While refreshing and rejuvenating for humans, the monsoon season poses unique challenges for our furry companions. During the rainy season, the increased humidity creates an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and parasites like ticks and fleas to thrive. Dogs are particularly susceptible to skin infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues due to waterborne diseases. Here are some tips to help you take care of your pet dog during the monsoon season,

Keeping up with Grooming

Monsoon is also known as the sick season because of the exposure to dirt, bacteria, and germs which possibly welcomes all skin infections. During this damp weather, excessive moisture trapped in fur can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to skin infections such as dermatitis. Moreover, the damp environment during monsoon can exacerbate existing skin conditions like allergies, causing discomfort and itching. Here are some tips that you can follow to groom your pet dog properly, thereby preventing these  infections,

Brush the coat regularly

Brush your dog after walks or playtime when they are wet but before they dry completely. This helps prevent mats from forming as their fur dries. Find a suitable area that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom or laundry room, where you can manage any mess created by loose fur and dirt. Select an appropriate brush based on your dog’s coat type. For short-haired dogs, you can use a rubber curry brush or bristle brush. For long-haired dogs opt for a slicker brush or wide-toothed comb.

Use a towel to gently pat down your dog’s coat, removing excess water. Focus on areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and under the legs start brushing from the head, and work your way down to the tail. Use gentle strokes to avoid hurting your pet. Divide your dog’s coat into sections for more manageable brushing. This is especially important for long-haired breeds.

For effective cleaning, brush against the direction of hair growth initially to lift dirt and debris. If you encounter mats, use your fingers to gently separate them first. If necessary, use a de-matting tool or scissors designed for pets, but be cautious not to cut too close to the skin. Once you’ve brushed through all sections, give your dog’s coat one last pass with the brush in the direction of hair growth. This smooths out any remaining tangles and gives their coat a polished look.

Give proper bath

Using a handheld showerhead or a cup, gently wet your dog’s coat starting from the neck downwards. Avoid getting water directly in their ears and eyes. Lather the shampoo into your dog’s coat, working it through thoroughly while avoiding sensitive areas like eyes and inside ears. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dirt accumulation such as paws and underbelly.

Rinse all the shampoo out of your dog’s coat completely with warm water. Residual shampoo can irritate their skin. Use towels to absorb excess water from your dog’s coat immediately after rinsing. If your dog is comfortable with it, you can use a blow dryer on a low setting at a safe distance from their skin. Always ensure that the air is warm, not hot, and avoid blowing air directly into their ears.

Ear Cleaning matters

 The combination of increased humidity, moisture, and environmental factors during monsoon creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, which can lead to infections in your dog’s ears. Therefore it's necessary to clean your dog's ear and maintain proper hygiene. 

Use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner that is safe for dogs. Avoid solutions with alcohol or harsh chemicals. Cotton balls or gauze are safer alternatives to cotton swabs, as they won’t push debris further into the ear canal. Inspect the Ears First Before cleaning, visually inspect your dog’s ears for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or odor. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian before proceeding with cleaning.

Hold the ear flap up vertically to expose the ear canal. Squeeze a few drops of the ear-cleaning solution into the ear canal without touching the tip of the bottle to the ear. Massage Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. This helps distribute the cleaner and loosen any debris inside.

 Let your dog shake their head, this action helps dislodge dirt and debris from deeper within the canal. Using a cotton ball or gauze, gently wipe away any visible debris from inside and around the outer part of the ear canal and flap. After cleaning both ears, ensure they are dry by gently wiping them again with a clean cotton ball or gauze. Always reward your dog with treats and praise after cleaning their ears to create positive associations with this process.

Prioritize Paw inspection

During the monsoon season, regular paw inspections for pet dogs are crucial due to the increased risk of injuries and infections caused by wet and muddy conditions. The moist environment can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi, which may lead to skin irritations or infections if left unchecked. Additionally, foreign objects like sharp debris or foxtails can easily become lodged between paw pads, causing pain and potential abscesses. 

After every walk, it is essential to clean your dog’s paws thoroughly. Use a damp cloth or an antiseptic wash specifically designed for pets to wipe down their paws. Pay special attention to the areas between their toes and pads where dirt and moisture can accumulate. Moisture can lead to bacterial growth and infections, so drying your dog’s paws is vital.

