Management of Dogs During Monsoon Season

Management of Dogs During Monsoon Season

Sheikh Uzma Farooq¹, Aditya Sharma²

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Amritsar

²Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Amritsar

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Monsoon brings down temperature and pollution. Our dogs love all the new smells that the rains bring and may want to take more time on walks to sniff them properly.

Does this mean that your high spirited dog can enjoy more time outdoors?

Amid all the pleasantness associated with rains lies the strong probability of dogs getting skin infections, itchy skin, indigestion and many more diseases. As the season changes, we have to change our pet care to suit the new conditions.

Here are some general factors on how to take care of dogs in rainy season that we should consider.

1. GROOMING IN MONSOON

• Rains can often be acidic, so you need to clean and wash your dog more frequently than other part of the year to clean them after dirty outdoor trips. So use chemical free and mild shampoo and conditioner for your dog.
• Ensure that your dog’s coat is thoroughly dried after bath to avoid skin issues. Pat dry your dog’s hair using a towel before and after its daily walks and outdoor play time.
• In rainy season your dog is very likely to catch fungal infections. Antifungal powders can be used to help keep the dog free from attack.

2. CHECK YOUR DOG’S EARS AND COAT FOR TICKS AND FLEAS

• Moisture will attract ticks and they will enter your dog’s ears or skin. The wet ground makes it easy for the ticks to stay around your pets and spread various diseases like, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and tularemia while fleas can transmit tapeworms.
• Use an ear cleaner to clean your dog’s ear or use a tick/flea repellent to protect them.

3. DIET

• Offer a diet rich in fibre. Fibrous vegetables and fruits will aid in proper digestion and regular bowel movements in the absence of long walks and outdoor activities due to constant rains.
• Boiled and cooled water can help prevent an itchy or sore throat during the rainy season and protect them from water borne diseases.
• The amount of food consumed by the dog should be in accordance with its level of activity to avoid issues like obesity.

4. PROTECT THEIR PAWS

• Your dog’s paws come into touch with the ground, exposing them to dirt as well as disease causing viruses, bacteria and other microbes. Clean the paws thoroughly with warm water and a towel after its strolls.

5. SECURE SPACE FOR YOUR DOG

• Create a secure resting space for the dog to tackle fear caused by loud thunder. Dog must be allotted its very own private and safe resting spot in the house. It can run to this space to feel secure whenever the sound of thunder frightens it.

6. DEWORMING AND VACCINATION

• De-worm and vaccinate the dog before the onset of rainy season. With monsoons comes the risk of worm related ailments and respiratory infections. Your dog’s vet will administer suitable de-worming tablets and vaccinate as per immunization schedule.

7. EXERCISE

• Your dog’s favourite hiking spot or park is rained out for most of the season. So you will have to find ways to keep your dog entertained indoors.
• Try and get your dog to exercise indoors by playing with them. Chew toys are a great way to keep your pet occupied. Chewing comes naturally to dogs and it helps them to calm down.

• Prepare your dog to face the monsoons head on with these simple tips. After all these precautionary measures, ensure our pets stay happy, and healthy no matter what the elements bring forth.

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