Monsoons are here and it’s the perfect season to spend quality time with your pets outdoors. However, pet parents need to pay attention to the health and hygiene of their fur babies as they are at risk of contracting several skin infections, waterborne diseases, etc. during the rainy season. It is important to wash your paws well and dry them with a towel after each walk to avoid skin infections and digestive problems. Insects like ticks and fleas are abundant during the season and pets need to be protected from them. (Also read: Pet Care: How to Relieve Your Pet’s Anxiety; an expert offers advice)
From giving them boiled or filtered water to a fiber-rich diet to keeping their ears and fur clean, here are all the things you can do to care for your pets this monsoon .
Take care of their paws
Dr Dilip Sonune, director of Wiggles Veterinary Services, says animals’ paws should be cleaned and oiled during the season to avoid infections. Your four-legged friends should also receive a regular haircut and their nails should be trimmed.
“Your pet’s paws come into contact with the ground and various viruses and bacteria. If your pet wants to go out for a walk during the monsoons, he should use suitable shoes and at the same time his paws should be cleaned with lukewarm water and soft towels. Pets love to walk on grass, which sometimes leads to loosening of the follicles in their paws and causes dermatitis. They tend to lick their paws to maintain hygiene, but unfortunately , this can cause digestive problems,” explains Dr. Sonune.
Keep your pet’s coat dry
Dr. Vinod Sharma, head of veterinary services at DCC Animal Hospital, says pet parents should dry their dog’s fur with a towel before and after daily walks and outdoor play.
“There is a large amount of humidity in the atmosphere during the rainy season, making it imperative to keep your dog’s coat as dry as possible to combat its negative effects and prevent any bacterial and fungal skin problems. Powders with antifungal properties can help prevent,” says Dr Sharma.
A nutritious diet
“If your dog can’t go on long walks and enjoy outdoor activities due to persistent rain, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables will help with good digestion and regular bowel movements. “Indoor play can make up for the lack of outdoor play time.” You can also exercise your dog at home by going up and down the stairs or playing with him. To avoid problems like obesity, your dog’s daily food intake should also be proportionate to activity level,” says Dr. Sharma.
Keep Their Ears Clean
Dr. Dilip Sonune says it is advisable to clean your ears more frequently during the rainy season than other months and keep them dry.
Take care of their digestive health
Dr. Sonune says fibrous vegetables and fruits will help with healthy digestion in pets.
“Give them boiled water, as this cures their stomach problems. If your pet has an upset stomach, it is advisable to increase the intestinal flora in their gut by giving them probiotic-infused drinks or curds and juices,” adds the veterinarian.
Preventing tick and flea attacks
“Insects like ticks and fleas become more active in hot, humid weather, and these annoying parasites can expose the dog to a range of dangerous diseases. So it’s crucial to keep your dog’s sleeping area tidy and free from insects like ticks, fleas,” says Dr. Sharma.
The right grooming
Dr. Sonune says treating them properly can prevent skin infections.
“The most important thing during monsoon is to keep your pet dry. Humidity is one of the reasons that can affect your pet’s health. Remember to provide proper grooming solutions like pedicure, apart from ensuring that their coat is dry. The right antifungal powder can help their paws to be safe and secure from bacterial attack. Pets are easily prone to skin infections during monsoons, leading to kidney failure. Tick fever accompanied by other skin problems like spots, redness and itching can cause long-term problems. “It is advisable to clean their coat with a veterinarian-approved shampoo and powder against ticks, use a tick collar or consult a veterinarian for oral medications. Skin infections can also be treated with over-the-counter medications,” says the expert.
Deworm your pet and vaccinate it
The risk of respiratory infections and worm-related diseases increases during the monsoon season. Always consult your trusted veterinarian to ensure your pets receive the appropriate deworming tablets and vaccines, if applicable, based on their specific vaccination schedule.
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