Monsoon care for pets

Rain is such a relief from the scorching heat and rising temperature. As much as we love rains, chai – pakode and long drives, we (pet parents) hate this mucky season. Monsoons become such a blooper for our pets. Mud and dirty puddles everywhere, high risk of skin infections, digestive disorders and general gloom, just some of the realities poking the bubble of romance under the gray sky.

My heart dreads monsoon, and if you are a pet parent I know somewhere deep down you are saying hi-fi because you feel the same.

Baarish and chai and Romeo! Bliss :)

Here are some tips that’ll help you take care of your pet in monsoons.

1. Monsoon is the season for infections. High levels of moisture provide perfect breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Keep your pet's paws and fur dry. 
2. Pat dry their paws whenever they come home from a walk outdoors. 
3. Using a dry shampoo is a great idea. It will take away the dirt, grime and foul odor. Also keeps the fur clean and soft. 
4. Lookout for redness, soreness or itching. Skin infections are very common in monsoons. 
5. If your pet is more susceptible to skin infections especially mange (just like my furball Romeo), you can talk to your vet about continuing anti-mange treatment. 

   

   Raining outside? Let's enjoy a power nap.....

6. Keep his vaccination up to date. Keep a tab about booster doses. Also de-worming should be done at regular intervals. 
7. Don't allow your pet to chew or nibble grass in this season. It can cause upset stomach and gastro infections as well. 
8. Regular grooming is very important. Daily brushing for 5-10 minutes is recommended. You can bathe your pet, but make sure to dry him up properly.
9. Ticks and fleas are quite common in monsoons. Dogs are prone to get tick fever, which if not treated on time can be fatal. 
10. Get an anti-tick shampoo or anti-tick collar for your pet. You can also talk to your vet about anti-tick treatments like sprays. 
11. Don't forget to clean your furry companion's ears. Moisture gets accumulated which leads to ear infections. 
12. Redness in ears and constant itching can be signs of ear infection. Consult your vet immediately. 
13. If your pet has long ears, you can tie them up (especially when going for a walk). But do this  only if your pet is comfortable. You don't want to give him stress. 
14. Give a balanced diet. Include protein  in the form of lentils, soyabean or lean meat (chicken and fish; but very limited quantity). 
15. Try and give boiled food and avoid non-vegetarian if your little one has stomach infections. Digestive disorders are quite common, and precaution is better than cure. 
16. Provide fresh drinking water.Change the water every 3-4 hours to keep water borne diseases at bay. 
17. Keep your pet's bedding dry. Also change the bedding frequently to avoid bacterial build up. 
18. Play indoor games like tug of war, hide and seek and fetch. Getting the daily dose of exercise is very important. 

    

    Romeo enjoying the awesome mausam!!!

19. Pets generally become a little gloomy in this weather. It is quite normal. But if you notice him not eating properly, itching or anything unusual, take him to the vet at the earliest. 
20. The most important - shower lots of love, cuddles and kissieees. And no pakodas for him, don't fall in the honey trap of those puppy eyes. 

I hope these tips help. Happy Petting and lots of love to all the furryy wuzzzyyy babies!