CHENNAI: It’s a downer for every dog to stay indoors during rainy season as it affects their physical and psychological health.
As a responsible dog owner, one should prepare the dog before going out together, as well as while staying inside the home.
Activities of dogs should continue even if it is raining. Dogs are creatures of habit and dog owners should not let the rain alter their routine.
All you need to do is be aware of the safety and protective measures that have to be taken. Even if dogs are covered with fur, they still need to be protected.
Here are some tips for you.
Keep Your Dog’s Fur Dry
Wet or damp fur is a perfect incubation place for fungi and bacteria. Make sure that you rub down your dog before and after your walk.
You can also blow dry your dog’s fur to fend off the dampness. During rainy season, bathing your dog can be tedious and messy hence use dry shampoo instead of giving your dog regular baths.
Clean Your Dog’s Paws
Paws are sensitive as they come in contact with the ground all the time. This is the reason the paws are prone to infections.
It is ideal to make your dog wear protective boots or shoes during the rainy season to prevent mud, water, grass, and insects from getting into their paws. Paws can easily harbor pathogens or vectors of diseases.
If your dog isn’t used to paw-wear, just wipe off and clean your dog’s paws after the walk.
It could also help if you trim the fur around the paws, especially if you have a long-haired breed.
Keep the Kennel Clean and Dry
Dogs love clean and dry place as there is nothing better than having a warm, dry bed to sleep during rainy season. If the dog likes to spend time on the terrace or balcony, a covered resting area with dry bedding should be provided. During monsoon, any surface gets cold, and this could harm your dog’s joints. The bedding should be changed frequently to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
Keep Ear Infections Away
Dog can easily contract ear infections during the rainy season as moisture easily accumulates in dogs. Earwax and moisture come together and cause ear infections. Just like the paws, ears should always be kept dry, especially after a walk outside. If the dog has long, closed ears, just tie them up over the dog’s head before cleaning.
Due to high moisture content, wetness, lack of exposure towards sunlight, etc., pets suffer from upper respiratory tract infection which may be associated with allergy. Make sure that your pet is kept in dry and in a warm place instead of putting your AC or coolers which are not advisable for dog which is already under stress due to heavy ainfall.
You can give warm milk with vitamin B complex and some anti-allergic preparation, but for any specialised treatment you must contact your vet.
Fungal Menace
Fungal infection is very common in this season. You may notice that in paws, abdomen and other parts of the body, there are pimples, redness, itching sensation etc. which is because of fungal infection, so, clean your pet regularly, brush it properly and apply some anti-fungal powder regularly.
Deworming is absolutely necessary for your pets in rainy season. Pets are very susceptible to worms in this season. Worm infestation may lead to anaemia, general debility anorexia, dullness of coat and other complication.
So, let not monsoon play spoilsport this season, get the protective gears ready and enjoy the monsoon with your dog.