Tips For Taking Care Of Your dog In The Monsoon

Monsoons always bring a welcome change from the onslaught of the gruelling summers. More so this year when most parts of the country have seen record high temperatures. So, as you romance the monsoons with your favourite songs and hot pakoras, keep in mind that our furry buddies need that extra bit of care to enjoy these upcoming months.

Here are some tips by Nutty’s Den for taking care of dogs in the Monsoon.

Paws:

Paw care needs to be your #1 priority every monsoon. Wading through muddy puddles leads to paws as well as underbelly getting dirty almost daily. If you have small dogs, keeping them clean is a serious challenge. 

In a monsoon, whether it’s a rainy day or a dry one, it’s best if you make your pet dogs wear boots or rubber shoes before they head out for their walks. It not only keeps their paws clean but also prevents ticks from crawling into the webbing of their paws. However, avoid extended usage of the rubber shoes; using them only during their walks is adequate. They don’t need to be worn at home. 

Once they are back home, use a paw-cleaner to wipe their paws clean. Alternatively use wet wipes to wipe off grime and dirt. If the dog is very dirty, then you’ll need to wash their paws and legs with shampoo as wet wipes may not do a thorough job. For furry breeds like Shih-Tzus, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers you may need to blow dry them. For other breeds, using a towel to dry them should suffice.  

It’s critical that you thoroughly dry your dog after every walk in the rain. Moisture weakens the follicles which can lead to inflammation in the paws, prolonged dampness also causes fungal infections. 

Ears:

Most pet parents tend to overlook ear care during the monsoons. But the wet weather and damp ears can make your furry one susceptible to ear infections. Try to clean their ears daily. You could use ear wipes and cotton to keep the ears clean and dry. Alternatively, send them to the grooming salon at least once a week to get their ears thoroughly cleaned. Always check the back of the ears for ticks, it’s one of their favourite hideout spots. 

Fur & Coat:

A raincoat is a must-have for each monsoon season. You can choose between full coverage or semi coverage raincoats depending upon your pet’s patience and cooperation level. If your dog does not cooperate when wearing the raincoat, try incentivizing them with their favourite treat. Invest in a vibrant coloured raincoat to brighten even the gloomiest days of the season. 

Regular brushing of their coat is a must all through the year. Check them for ticks regularly. Ticks are a menace and need to be tackled head-on with tick repellent oils, sprays, shampoos, or even medication depending on the level of infestation. It’s best if you schedule regular visits with your trusted grooming salon to ensure that your furry baby gets the care he/she deserves. 

Dry shampoo or wet wipes can be used in between spa visits to keep your pet clean. 

Gut care:

With rains come germs, bacteria, and a whole lot of unnecessary gut-related issues. Your pet may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and appetite loss during this period. It’s best to keep their meals light and nutritious. Avoid overeating and tap water, switch to boiled water. It’s best to deworm them at the beginning of the monsoon season. Do not delay visiting the vet if you notice persistent health issues. 

Emotions:

How much ever we humans may enjoy a rainy afternoon with a warm cup of chai, we must be mindful that loud thunderstorms and remaining indoors for extended periods of time can cause emotional harm to our pets. The loud sound of thunder scares most dogs. This is the time when we come across cases of missing dogs who fled their homes to find a safe spot. Make them wear a name tag with your number. During thunder and lightning keep windows and doors shut at all times. 

To soothe them, keep their favourite toy handy, give them a warm blanket, and play some soothing instrumental music. Help them cope with their fears with warmth and love and not by dismissing their emotions or firing them. 

Additionally, monsoons would restrict their play time outside or extended walks. Dogs need stimulation and exercise. A snuffle mat, puzzles, and interactive toys are tools that will help keep your dog meaningfully engaged.

Streeties:

 

Don’t forget to extend a helping hand to the many streeties out there and those that take care of them. Heavy rains, floods, and contaminated water cause a flurry of problems for street animals. Keeping fresh water out for them so they don’t need to drink from dirty puddles, allowing them to take shelter in your building premises, verandas during heavy rains, and feeding them are just some of the things one can do to help them. Not to forget those who take care of streeties, the community feeders. They brave the hot summers and the difficult monsoons to ensure that street animals are fed and taken care of. Extending a helping hand to a community feeder is one of the noblest things one can do. 

So welcome monsoons with open arms, it’s the perfect time to be indoors with your furry buddy by your side. Time for cuddles, them munching their favourite chew bone while you enjoy your cup of coffee and your favourite song from the safety of your home.