Use a thick towel to pat them dry, especially focusing on the underbelly and legs that may have come into contact with wet surfaces. Long fur around your dog’s paws can trap moisture and dirt, increasing the risk of infections. Regularly trim the fur in this area to keep it short and manageable.

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important not just for hygiene but also for their comfort while walking on slippery surfaces during monsoons. Long nails can cause discomfort or injury if they get caught in mud or debris.

Regular Deworming

During the monsoon season, the risk of parasitic infections in dogs increases significantly. The damp and humid environment creates ideal conditions for parasites like worms (including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms) to thrive. Additionally, dogs are more likely to come into contact with contaminated water or soil during this time, which can lead to infections. Therefore, regular deworming becomes crucial to maintain your dog’s health.

During the monsoon season:

Puppies should be dewormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old and then monthly until they reach six months old. Adult dogs should be dewormed at least every three months or as recommended by your vet based on lifestyle factors (e.g., exposure to other animals).

Signs That Your Dog May Need Deworming

Before proceeding with deworming, it’s essential to recognize signs that indicate your dog may have worms:

• Weight Loss
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Swelling
• Lethargy
• Scooting ( Dragging their rear end on the ground)

If you observe any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for advice on deworming.

Preventing Tick and Flea Attack!

Regularly check your dog for ticks and fleas, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.

Use tick and flea prevention products recommended by your veterinarian. These can include spot-on treatments, collars, oral medications, or sprays. Keep your dog’s living area clean by regularly vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, and using pet-safe insecticides.

Regular grooming can help you spot ticks and fleas early. Brush your dog’s coat regularly to check for any signs of infestation. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove ticks and fleas from your dog’s fur. Be careful not to squeeze the tick’s body during removal to prevent infection. Give your dog regular baths with a vet-approved tick and flea shampoo during the monsoon season. Ensure that you dry your dog thoroughly after bathing to prevent moisture-related skin issues.

Keep your home and yard clean by mowing the lawn regularly, and removing any debris where ticks and fleas can hide. Consider using pet-safe insecticides in outdoor areas frequented by your dog. If you suspect a tick or flea infestation, consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment options. Your vet may recommend additional preventive measures or prescribe medication to treat existing infestations. By following these steps diligently, you can help protect your pet dog from tick and flea attacks during the monsoon season in India.

What to Feed Your Dog During Monsoon Season?

During the monsoon season, it is crucial to adjust your dog's diet to accommodate the increased humidity and potential health risks associated with wet weather. Dogs often prefer moist food during this time, as dry kibble may not be as appealing due to the high moisture levels in the air. A balanced diet should include a variety of proteins such as chicken, lamb, or fish, along with carbohydrates like rice and sweet potatoes.

Wet food options are particularly beneficial because they provide hydration and are easier for dogs to digest. Additionally, ensuring that their food and water bowls are cleaned regularly will help prevent contamination from bacteria that thrive in humid conditions. Moreover, pet owners should be vigilant about their dog's eating habits and overall health during the monsoon. 

Gastrointestinal issues can arise from consuming contaminated water or spoiled food, so providing clean, purified water is essential. It's advisable to avoid feeding fruits and certain rich foods that can upset a dog's stomach. Instead, focus on home-cooked meals that combine lean meats with safe vegetables while avoiding harmful ingredients like chicken bones or red meat mixed with grains. By maintaining a nutritious and hygienic feeding routine, pet owners can help their dogs stay healthy and energetic throughout the rainy season.

Monsoon care checklist for pet dogs 🐶Keep your dog dry 🐶Paw care 🐶Hygiene maintenance 🐶Clean drinking water 🐶Comfort during thunderstorms 🐶Monitor health changes 🐶Deworming 🐶Diet adjustments

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of pets during monsoon season in India requires you to take several precautions to ensure your pets’ health and safety. Firstly, it is essential to keep pets dry and clean to prevent the risk of fungal infections and other diseases that are common during monsoon season. This can be achieved by regularly grooming and drying pets after they get wet. Secondly, it is crucial to provide pets with a balanced diet and fresh water to maintain their energy levels and prevent dehydration.

Thirdly, you should take steps to prevent your pets from coming into contact with mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like heartworm and dengue fever. This can be achieved by using mosquito repellents and ensuring that pets are protected while outdoors. Finally, it is important to monitor pets for signs of illness and seek veterinary attention if necessary. By following these precautions, you can help ensure your pets’ health and well-being during monsoon season in India.