy season can be stressful for your pooch, here’s how to keep your furry delight healthy, safe and happy during such time.
–by Varsha Verma
The onset of the monsoon season is eagerly awaited as it offers a reprieve from the oppressive heat. Nevertheless, alongside the cooler climate, vibrant foliage, and lovely weather, pet guardians encounter distinctive difficulties. As the rain showers descend, our cherished pets become susceptible to a range of problems, including infections, skin allergies, and parasitic infestations. Moreover, the sound of thunder can distress our furry friends, and continuous rainfall may impede their regular walks. My pet dog Rocky starts pacing up and down when there is a thunderstorm. At times, he starts shivering and we have to divert his attention to something he likes.
But, few precautions and simple measures can ensure that your pooch is safe, healthy and happy during monsoons:
- Deworm your pooch: Regular deworming of your canine companion can help prevent numerous monsoon-related illnesses caused by parasites. So, get your pet dewormed regularly.
- Groom your pooch: Your pooch needs to be groomed more frequently in this weather as due to humidity, damp fur can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Maintain a regular grooming schedule for your pet.
- Keep your dog paws dry at all times: Whenever Rocky goes out for a walk, we wash his paws to remove any dirt. Generally, his paws dry on its own during summer days. But, during rainy season, it becomes imperative to dry his paws after every walk. It is also important to check his paws for any infection or infestation.
![]()
Keep him dry: Your pet’s fur may become damp due to high humidity. So, dry your pooch with a towel after he comes back home after a walk,giving special attention to your dog’s eyes, ears, and private regions. It’s important to gently wipe around these areas regularly. You can use a warm washcloth or a cotton ball for cleaning. Afterward, make sure to pat these regions dry to maintain cleanliness and prevent any moisture-related issues.- Clean drinking water: Wash your pet’s water bowl frequently and give him RO or boiled water for drinking as dogs are also prone to water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and other stomach infections.
- Smaller food portions work best: Your pooch might not eat a full meal in a go. So, break his meals into smaller portions and throw away any food that has been lying in the bowl for more than 2 hours.
- Give him a balanced diet: A fibre-rich balanced diet is a key to a healthy pooch. Ask your vet for breed and age-specific diet for your pooch.
![]()
Watch out for anxiety symptoms: Dogs do not like loud noises and thundering and flashes of lightening makes them very uncomfortable. Close the doors and windows and let your dog find his safe spot. Rocky sits under the study table in such circumstances as he feels safe there. Let your dog decide his own safe place. Another way is to divert his attention to some game, toy or treat. See what works for your pooch.- Clean and dry place to sleep: Always ensure that your pet’s bed or area where he prefers to sleep, is clean, dry and warm.
- Engage in indoor activities: Your dog’s walks might be interrupted due to rains. But, they need their daily dose of exercise and activity. So, engage in some indoor activities like running up and down the stairs, obstacle course, hide and seek, etc.
- Walking in monsoons: Though it is better to wait for the rains to stop before taking your dog out for a walk, but you can invest in a dog raincoat to take him out during monsoons.
- Dry accessories at all times: Ensure that your pooch’s collar, leash, harness, etc are dry and clean.
- Use a pee pad: You can keep a pee pad at home in a corner so that your pet can relieve himself if he is not able to go out.
![]()
Beware of ticks and fleas: This is the breeding time for ticks and fleas. While walking your dog, ensure that he doesn’t goes near leaf piles, tall grasses, etc. where ticks may be infested. In case your dog is infected, use a tick and flea repellent, in consultation with your ver.- Consult your vet: If you find any behavioural changes or any signs of stomach upset, rashes or infection, consult your vet immediately.
- Special care for pups and elders: Puppies and senior dogs need special care during this time. So, take care of them. Give them a warm place to rest.
- Spreadlove to community animals: Monsoons are hard for street dogs and cats. You can provide them shelter, fresh food and clean drinking water.
Keep him dry: Your pet’s fur may become damp due to high humidity. So, dry your pooch with a towel after he comes back home after a walk,giving special attention to your dog’s eyes, ears, and private regions. It’s important to gently wipe around these areas regularly. You can use a warm washcloth or a cotton ball for cleaning. Afterward, make sure to pat these regions dry to maintain cleanliness and prevent any moisture-related issues.
Watch out for anxiety symptoms: Dogs do not like loud noises and thundering and flashes of lightening makes them very uncomfortable. Close the doors and windows and let your dog find his safe spot. Rocky sits under the study table in such circumstances as he feels safe there. Let your dog decide his own safe place. Another way is to divert his attention to some game, toy or treat. See what works for your pooch.
Beware of ticks and fleas: This is the breeding time for ticks and fleas. While walking your dog, ensure that he doesn’t goes near leaf piles, tall grasses, etc. where ticks may be infested. In case your dog is infected, use a tick and flea repellent, in consultation with your ver.