The onset of the Monsoon makes the weather enjoyable and your daily walks with your dogs pleasurable. Yet, rainy seasons also offer a fair amount of challenges from water logging to dirty roads. It also brings with it infectious diseases and illnesses that can also affect your beloved dogs.
To keep your furry friends in excellent health during monsoons, you can follow these 8 simple yet highly effective tips.
1) Keep them Dry
Rainwater can quickly moisten your pet’s fur, making them uncomfortable and also exposed to infections. This is why during monsoons, you should always ensure a safe and dry place for your dogs to rest. Also, once they enter your house after getting wet in the rain, dry them with a pet towel and offer them a cosy bed to sleep in and relax.
2) Shield them From Moisture
It is important to keep your pets from coming into direct contact with puddles or stagnant water, as they consist of harmful bacteria and parasites. Also, avoid places open to water-logging during daily walks, and take alternate routes if possible. You may use a waterproof dog raincoat or an umbrella to shield your pet from getting wet during outdoor activities.
3) Ensure Proper Hygiene
Regular grooming of your dogs is essential during monsoon season. Also, keep your dog’s fur clean and free from tangles to prevent skin problems. You should also brush their coat regularly to get rid of dirt, debris and any matting, if present. Pay special attention to your dog’s paws and clean them with a pet wipe after walks to prevent fungal infections.
4) Protect them From Tick and Fleas
One of the biggest menaces your dogs may face during monsoons is the problem of ticks and fleas. These are external parasites that invade your dog’s skin and feed on their blood. Ticks and Fleas are also among the prime reasons for itching and scratching in dogs and for several infections and diseases as well.
To ward off Ticks and Fleas from your dog’s skin effectively, you can use a dog spot-on that gets rid of these parasites. Consult your veterinarian if there is a skin rash or a constant problem of itching and scratching in your dogs.
5) Prevent Exposure to Harmful Substances
During rainy seasons, there is usually an increase in the usage of pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals to control the pests. You should keep your pet away from such items as they can be toxic if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. Keep away these products safely out of your pet’s reach.
6) Give them a Balanced Diet
During monsoon, the dietary needs of your dogs can vary significantly. This is because they will be spending more time indoors, thus requiring fewer calories. Provide your dogs with nutritionally balanced dog food to keep excellent general wellness. If you are feeding dog treats, give them in moderate quantities only as too much of them can cause weight gain, since they will be sedentary during the rainy season.
7) Provide Good Exercise
As mentioned above, your dogs are open to gaining weight during monsoons as they will be mostly inactive during the season. This is why indoor exercises are extremely crucial for dogs, which offer them both physical and mental stimulation. Provide your dogs with some engaging dog toys that will keep them busy and active. If possible, take short walks during the breaks in the rain to ensure that your dogs get some physical activity.
8) Guard Against Waterborne Diseases
One of the common waterborne diseases that can occur in dogs during monsoon is Leptospirosis. This is why it’s important to ensure that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, which includes the Leptospirosis vaccine if recommended by your veterinarian. Above all, avoid stagnant water sources and keep your dog’s food and water bowl fresh and clean.
In Short,
By following these 8 effective tips, you can ensure that your dogs stay safe, healthy and comfortable. Remember to provide them with a clean and dry environment, keep good hygiene in them and also be aware of potential hazards. With good care, you and your Fido can enjoy the bliss of this rainy season together.