Common Health Issues in Dogs During the Rainy Season & How to Prevent Them
There's something magical about rainy days- the cooler breeze, the sound of raindrops tapping on the window, and that cosy urge to curl up with a hot cup of chai. But if you have a dog zooming around the house, chances are you're also wiping muddy paws, dealing with wet fur smells, and secretly praying they don't fall sick again this season.
Sound familiar? Don't worry, we've got your back. This guide walks you through the most common health issues in dogs during the rainy season, and more importantly, how to prevent them. No stress, no complex terms - just information every pet parent should know.
Dog Health Issues in Rainy Season:
Diseases and infections can be hazardous for your furry companion; they spread from contaminated water puddles, small insects, undernourishment, or damp and unclean surroundings. Here are some common dog monsoon diseases and infections:
Fungal/ Skin Infections
The most common infections in dogs during monsoon are skin and fungal infections. Dampness, dirty surroundings, or contact with contaminated surfaces can lead to redness, itchiness, bald patches, and an unpleasant odour in your puppy's fur. You may notice your dog licking or scratching a specific area continuously, or pulling away when you touch a particular spot, which is a sign that your dog may have a skin infection. You can also look for small black or brown bumps on your dog's skin and fur, which indicate the presence of ticks and fleas. Be sure to inspect areas near the eyes, nose, ears, belly, and under the armpits, as they are the perfect hiding places for these small parasites.
Gut Problems
Another common problem in dogs during monsoon is related to the gut. It can show itself with diarrhoea, stomach pain, gastric issues, constipation, vomiting, refusal towards meals, or lethargy. These gut issues are caused by spoiled food, stale water, sudden change in diet, or heavy meals that are hard to digest during the monsoon. You can feed them a monsoon-friendly diet to prevent gut problems.
WaterBorne Diseases
The ingestion of contaminated water can cause leptospirosis, Giardia, and various gastrointestinal issues. These water bodies could be puddles, sewage, or even stagnant rainwater collected in pots, gutters, or roadside ditches. Dogs are naturally curious and may drink from these without a second thought, especially during walks or playtime. Unfortunately, what seems like harmless fun can lead to serious infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, or even organ damage if left untreated.
Astraphobia or Thunderstorm Anxiety
This is also a common anxiety problem that pets face during monsoons. You might notice your pet hiding in a space, constantly barking, pacing, shivering, or clinging to you during thunderstorms. This could be a result of their highly sensitive senses or a past trauma related to loud noises. This is called astraphobia or thunderstorm anxiety, and it can be hazardous for your pet's mental health. To help ease thunderstorm anxiety, create a safe, quiet space for your pet and use calming distractions, such as treats, toys, or soothing music.
Joint Pain
Joint pain during the monsoon is often a result of changes in barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature, which can lead to swelling and stiffness in joints, causing pain, particularly in older dogs. You might notice your dog refusing to go on walks or play, being reluctant to move, or limping. Low-impact exercises, such as close-distance fetch games, tug of war, and gentle indoor stretches, allow them to move at their own pace, helping to keep them active without straining their joints.
How to Prevent Monsoon Diseases in Dogs
Well, now that we've talked about the causes and symptoms of monsoon diseases in dogs, you must be wondering how to keep your furry friend safe during this rainy season. But you need not worry, as a few simple habits can go a long way. Let's break down some easy, everyday ways to keep your dog healthy and ready for the monsoon.
● Monsoon diet: To avoid gut problems, start feeding your dog monsoon foods that are easy to digest and are nutrient-rich. You can feed them boiled foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, beetroot, and chicken. Along with these, curd, cucumbers, rice, and probiotics are also great for keeping your fur baby fresh and active in monsoon. Don't forget to change your pet's water bowl with fresh, boiled, and clean water.
● Maintain Grooming and Hygiene: Regular grooming is one of the most essential yet fundamental measures to keep your dog free from monsoon diseases. Brush their fur regularly and use antifungal or antibacterial shampoos every week to prevent buildup. For paw care, use paw moisturiser balms and keep their nails trimmed.
After a walk, make sure you dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or use a hairdryer for dogs with long coats. Check for ticks and fleas, and maintain consistent grooming and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.
● Monsoon Essentials: Here are some monsoon essentials that can make your monsoon a whole lot easier and fun, whether you go out or stay inside with your pet:
- Microfiber towel
- Dry shampoo for dogs
- Absorbent mats
- Antifungal spray/powder
- Reflective leash
- Rain gear
- Waterproof dog boots/ paw protectors
- Tick and flea collar
● Engage in Indoor Games: Going outdoors cannot always be possible in monsoon, but you can keep your dog engaged indoors as well by meeting their physical and mental stimulation needs with these indoor games made for dogs:
- Tug of war
- Tricks and treats
- Indoor fetch
- Hide and sniff
- Puzzle treat
The time you spend with your fur baby in monsoon doesn't have to be always stressful or messy. By incorporating these tips and tricks in your routine, you can spend time having fun with your pet instead of cleaning up your dirty home. For more tips related to the monsoon, visit our website.
If you need a guide tailored to your pet's specific needs, contact us. You know Mr and Mrs Pet have got your back!
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